FAQ’s About Mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is a collaborative negotiation process with a trained neutral party. It’s less expensive, faster and lower conflict than attorney litigation, court hearings and/or trial. Mediators can work in lieu of attorneys or work with your individual representation.
A mediator will facilitate the process, educate the parties and assess individual needs. Our job is to settle disputes while the parties maintain control over their own agreements. Once agreements are reached, we draft your settlement agreement for you.
Why Mediation?
Mediation is highly effective, especially if it is the FIRST step that people take. The process is confidential, so it preserves a safe place to converse about issues, ask questions and change your mind without being worried it may be held against you in court. It is also empowering, as you remain in control of your own lives and decisions rather than a judge.
If there are joint children involved, it is likely you would be required to participate in mediation regardless. We help keep the children out of conflict so couples may move forward as strong coparents. Mediation sets a foundation of working together through all issues, rather than against each other.
What can mediation help with?
Pre-Marriage
Parenting plans, custody and child support for unmarried parents
Prenuptial agreements for non-marital assets and debts
Unmarried Separation Agreements division of relationally shared assets or debts
Post-Marriage
Complete Divorce Settlement Agreements Debts, Assets, Parenting Plans, Custody, Child Support, Alimony and anything involved in divorce
Mid-divorce agreements If one or the other have filed for divorce or would like to pause self representation to pursue a collaborative approach
Postnuptial agreements a binding agreement of how division of debts or assets will be settled in the event of a future separation or divorce
Unbundled parenting plan and custody If you’re represented by an attorney for financial aspects of a divorce, but need a mediator for the parenting plan
Unbundled Meditated Agreements. We will draft a binding agreement for the things you DO agree on, and you can use attorneys for the things you don’t, to save money on those pieces.
Post-Divorce
Judgment modifications changes to alimony or financial aspects of a divorce
Parenting plan or custody changes, child support modifications