FAQ’s About Mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is a private, structured negotiation process led by a neutral expert. It is designed to resolve disputes efficiently while minimizing cost, conflict, and unnecessary litigation.
Whether used independently or alongside legal counsel, mediation allows you to approach your case with intention—rather than reaction.
The mediator provides guidance, organizes complex issues, and facilitates resolution, while you retain full control over all final decisions.
Agreements are then carefully drafted into a clear, enforceable settlement.
Why Mediation?
At Lotus Mediation, over 95% of clients reach full resolution without ever stepping into a courtroom. Mediation is most effective when it is the first step—allowing you to approach decisions proactively rather than reactively.
The process is entirely confidential, creating a private space to explore options, ask questions, and make informed decisions without concern that discussions will be used against you in court.
Mediation also preserves control. Rather than leaving outcomes to a judge, you retain full authority over the agreements that shape your future.
When children are involved, mediation is often required—and it plays a critical role in reducing conflict. By focusing on resolution rather than opposition, it helps establish a foundation for stable, cooperative co-parenting moving forward.
How much does Mediation Cost?
Mediation resolves matters significantly more efficiently than litigation—typically 70–80% faster and at 60–80% lower overall cost.
While litigation often extends 12–28 months and can reach tens of thousands in legal fees, most mediations are resolved within 2–6 months.
The cost of mediation varies based on complexity and how efficiently decisions are made, but it remains a more controlled, intentional investment—focused on preserving what you’ve built rather than depleting it through prolonged conflict.
During your consultation, we’ll walk through your situation so you have a clear understanding of what to expect moving forward.
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