Divorce mediation can help to reduce some of the stresses and costs of the separation, divorce, and custody process. While divorce and custody mediations share many commonalities with any other mediation, they have many unique aspects:
- Multiple sessions — Unless you are mediating a single aspect of your relationship’s dissolution, divorce or custody mediation usually takes multiple sessions.
- Pre-work and homework — To advance an efficient, thorough and informed process, participants will need to complete assignments before the mediation and between sessions.
- Outside experts — As with any mediation, participants may elect or be encouraged to consult outside experts. The need to consult outside experts, such as a real estate appraiser, is more common in divorce and custody mediation.
- Legal Counsel — Many clients wish to have a divorce without lawyers. Others hope to use an attorney, but reduce their involvement. Both are possible and I’m happy to guide clients in making those choices. I encouraged divorce clients to engage outside counsel to represent their individual legal interests and typically identify issues where counsel is most helpful. If desired, I can referrals to local attorneys who respect the mediation process and the work done by clients.
- Co-parenting — For parents, the children’s interests and plans for their future care are paramount. In family mediation, participants are strongly encouraged to establish co-parenting priorities along with the more common logistical aspects of a custody agreement.
Want more information? Check out:
A long-term study on divorce and mediation
The Top Five Reasons Divorce Mediation Works
Eight Myths of Divorce Mediation
Child Custody Mediation May Be Right for You