Divorce Mediator and Family Mediation in Delaware County
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. A divorce mediation (with or without custody) typically takes 4-10 sessions that run about two hours each.
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 participants engage counsel, their attorneys will receive all updates of interim and final agreements made during the mediation process. I am also happy to provide referrals to local attorneys who respect the mediation process and the work done by clients. For participants who opt not to use legal counsel, I partner with a local divorce filing service which can help you efficiently complete the legal portion of your divorce.
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 (including a joint co-parenting mission statement) along with the more common logistical aspects of a custody agreement.
I think in the end we all benefited greatly, especially our son, who was probably the primary beneficiary of Ellen’s excellent work.
~ Mediation Client
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
What about other relationship issues? I provide mediation for other relationship conflicts, including relationship dissolutions for unmarried straight or gay couples and co-parenting/custody tune-ups. Have a different relationship issue? Give us a call to discuss if mediation can help you.
