What happens at divorce mediation?
An initial consultation is scheduled to allow the parties to determine if they wish to mediate their dispute and if the mediator suits their needs. This consult is free of charge.
If the parties have committed to mediation, a meeting is scheduled to meet and determine the issues involved and to provide the mediator with necessary information. Each party is given a “work sheet” to prepare their proposed resolutions to the “issues” and to provide information regarding income, expenses, assets and obligations and any other information the mediator requests.
In order for the mediation to be successful, both parties must cooperate fully and provide necessary information.
It is the mediator's job to educate both parties as to what the law requires and what, in the mediator's opinion, the court would do if requested to resolve an issue. The mediator assists the parties in keeping focused on the issues and moving forward through the process. The mediator will not advise you but can make helpful suggestions regarding solutions. The mediator provides both spouses with necessary information to allow them to work together toward a resolution that makes sense to both parties. The mediator provides several options that the parties may not have considered.