Today, there is an alternative to the high legal fees and emotional roller-coaster ride of traditional divorces.  People are reaching agreements about parenting arrangements, spousal support and property settlement issues with the guidance and help of professional mediators. 

Mediation is a non-adversarial process.  “Proving cases” and “winning” don’t play a role.  Instead, people have frank, orderly discussions about what is important to them and how they can best separate their financial and emotional lives. Mediation is hard on problems, but easy on people.  It is especially suited to promoting the best interests of children in divorce situations.  Mediators who specialize in divorce and family disputes help parties stay on task, manage intense emotions, and make rational decisions.  They structure discussions and assist in developing written settlement agreements.  The setting is confidential and relaxed.   

In mediation, any binding agreements  are made voluntarily by the divorcing parties.  No one imposes decisions.  The emphasis is on the people themselves making informed choices. All parties have the opportunity to consult with legal, financial and psychological advisors throughout the process.

Typically, divorce mediation requires several two-hour sessions. The number varies depending on the complexity of the parties’ situation.  A first session can usually be scheduled within a week of initial contact.