Your divorce settlement doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be negotiated by you and your spouse, with the help of our mediators. You and your spouse – not a court – can decide what makes most sense for you and your family.

Benefits of family law mediation

Mediation is a constructive means for many couples to manage and resolve difficult issues, such as alimony or visitation, in a timely and cost effective manner. Perhaps most importantly, mediation allows them to maintain maximum control over decisions that will likely affect them and their children for many years to come. Mediation offers the following benefits:

• No pressure. Neither you, nor your spouse will be allowed to feel pressured during mediation.

• Safe. Neither you nor your spouse can compromise or lose any legal interest or right during mediation.

• Good business. Mediation is an informal, sensible and safe way to negotiate. A divorce or custody dispute does not need to become a full-blown legal battle. Good negotiators recognize the value of a third party helping to settle disputes.

• Cost effective. A mediated agreement usually costs less and takes less time because the parties are doing the negotiating, not the lawyers. What’s more, studies show that people are more likely to live up to agreements they have negotiated, rather than those done for them by others or decided by a judge.

Our mediation process – what you should expect

The mediation process does not rely on trust, but rather on principles of good business. Most people can resolve even difficult and complex disputes if they are given the opportunity, a clear procedure and the help of a mediator. Even people who are angry and frustrated can successfully negotiate.

You and your spouse will meet with one of our mediators (and when appropriate, with your attorneys) to assure that everyone has the same understanding of the mediation process. We will glean the basic facts and clarify the issues of the dispute. Our mediator will then facilitate the negotiation with your spouse, considering available options and their respective advantages and risks. Sometimes our mediator may request the opportunity to meet separately with each of you to consider your individual interests and perspectives.

When the issues have been decided, our mediator will prepare a written memorandum that confirms your agreement. The agreement can be reviewed by attorneys or other professionals. This agreement can be made as enforceable as any court order and as binding as any legal contract. Should you desire, we can prepare a marital settlement agreement and all the papers necessary to finalize your divorce.

Our mediators

Our mediators, Shawn Weber and Julie Mack have intensive training in alternate dispute resolution and specific training in family and divorce mediation. They are both family law attorneys. Because they are experienced in family law, they can organize the discussion of the issues and make sure both of you understand your options and their risks and benefits. And when an informed agreement is reached, you can expect our mediators’ written memorandum to be most suited for your attorney’s review.