Divorce Mediation Services
with the Resolutions Model

Many reasons are cited to support the growth of mediation as a voluntary option for divorcing couples seeking resolution of their disputes...
  Mediation is less expensive
  Mediation is less acrimonious
  The parties make their own decisions; lawyers and judges stay in the background
  The parties work out support and payment of debts by examining their funds and options realistically and cooperatively, rather than by making accusations and demands based only on their own individual needs.
  Mediation is more creative and flexible. Instead of following the boilerplate provisions usually applied by lawyers and judges, couples arrange their children's future care and divide their property in accordance with heir family's needs and their own sense of fairness.
  Mediation is private; the parties need not recount in an open courtroom all of the problems that brought on their divorce.

"Divorce can be a time of transition, growth, and adjustment to new roles - or it can be a time of fighting and destruction. Mediation offers the healthier route: separation with dignity and respect. And, it allows parents to restructure their lives in a way that is least stressful for their children. For most couples, mediation is the most responsible, caring and creative way to dissolve their marriage - and to address future issues regarding children and support as they arise."       James, The Divorce mediation Handbook (1997)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary problem-solving process, available to assist divorcing couples work out a mutual agreement on the issues which must be resolved in any divorce: parenting, support, and the division of property. It is also useful to help negotiate past-divorce issues.

Who typically might use Mediation?
Mediation is for:
Couples who have made a decision to divorce.
Couples who are unsure whether to divorce but who want a separation.
Couples in post decree disputes.

How does Mediation work?
With the assistance of a trained neutral third party, the couple works to identify, negotiate and resolve in a fair way the issues raised by the decision to divorce. When those issues have been resolved, the mediator drafts a memorandum of agreement. This is reviewed by the couple and given to their respective attorneys. Either an attorney or mediator can write the formal separation agreement that becomes a binding contract. The divorce may then go through the courts as an uncontested matter.

How long does it take?
Mediation varies in length depending on the agenda, the complexity of the issues involved and the readiness of the couple to do the work. However, the average mediation involves approximately six two-hour sessions.

Who is involved in the Mediation?
For the most part, the couple seeking to resolve their issues and the mediator are the only people involved. When complex issues around parenting or financial planning are examined, then it is possible to bring inn additional experts in the various disciplines to assist the couple in making decisions. If children are old enough to provide insight into custody matters, than children may also participate in a limited fashion.

Are Attorneys necessary?
Each client is urged to seek legal counsel throughout the mediation process. This allows each person to understand their rights and responsibilities under the law, and allows for informed decisions to be made by the couple.

What does it cost?
Fees for mediation are billed at an hourly rate plus a flat administrative charge. The couple is encouraged to share the cost. Although this process involves the services of the mediator and attorneys, the costs of a mediated divorce are significantly less than the usual adversarial alternatives.