The parties initially meet with the Mediator to learn about the process and to reflect on their goals for a resolution. For some parties, the Mediator will recommend initial meetings with each party independently.
Goals can be related to parenting plans, child support, spousal support, division of assets and any other issues that the parties desire to have resolved.
Once each party’s goals are established and understanding is restored, the Mediator will facilitate a discovery phase where parties explore ways to reach their goals.
As part of the discovery phase, each party may be asked to disclose required information to the other party.
Once the parties have explored ways to reach goals and exchanged information, they are ready to negotiate a settlement.
The length and number of sessions required to complete a successful mediation varies greatly depending on the parties and the complexity of the issues.
If the parties reach an agreement in mediation, the terms will be memorialized in writing.
Once an agreement is reached, parties are strongly encouraged to have the agreement reviewed by independent legal counsel
