Family Law Mediation

What is Family Law Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which you and your partner meet with a trained, neutral third party called a “mediator” to work through the issues of divorce or other family law dispute and help you come to a resolution. The process is fully confidential and completed via drafting and executing an agreement, followed by the preparation and filing of an uncontested divorce. Should the parties resolve some of the issues, an agreement can be drafted on those specific matters, helping reduce litigation costs.

Mediation Services

  • A mediated parenting plans is an agreement between parents that mainly pertains to the care and parenting time of their minor children.

    These plans typically address issues such as:

    • Parenting schedule with the children

    • Decision making on issues such as schools, medical care and extracurricular activities

    • Holidays and school breaks

    • Birthdays and important family events

  • A mediation review or a consulting attorney is an attorney who provides guidance and legal information to you during the mediation process. They will help analyze the details of your case, and go over the final results with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Mediation is a less costly and more time-efficient alternative to litigation. Oftentimes, the emotional impact of a divorce obscures the real issues and creates roadblocks for parties in finding a resolution. In an adversarial setting, these roadblocks often result in expensive, stressful, and exhausting litigation. Mediation allows for a more amicable, solution-oriented process where both parties have meaningful involvement in resolving their dispute.

  • Cases that are best served by mediation are those where both parties are seeking an open, amiable and collaborative process to find a resolution that works best for their situation.

  • A mediator is a neutral third-party who works with both parties in identifying their needs and the outstanding legal issues, and explores personalized solutions within the framework of the law.

  • Depending on the nature of the unresolved issues, mediation sessions on average can range from 4-8 sessions per case.

    Each session runs for 90 minutes and is offered virtually. In person sessions can be arranged upon request.

  • It is strongly recommended for each party to consult with an attorney during the process to ensure confidence in the mediation sessions, reflect on the issues covered, and receive individual advice about their rights and obligations. Attorneys can choose to participate in mediation directly or meet either before or after each session to offer their consultation.

    Referrals for consulting attorneys can be offered upon request.

  • Although mediation can be a great option for couples seeking a collaborative and non-adversarial process for resolving their family law dispute, it may not be an appropriate process for certain types cases. Some examples of cases that are not suited for mediation can include a significant power imbalance between partners, history of abuse or threats of abuse against the other partner, domestic violence involving children or pets, intentional destruction of property, or threats by one spouse to cut off the other spouse financially.

  • Litigation is appropriate when there is either a marked imbalance in the parties’ power dynamic or a history of abusive behavior such as financial, emotional or physical abuse in the relationship. Litigation is also appropriate where one or both parties are not forthcoming with their finances or show utter disregard to abiding by the agreement.

  • Begin by scheduling a free 15 minute introductory call. This call is a requirement for all new clients prior to their first mediation session.

    Your first mediation session will have a 1 time fee. If both parties decide to continue with mediation after the first session they will sign a retainer for the remainder of the sessions. Preparing, drafting, and filing an uncontested divorce agreement and the preparation will be billed separately.