When both parties agree to divorce mediation, they will come together, with the help of a mediator, to work out the finer details of their divorce. There is no set amount of sessions. Instead, the process will continue for as long as it takes for the couple to discuss and negotiate all the details of the divorce. While not set in stone, most mediation sessions last one to two hours.
During the first meeting, the mediator and the couple identify the issues that need to be resolved. This ensures that everybody is on the same page. Between this session and the next, both parties are expected to gather any necessary information, such as financial documents.
In the next meeting, discussions of compromise come to the forefront. Both people have the option to discuss their side, hear out the other, and make suggestions. The mediator continues to assist by providing information and helping the couple understand how divorce issues are commonly resolved.
At some point, it is the hope of all involved that an agreement is reached. When this happens, the mediator is staffed with the responsibility of creating an agreement for both parties to review and sign.
The divorce mediation process is not the same for everybody. Some people find that this works, while others give it a try and end up going to court, anyway.
If you and your former partner believe that mediation is the way to go, it is important to understand the process and how it will unfold. This understanding will allow you to feel better about the direction things are headed.
Source: FindLaw, “Divorce Mediation FAQ,” accessed Aug. 13, 2015
