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Divorce mediation can be an excellent way for divorcing spouses to quickly, fairly and inexpensively come to an agreement on divorce issues.
Here is a quick outline of the mediation process
When a divorcing spouse first contacts a lawyer for mediation, the mediator will typically ask a few basic questions to learn about the couple’s history and determine if they are suitable candidates for a mediated divorce. If the mediator decides to accept the case, the process will be described, the fees will be set and an appointment for mediation will be made. The divorcing spouses will be advised of the documents that they will need to bring in for the first mediation session.
The couple will then attend a series of sessions with their attorneys present if they prefer to retain them. The mediator may also choose to briefly meet with each spouse alone to learn about all the relevant issues – even the ones that the spouses will be hesitant to bring up in front of each other.
There will then likely be a series of sessions, each dedicated to accomplishing one or several goals.
Key Issues
One issue that will likely receive a lot of attention is parenting time. The mediator will work with the following goals in mind:
· Developing a parenting plan with a specific schedule including time allocation for weekdays, weeknights, weekends, vacations, holidays and birthdays.
· Coming to an agreement on how the child’s education, religious upbringing and health care will be handled
· Resolving issues that may arise if one parent plans to relocate
Another area that the mediator will spend a lot of time on is: Payment Between Spouses
· Child support, alimony
· Other child-related financial issues
· Asset and debt inventory
· Asset distribution
· Tax issues
· Name change issues
· Other foreseeable expenses, such as college tuition
Once everything is set out, there will typically be a final session where everything is reviewed by all the involved parties. Once agreed upon, each divorcing spouse will receive a draft of the MOU (memorandum of understanding). The mediator will the file the divorce and alert the divorcing spouses if any problems arise.
Considering mediation? Please contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney who can help you with all of your divorce needs.