Mediation is a client-centered process to educate and empower you to make the decisions that will affect your lives, not involving the court in decision-making. In this process, I work with both spouses so costs are less than when two lawyers are involved. I do not represent either spouse but help both of you understand the legal process, your options and the terms of any agreement you make. Issues are resolved in the privacy of my offices, not in a public courtroom. You can determine how much or how little of my services you need. I will prepare or help you prepare the paperwork you need to initiate and finalize your case. Other professionals can be involved to help resolve issues, including financial and parenting experts.
The average timeline for a Mediated Legal Separation or Divorce is 4 to 6 months and entails:
- A meeting to establish a working relationship
- The initial court documents are filed initiating the case (starting the statutory 90-day waiting period which can be waived once you come to an Agreement)
- Negotiation sessions take place (amount of negotiation sessions determined by clients and number of issues needing to be resolved, ability of clients to speak to each other and complexity of issues)
- The Financial Affidavits, Settlement Agreement and final hearing documents are prepared
- Final hearing