"By the just we mean that which is lawful  and that which is fair and equitable."  -Aristotle  WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS  OF DIVORCE MEDIATION?

	Promotes communication and cooperation
	Enables the parties to control the decisions that affect their lives. Parties make their own decisions on parenting arrangements, child and spousal support and division of property.
	A fraction of the cost of conventional litigation.
	Takes less time, letting people go on with their lives.
	Benefits children by reducing conflict, both during and after the divorce process.
	Fully confidential. Mediation avoids public disclosure of financial and personal matters, an often inevitable result of litigation.

 

THE MEDIATION PROCESS

	Role of the Mediator. The mediator helps the parties to define their problems, and to guide them in developing mutually acceptable solutions. The mediator has no authority to impose a particular settlement.
	Relevant information is exchanged.
	Issues are clarified,
	Options are generated.
	Solutions are found.

 

THE RESULT OF MEDIATION

A legally binding written agreement that is acceptable to both parties.

 

WHAT ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED?

	Division of property.
	Parenting arrangments.
	Child Support.
	Living arrangements.
	Spousal Maintenance (Alimony).
	Tax implications.
	Other relevant issues that the parties may need to address.

 

WHAT DOES THIS COST AND  HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

	While some agreements may be reached in one or two sessions, the average length of time to reach an agreement is 6 to 14 hours. Every situation is different in terms of the people involved, and the complexity of the issues.
	Mediation sessions are usually scheduled one or two weeks apart, but scheduling is flexible based on the needs of the parties.
	Mediation time is charged on an hourly basis, and there is a flat fee for the written agreement. Even the longest mediation's fee will pale in comparison to that of traditional adversarial litigation.

 

WHY IS MEDIATION BETTER  THAN DIVORCE?

	Mediation works best when there is a prospect of a future, non-adversarial relationship between the parties. Parents that although have decided to part ways, often agree to continue a common bond for the sake of their children. A mediator will do all they can to foster this environment. In traditional litigation, the objective is to declare one side a winner. Competition is not constructive.
	Parties can develop unique solutions tailored to their needs, without impersonal, bureaucratic interference from hostile attorneys and uncaring courts.

 

WHO ARE THE MEDIATORS?

	All mediations are conducted by experienced attorneys that have been specially trained in divorce mediation.
"Litigation... merely continues conflict and offends nature; it does not heal."  -Confucius