Family Mediation - Separation

When a decision has been made to end a relationship it is in the best interests of all concerned to use the least costly and least painful method for coming to an agreement about the issues involved. Learn more about mediation as the first choice.

Separation by Mediation is an active process in which the mediator helps you identify all the issues that need to be covered in your separation agreement.

Your mediator will help you determine what it costs to live apart and, using that information together with the current income, help you determine the amount and duration of support if needed. We will show you how the guidelines apply to your situation.

We will help you identify all of your marital assets, figure out their value, and help you to divide them fairly.

With the help of your mediator, you will make all of the future parenting decisions. Mediation is conducted so that there should be no losers-one spouse should not win at the expense of the other.

It is non adversarial. You are partners in decision making.

It is mutual. You both must agree on solutions, or there is no agreement.

It gives you power. You can control your own decisions over your own lives.

It helps clarify areas of conflict. Most couples have some conflict. The mediator helps you limit the conflict and discuss things productively.

It is best for your children. All of the discussions are tempered by the fact that you are both parents of your children and you will have a continuing relationship as parents after you have ended the spouse relationship. Most other forms of divorce negotiations forget the best interests of the children. In mediation it is always paramount.

Fees are moderate and on an hourly basis. We ask that you share in the fees in a way that is appropriate to your situation, remembering that the mediator is working for both of you. The average mediation takes 8 to 10 hours total. Each session is approximately 2 hours. The time needed varies with the level of conflict. Mediation is shorter for specific issues, for couples without children, or where conflict is low.

The Outcome of mediation is a Summary of Mediation detailing all of your agreements. You should have your lawyer review them before finalizing legal documents.

* In situations where violence, drug or alcohol abuse, or mental illness is a factor, other options may be considered.