Before:

Before the family mediation sessions take place, both parties must agree to mediate. Individual pre-mediation sessions take place with each party. This session helps the mediator make sure that mediation is the right process for you.

When there are financial matters in dispute, each party is informed what documents to provide and what forms to fill out in advance that will assist the parties in making decisions and reaching an agreement.

During:

Family mediation is flexible and takes place in a less formal setting. Unlike in court, family mediation can work on your timeline. Family mediators help you find solutions to your disputes. During family mediation, all points of the issues are discussed one step at a time, until agreement is reached. This doesn’t mean that the mediation lasts for as long as it takes to come to an agreement. I usually schedule 2 hour meetings and we work on the issues and can re-visit ones that might need more information or exploration. The goal is to come to an agreement that is best for your family’s circumstances.

After:

At the end of mediation, you and the other party may have come to an agreement on some or all of the issues. This is recorded by the mediator and can then be turned into a legally binding separation agreement. It is advised that before signing a separation agreement, both parties obtain independent legal advice on the agreement.