Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is becoming an increasingly well-known and widely accepted alternative to conventional divorce procedures. While there are several different styles of mediation, it is always a voluntary and confidential process designed to help couples work through their disputes and disagreements. Mediation is the least adversarial way to end a marriage. Couples are guided toward working out mutually fair and reasonable agreements on issues such as:

  • Division of property
  • Alimony
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Child support

A divorce mediator is a neutral party trained to assist couples in identifying issues, communicating, and moving forward toward a resolution. A lawyer can be present during mediation or can be used as an advisor between sessions. The goal is to reach agreements that work for both parties.

Mediation FAQs

The main advantage of mediation is that it keeps the couple in control of the divorce process. Other benefits include:

  • Individuals maintain their self-respect
  • Family relationships are protected
  • A foundation for continued co-parenting is established
  • Children benefit from reduced conflict
  • Focus is on present and future, not the past
  • Strengthens commitment to an agreement
  • Avoids public disclosure of personal matters
  • Controls the financial and emotional costs of divorce
  • Divorcing couples can save money by sharing knowledge and working together within existing tax laws

By divorcing through mediation, you and your spouse can avoid tension and work together to find a fair and amicable arrangement.

One of our mediators will meet with you and your spouse for an initial consultation. During our first meeting, we will discuss your unique situation, answer your questions, and describe the steps you can expect. Our plan for moving forward will involve discussing some basic principles and ground rules, your financial documents, and the goals each of you has for your post-divorce futures.

In subsequent meetings, you, your spouse, and your mediator will come up with the terms of your divorce agreement. This includes dividing your marital property and debts, determining alimony, and reaching a custody arrangement if you have kids. A lawyer may be present during meetings or as an advisor.

Once everyone is satisfied with the results and ready to move forward, the divorce mediator will draft a memorandum of understanding for both parties to review, after which it is given to the attorneys for legal implementation. This document becomes the basis for an uncontested divorce. The court will then provide a divorce decree.

Choosing mediation does not mean that you will not need the services of an attorney. The difference in deciding to use mediation is that you ultimately make the decisions that will affect your life. They should, however, be informed decisions made with the advice of counsel.

Traditional divorce can be a long, expensive, and tense experience. If the two parties cannot settle on an agreement, they then go to trial before a judge. Mediation is an alternative to the traditional process. This voluntary, confidential, and uncontested process helps couples work through their disputes and disagreements amicably and without going to court. Through mediation, couples can save money by sharing knowledge and working together on an agreement that benefits them both.

Traditional divorce can be a long, expensive, and tense experience. If the two parties cannot settle on an agreement, they then go to trial before a judge. Mediation is an alternative to the traditional process. This voluntary, confidential, and uncontested process helps couples work through their disputes and disagreements amicably and without going to court. Through mediation, couples can save money by sharing knowledge and working together on an agreement that benefits them both.

We invite you to contact Bort Law to ask our team any questions. If mediation sounds like it could be a good solution for you and your spouse, we can schedule a consult to review your situation.

What Makes
Bort Law’s Mindful
Approach different

  • More than 30 years focused on collaborative/mediated divorce
  • Deeply committed to helping you
  • Work to achieve the best results possible
  • Listen to you before providing legal advice
Peter Bort was my attorney for my collaborative divorce. His professionalism, compassion and advocacy for my rights was just what I needed during this stressful life event.- — Nancy
They helped me attain a fast resolution by always turning paperwork around fast and accurately while keeping me fully informed of the process... I felt that my interests were fully understood and protected.- — Diana
Peter and his team was always professional and responsive. He laid out a solid strategy from day one and he worked very efficiently. In fact, the outcome of my divorce proceedings were so favorable that my ex-wife, who used another attorney, shared with me that she actually recommends Peter Bort as well!- — Tom