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What is Family Mediation?

Family Mediation is an informal process in which a couple who have decided to separate or divorce work together with an experienced mediator to negotiate the framework to govern their future interaction with each other and their children. It is a vital part of case management, especially for families with children. It is a process often recommended by attorneys to allow the parties to decide the terms of the divorce through assisted negotiation rather than allowing the judge to decide the terms of the divorce through litigation. The parties and attorneys know the family situation and are far better at regulating their future than a judge will be in a two hour hearing a year down the road.

Their agreement may include property and liability division, parental responsibilities, visitation, child support, alimony and other items to regulate their future obligations and entitlements.

Mediation allows the parties to reach a voluntary agreement between themselves rather than having one imposed on them by the court. Mediation works best when the parties are fully informed. The mediation process is usually set up through the attorneys after they have consulted with and advised their clients.

Long after a couple divorces, changed circumstances may require modifications of the divorce judgment. Mediation works particularly well in helping the parties negotiate an adjustment to the prior judgment or agreement.