How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Mediation allows both parties to identify, negotiate and resolve the issues raised by the decision to divorce.  

You have an opportunity to ask all your questions about the process and decide if mediation is right for you.  A detailed agenda is formulated that includes gathering of relevant information, clarification of issues, identification of “hot button” items, draft settlement terms, cooling off periods, and a resolution process.  Each topic, such as alimony or holiday schedules, is discussed separately so that the task of creating a complete agreement is broken down into manageable pieces. 

Roslyn Zinner helps you establish firm ground rules and a confidential environment so that emotionally charged issues can be talked about safely.  She provides you with informational hand-outs about the mediation process. Ms. Zinner explains the forms and information needed to accomplish a property settlement. She helps both partners gather necessary information and review it systematically.

At times, the mediator lets the parties shape the negotiation; other times she will guide their discussions. She will often formulate solutions that are more creative than the courts and more closely fit the needs of both parties.

When both partners are part of the process of creating parenting agreements and financial distribution plans, there is a better chance of meeting the needs of the entire family. Mediated divorces have a higher rate of satisfaction and long-range cooperation, and a lower frequency of costly returns to court.

How much time does it take?

Parenting plans (custody) usually take 2-4 sessions; property and other financial matters usually take from 2 to 6 sessions.  Mediation is shortest when participants have brought the information needed to make decisions, when the situation is less complex, and when there is a mutual interest in solving problems cooperatively.

Sessions are usually 2 hours, but can be adjusted to meet a particular situation.  For example, if one person has come in from out of town, a 4 hour or longer session can be scheduled.  Shorter sessions are sometimes planned to make the service more affordable. 

What are the costs?

Ms. Zinner charges on an hourly basis for in-session time only, paid at the end of each session.  Transforming your financial information into a clear summary, and writing and editing your agreement are done outside of the session at no additional charge.