It is not the purpose of the divorce mediator to either be a counselor or a legal advocate on behalf of either of the parties. The divorce mediator is neutral and is actually an advocate for both parties in an effort to achieve a fair and acceptable agreement.

At the initial mediation session, the mediator explains in detail the purposes and processes of divorce mediation. The mediator will also ask a series of questions designed to obtain important and relevant information and he/she will lay out certain ground rules for the mediation sessions and help to make both participants feel comfortable and at ease.

At subsequent sessions, various issues which arise in divorce cases will be addressed, including:

Equitable (fair) distribution of marital assets.

This simply means that all property such as real estate, bank accounts, automobiles, retirement plans, stock funds, business interests, etc. which have been accumulated during the marriage must be identified, valued and distributed in a way that is fair and equitable to both parties.

Support.

In cases involving children, the issue of child support will be addressed and resolved. In some cases, the payment of alimony (spousal support) may also be appropriate.

Parenting time with children.

Obviously of utmost importance is obtaining and agreement regarding sharing of parenting time with the child(ren).

The experienced divorce mediator will assist you in identifying all of the relevant issues in your case and coming up with a strategy for addressing and resolving those issues. The mediator will help you prepare budgets so that the cost of living separately can be examined. Marital assets will be identified with the goal being to decide how to value the assets and divide them in a fair manner.

Issues of custody and parenting time are explored in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement which is truly best for the children.

The qualified divorce mediator helps to keep the focus on the issues and to manage any conflict that may arise. The mediator helps people to channel their energies in a productive and positive way, always focusing on the task at hand with the goal to attain an agreement which is fair to both parties.