What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce Mediation is one of the most frequently used methods of negotiating a settlement. The process is extremely effective when couples make a choice to end their marital relationship and to settle their disputes in a cooperative, impartial setting where they can openly communicate on all issues. Mediation is a voluntary, flexible, and confidential dispute resolution process that centers around soon to be ex-spouses deciding their own divorce and what is best for the both of them individually and most importantly, for their children, if there are any.

Couples wanting to dissolve their marriage meet with a Supreme Court Family Mediator who helps them work through the issues they need to resolve so they can end their marriage as amicably and as cost-effectively as possible. Unlike hiring a lawyer to represent each individual, a mediator does not work for one party or the other and remains completely neutral throughout the process. A mediator does not make any decisions but facilitates discussion and assists both parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement regarding some or all issues of the divorce.

It is the mediator’s job to keep the lines of communication open, to encourage the brainstorming of ideas, to assist the divorcing couple in formulating ideas, to reality test the couple, to teach empathy, and to assist the couple in their decision-making process. The open and free exchange of information enhances both spouses’ ability to negotiate with each other in confidence. During the negotiation process, the mediator helps keep the couple focused on the issues at hand, assisting them to stay on track. Both spouses are working with the same base of information, so it usually takes far less time to negotiate a resolution that makes sense to both of them.