Divorce mediation is a process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps a married couple work through the issues involved in ending their marriage, or an unmarried couple work through the issues involved with child custody and child support. It’s an alternative to going to court, where instead of a judge making decisions, you and your partner have more control over the outcome. The mediator doesn’t take sides or decide who’s right and who’s wrong—they facilitate discussions to help you both reach agreements on the issues at play in your unique situation.
Mediation is usually less adversarial than a courtroom battle, which can make the process less stressful and often much less expensive. You’d sit down together, typically over a few sessions, and talk through your situation, with the mediator guiding the conversation. The goal is to come up with a plan collaboratively that works for both of you, which can then be turned into a legal agreement. It’s not therapy—it’s practical, focused on solutions rather than digging into emotions.
Mediation works best when both people are willing to negotiate and communicate, even if things are tense. You don’t need to be on great terms, but you do need to be open to finding common ground. It’s also private, unlike court, which might appeal to you if you want to keep things discreet.
Elise C. Powers, Esq. has completed 60-hour Divorce Mediation Training and is a Member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, which describes itself as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the highest professional standards of divorce mediation through training and ongoing education to professionals.
Choosing the right mediator is important. If you want to learn more or think mediation is right for you, contact The Powers Firm, PLLC to schedule your consultation.