How Mediation Works
A straightforward process designed to protect neutrality, keep scheduling clear, and give the parties room to work through issues.
Request Mediation
Provide basic names, case information, county, and scheduling preferences. Do not send detailed confidential facts yet.
Conflict Check
The mediator checks for relationships or circumstances that could affect impartiality before discussing the substance of the dispute.
Written Agreement & Fees
Before the session, both parties receive a written agreement to mediate covering fees, cancellation, confidentiality, and how the session will run. Fees reflect actual time and are not contingent on whether the matter settles.
Opening Orientation
At the session, the mediator explains that participation is voluntary, that the mediator is a neutral facilitator without authority to impose a decision, and that mediation communications are confidential to the extent provided by law.
Discussion & Caucus
The matter may be worked as one joint conversation, or the mediator may meet privately with each party in caucus, depending on what fits the situation.
Negotiation
The mediator helps the parties identify issues, surface underlying needs, and test options for workability, including children's interests, without giving legal advice, advocating a side, or deciding the outcome.
Conclusion
If agreement is reached, the terms are written down in a summary for each party's attorney to review. The summary is not a binding contract; if the parties want binding terms, their own attorneys prepare or review that agreement. In court-connected matters, reporting is limited to the outcome, such as agreement, partial agreement, or no agreement.