In the Courts

Family and Divorce Mediation

The Center for Community & Family Mediation provides specialized, non-adversarial alternatives to the divorce process. An impartial mediator helps both parties begin direct negotiations, resolve conflicts, and secure a custom- made separation agreement.

What are the Advantages of Divorce Mediation?

Couples with a desire to reach a mutually agreeable settlement will benefit from mediation. Through the use of mediation parties control the decisions that affect their family, finances, business, and child care and custody. Mediation provides an atmosphere of mutual trust in which it is easier to communicate and solve differences, rather than enduring a costly and agonizing courtroom battle.

What does the Mediator do?

The mediator assists both parties in arriving at an equitable settlement. The mediator represents neither party, but acts instead as an impartial facilitator. During each session, the mediator helps both parties address individual needs and interests, develop and discuss settlement options, and facilitate a mutually acceptable agreement.

What are the Financial Benefits?

Mediation is much less costly than a litigated divorce, (which requires both parties to retain separate legal counsel for the entire process). A successful mediation process will generally consume far less time since both parties are present during all negotiations, thereby significantly reducing the overall cost.

What are the Emotional Benefits?

Divorce is a very difficult process for all concerned. People trying to keep their lives under control during this difficult time can realize great benefits from mediation. One of the reasons that the center was established under the aegis of the Coalition for the Protection of Children was the recognition by the CPC of the damaging affects of divorce and separation on children. Mediation significantly lessens the emotional stress involved for children.

How Does Mediation Work?

While the ultimate goal of mediation is to arrive at an agreeable settlement so that both parties can move ahead with their lives, there are many steps in between. The first objective is to identify and assess each partner’s individual needs and concerns, and then to negotiate a settlement of property distribution, division of assets, child support, and custody arrangements. Sessions usually last two to three hours. At the completion of the mediation process a Memorandum of Understanding is drawn up which is a contract between the parties and can become part of a final divorce settlement.

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