How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

In the divorce mediation process, you and your spouse meet a trained and neutral mediator to resolve and discuss problems related to your divorce. The mediation session may occur in offices but can also be done online. 

A mediator will help reach an agreement where you and your spouses need to resolve matters to reach an agreement and finalize your divorce, such as child support, property division, child custody, alimony, etc. If the mediators allow any attorney to present in the approval of the agreement, you can hire a Wisconsin mediation attorney. 

How does divorce mediation work 

Divorce mediation work through several steps, which are mentioned below.

1. Introduction of the mediation process

Your mediator will perform a beginning session with the participants and tells them what they should expect in the process of mediation. You will have to discuss the payment terms if you have not done already. 

Different mediator handles the stage differently. For example, if you have hired a private mediation, you will provide all the necessary information like length of the marriage, contact, whether you have any children, etc. However, if you are going through court-oriented mediation, you will meet your mediator on the spot, and you may need to provide such information before the mediation process begins. 

2. Information gathering

To make your mediation process successful, the mediator, you, and your spouse may need to have a precise idea of all the facts that will negotiate your divorce issues. Therefore, you will need to address the following information in the mediation.

● Marital property division, including debts and assets.

● Child support

● Spousal support, or alimony

● Child custody and visitation

3. Pointing out the issues

While pointing out issues, the mediator will help each spouse underline the “interests and needs.” It will include both spouses’ desired outcomes, priorities, individual concerns, goals, and values. However, overlapping of needs and interests might happen between the spouses. When this kind of overlap occurs, it increases the likelihood of settlement. 

4. Negotiating your divorce

Once the mediator successfully frames the issues and interests clearly, it is time to negotiate. The negotiation process generally begins with exploring the possible methods to settle each problem in the divorce. The mediator will eventually prepare a list of solutions that might work for both. These “shortlist” options will involve compromises and concessions for both parties.

5. Drafting the settlement

When both the parties reach an agreement on the issues in their divorce, mediators who are also attorneys–will work on drafting a settlement agreement. Both spouses will have the time to go through the paperwork thoroughly before signing.

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