How Long Does it Take?
When mediation is successful, it is not unusual for the mediation process to take several hours. In a family matter, it takes time for each side to have their position heard and fully explored. When emotions run high, the mediation time becomes longer.
Many separating and divorcing couples see eye-to-eye on some issues, and that can save time and cost. For example, they may agree on how to parent their children, but not on how to divide family finances. Sometimes it can be the reverse. There are cases where everything is contested, or where there is an unusual level of complexity. Needless to say, these cases often take longer.
Affordable mediation is still possible if everyone comes prepared. Your preparation will save time, and therefore reduce the mediation fees. The simplest form of preparation is to have all the court required financial disclosures finished ahead of the mediation. Organizing financial documents, and coming with copies for the other party and the mediator can help. Providing documents to the mediator ahead of time also helps.
Ideally, agree on everything you can before you arrive. That will help the mediation to become quickly focused on the issues where you have been unable to reach agreement.
Nothing is worse than running out of time, especially when you think you are getting close to a resolution. If your mediation is set for the morning, keep your afternoon and evening clear. It is not just getting to the agreement that takes time. If you have an agreement that you don't want the other side to back away from, then you will need time to write and sign a memorandum of understanding. This is a document that says what the agreement is. It helps to have lawyers present who can advise each party as to the wording of any agreement they want to sign.
Remember: a mediator is not your lawyer. As a mediator I will work hard to find a solution that both parties can accept. My job ends at that point. Only your own lawyer can advise you if it is a deal that you should accept.
Many separating and divorcing couples see eye-to-eye on some issues, and that can save time and cost. For example, they may agree on how to parent their children, but not on how to divide family finances. Sometimes it can be the reverse. There are cases where everything is contested, or where there is an unusual level of complexity. Needless to say, these cases often take longer.
Affordable mediation is still possible if everyone comes prepared. Your preparation will save time, and therefore reduce the mediation fees. The simplest form of preparation is to have all the court required financial disclosures finished ahead of the mediation. Organizing financial documents, and coming with copies for the other party and the mediator can help. Providing documents to the mediator ahead of time also helps.
Ideally, agree on everything you can before you arrive. That will help the mediation to become quickly focused on the issues where you have been unable to reach agreement.
Nothing is worse than running out of time, especially when you think you are getting close to a resolution. If your mediation is set for the morning, keep your afternoon and evening clear. It is not just getting to the agreement that takes time. If you have an agreement that you don't want the other side to back away from, then you will need time to write and sign a memorandum of understanding. This is a document that says what the agreement is. It helps to have lawyers present who can advise each party as to the wording of any agreement they want to sign.
Remember: a mediator is not your lawyer. As a mediator I will work hard to find a solution that both parties can accept. My job ends at that point. Only your own lawyer can advise you if it is a deal that you should accept.