How does divorce mediation work?
Once a decision is made to end a marriage through divorce, the divorcing couple needs to resolve a number of different issues before the divorce can be finalized. There are somewhere between twenty and twenty-five different issues that must be “resolved”. The actual number of issues is dependent upon the jurisdiction in which the divorce is taking place and what issues apply to the particular couple seeking the divorce. Some issues are resolved by the couple reaching an agreement. Some issues are resolved by the couple making a decision of some sort. Still other issues are resolved by one or both of the parties disclosing some piece or pieces of information. A Divorce Mediator will make the divorcing couple aware of all of the issues that must be addressed before their divorce can be finalized.
Both parties must voluntarily choose to do mediation and jointly select a mediator. (See How do I find a mediator, below.) At the Northern California Mediation Center, when you call, we will send you some information to share with your spouse. Once you both decide to proceed, you would call our Administrator and set up an appointment with the mediator. We will send you, in advance, an intake form to fill out, directions to our office and a copy of the written Agreement to Mediate to review. At the first session, the mediator will explain the process, the mediator’s role, the parties’ role, any ground rules needed to make the process safe and fair for everyone involved, review the written Agreement to Mediate, and answer all of your questions.
