Step 1 Initial free consultation
You may contact us initially by email or telephone and then we schedule a time to meet with both of you. During this consultation, we describe our mediation process and answer questions you may have in deciding whether mediation and working with us is a good choice and fit for you. In advance of the first session we will send you an email outlining the information and documents needed.
Step 2 Intake and mediation agreement
The parties involved give their views on the situation and indicate what they want the mediation to achieve. Subsequently, all the parties sign a mediation agreement, detailing their rights and obligations. Confidentiality is the key element. Details emerging during the mediation will only be used for mediation purposes. This allows you to discuss information and proposals in a completely open manner.
Step 3 Mediation sessions
The mediation sessions are intended to identify pertinent issues, clarify any misunderstandings, explore solutions, and negotiate an agreement. The mediator can meet privately (caucus) with each party to explore more fully the facts and issues of each side. The caucus offers participants the opportunity to vent anger or frustrations outside the presence of the opposing side.
Step 4 Settlement agreement / parenting plan
Once you and the other party are in agreement, a marital settlement agreement or contract, is prepared by the mediator. During the mediation you may be assisted by a tax consultant, for example, who can then examine the solutions. This agreement is signed by both parties.
Even if you could not agree on all points, this partial agreement will nevertheless be recorded. This means that the regular procedure can be restricted to the remaining points of dispute. In that case, the parties will make arrangements about the further handling of these points.
Step 5 Final step
In case of a divorce, the mediator will take care of the joint divorce petition at the Court. Where parties have negotiated and signed a marital settlement agreement the court will usually decide on basis of the filed documents, without a hearing. The court will be asked to include the agreement in its ruling.