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MEDIATION
Mediation is a process in which participants, together with the assistance of a neutral person, target disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives, and reach a consensual settlement that will accommodate their needs. You don't necessarily need to be getting along well; you both only need to be willing to try mediation.
The Mediation Process
The mediator discusses with the parties the issues that need to be addressed to reach a divorce settlement. With the mediator present, the parties are each given the opportunity to state their proposal’s for settling the issues.The mediator assists the parties in working out their differences and with communicating their positions to each other. The mediator clarifies information about legal requirements. Depending on the case, the mediation agreement that will be drafted by the mediator at the session includes settlement of the following issues:
- child custody and placement schedules
- the amount of child support
- whether spousal maintenance will be paid by one party to the other, for how long, and at what amount
- dividing all property, and
- payment and responsibility for debts
The agreement is your final divorce agreement and can be provided to the court as a marital settlement agreement.
To Start the Process
- Just call or email our office with the following information:
Full name, address, and phone numbers for both yourself and your spouse.- Our office will then contact both you and your spouse to answer any questions you may have and to coordinate an appointment time.
- At that time, we will send you our mediation intake paperwork, which we ask to be returned one week prior to your first appointment.
Orientation Session
- The mediator explains the process and initial paperwork to begin the divorce.
- We'll also discuss what information you need to bring to the mediation session and define issues.
- When you leave your orientation session you will be given everything you need to file your divorce with the courthouse and begin the divorce/legal separation process.
Mediation Session
- The mediator assists you in working out your differences.
- As each issue is addressed, you and the mediator draft the mediation agreement, which is your final divorce agreement.
- Common issues mediated:
- At the end of the session we will review detailed instructions to finish your divorce.
- You will file your divorce papers with your mediation agreement and you will both attend your final hearing.
As we are not your attorneys, we do not attend the final hearing.- We encourage you to contact us with any questions throughout the process.
The Benefits of Mediation
- Saving Money
Mediation costs thousands less than a litigated divorce. The average divorce can cost $7,000-$9,000 for each person.
- Satisfaction and Control
Mediation is satisfying, because you make your own dicisions.
- Better Timing
You can use mediation immediately and take as long as you need.
- Increased Compliance
Mediated agreements have higher compliance. Increased compliance means fewer return trips to court.
- More Effective Parenting and Reduced Conflict for Children
Mediation helps parents to improve communication and reduce conflict.
- Privacy
All conversations during mediation are confidential.
Mediation VS Pro Se Services
- Pro Se Services are not generally attorneys who have legal training.
- Lisa Derr, attorney since 1987, has mediated thousands of cases since 1994.
- We answer your questions and help you complete all the paperwork.
- Lisa Derr was a past Secretary for the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Association of Mediators.
