How do Marital Mediation sessions work?  

Mediation sessions are private and confidential.  During the first session, the mediation process is explained and each person is asked for voluntary participation.  Basic information about the situation is obtained from each person (individually and together).  The mediator asks questions to gather information, identify goals for each party, and explore possible settlement options.  Parties will be required to complete some documentation during the mediation process.  Parties may bring to the mediation sessions information and documents to help to facilitate the process.  

In marital mediation, the parties determine the agreement.  The mediators will aid the parties with making informed choices.  The agreement can address either certain aspects or all the considerations involving the dissolution of a legal relationship or parenting plan.  If the parties decide to work towards agreement on all the aspects and considerations, follow up sessions may be necessary to reach final agreement that is fair, realistic, and acceptable to all parties.  Agreements are then written up into a document that is typically filed with the court. Since the parties are making legal decisions, each party is encouraged to have an attorney review the mediated agreement before it is filed with the court.