No, divorce mediation is a non-binding agreement between two divorcing parties. Each individual will receive an original copy of a Memorandum of Understanding, which is a detailed written agreement that clearly states the decisions made during mediation sessions. This agreement addresses the distribution of the marital assets and clearly defines the needs of their children (if they have children).

Mediation allows individuals to develop a divorce agreement with dignity while eliminating hostility and minimizing conflict. Mediation is also much less costly and eliminates drawn out court battles. After a Memorandum of Understanding is agreed upon, the divorcing individuals will bring their agreement to their attorney(s) for processing within the family court. The attorney(s) will file a motion for a nominal divorce and a court date will be scheduled. Once the two individuals appear in family court, the Memorandum of Understanding will be written into a court order. The divorce becomes final 90 days after the court date.

No, the cost of mediation and attorney fees for processing usually are a fraction of the cost of a traditional divorce either nominal or contested.

Absolutely. Divorcing or divorced individuals can always return to mediation at any time to make changes to their agreement.

Both professionals should have completed a comprehensive divorce mediation certification program thus are equally trained and qualified to provide mediation services. Psychotherapists are extremely skilled in compromising and conflict resolution. These skills are complimentary to the solid knowledge base that has been obtained in the certification process. I t is absolutely unnecessary for a divorce mediator to be an attorney.

No, even if the mediator is an attorney, it would be a conflict of interest for that individual to represent either or both parties.