Family mediation services are a great way to solve disputes without going to court. The mediator will help you and the other party to discuss your issues, think of options, and decide what would work best for everyone.

Often, a mediated resolution can solve a problem that has been stuck in the mud for a long time. It can also improve relationships and teach the participants better communication skills that they can use in the future.

If you are considering divorce, it is important to understand how a mediation session might benefit your situation. The first step in the process is called a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is where a specially qualified family mediator will meet with you to see if you can resolve your case outside of court.

The mediator will ask you about your reasons for wanting to divorce, and the details of any child-rearing decisions that you cannot agree on. The mediator will also talk with you about the options available to you, and explain how each might work in practice. If you are concerned about being in the same room as your spouse or partner, the mediator can arrange a “shuttle” mediation, where you will be separated into different rooms while the mediator “shuttles” between the two of you.

The cost of mediation is usually significantly less than the costs of litigating a case in court. Litigation includes lawyer fees, private investigation, expert testimonies, court filings and copies, and other expenses that add up quickly.