Family
Mediation Services, Inc.
What is the cost of mediation?
The mediator's fee is $375.00 per hour. This amount is usually divided between
the parties, either equally or in proportion to their respective incomes. Visa
and Mastercard accepted.
How long does it take to mediate an agreement? The time
necessary to mediate the terms that will be incorporated into the final written
agreement is 6 to 8 hours (3 or 4 sessions) - less if the issues are
uncomplicated or the parties have reached agreement on many issues prior to mediation
- more if the issues are complex or the level of conflict between the parties
is high.
Can you describe the mediation process? The goal is to reach a
final written agreement that will incorporate all of the understandings reached
by the parties with regard to all issues that need to be addressed. To that end
the mediator acts to guide the parties through a multi-step process of
identifying the issues in dispute, gathering the information necessary to
intelligently address those issues, and seeking out options which meet the
needs and interests of both parties.
What issues are normally resolved in
mediation? Legal and residential custody, child
support, visitation, allocation of college expenses for the children, health
insurance, life insurance, spousal support (alimony), disposition of the family
home, allocation between the parties of marital property accumulated during the
marriage, payment of debts, and tax matters including decisions relative to
filing joint or separate tax returns and claiming the children as dependency
deductions. At your first meeting with the mediator you will be furnished with
a 13 page detailed "Checklist of Issues for Mediation" to help you
identify matters of concern that need to be addressed during the mediation
process.
Is the mediator bound by any standards
of professional conduct? Yes, the mediator must
adhere to the Standards of
Practice for Divorce and Family Mediation promulgated by the
Who prepares the written agreement?
Once the parties have reached agreement the mediator will prepare a written
legal document which the parties can then take to their respective attorneys
for review.
Can the mediator represent the
parties? No. The mediator must remain neutral
throughout the mediation process and thereafter and cannot provide legal advice
to either or both parties. The mediator cannot represent either party or both
of the parties in the divorce proceeding or in any other legal matter at any
time in the future.
Do I need an attorney?
It is strongly recommended that you employ an attorney to review the final
agreement before it is signed. Many attorneys will work with you on an hourly
basis and only charge for the time necessary to read the agreement and provide
input into your decision.
What if I do not have an attorney?
We can refer you to a competent family law attorney who is sensitive to the
cooperative spirit of mediation, and who can advise you on your legal rights
and responsibilities under
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