Mediation

Mediation

What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce Mediation is a confidential meeting between you, your spouse and the mediator. It's a way for you to come together in a safe and cooperative atmosphere so you can openly discuss and decide how you will co-parent your children after the divorce and how you will separate out the marital assets and debts. You, not the courts, are in complete control of what your divorce agreement and parenting plan looks like. You can choose to use traditional, adversarial avenues for divorce, but it will likely cost you thousands more dollars, take longer and you may not be happy with what the Court decides is best for your family.

Why should we choose to work with a Therapist-Mediatior?

Our knowledge of child development and family systems as well as our experience as family therapists give us the expertise to help the families we work with develop strong parenting plans that support the needs of children and parents during and after the divorce. While we cannot advise you what to do, we can provide you with the information you need to make good choices.

Additionally, we understand the high emotions that come with divorce, and we help you stay focused on the goal of achieving an amicable divorce. When you are in control of your emotions, you are less likely to make decisions you will later regret.

How long will mediation take?

It varies depending on the complexity of the agreement and the communication styles of the parties, but typically it takes between 2 and 6 sessions. The costs is typically between $600 and $1800, which is a significant savings over litigated divorces - and there is no retainer required. Each mediation session lasts two hours.

How can I be sure the agreement is fair?

The concept of fairness is highly subjective. What you feel is fair may be vastly different than what your spouse feels is fair, and the Courts may have an entirely different take on what is fair for your family. Our job as mediators is to help you come to an agreement that you both feel good about. We also help you keep in mind what your children may feel is fair when developing the parenting plan. Through facilitated communication and brainstorming of ideas, you have control over the outcome of your agreement, there is no pressure to decide immediately, and you (not the legal system) have control over what is fair.

What about a lawyer?

You can have your lawyer present (if you have one) during your sessions or you can have a lawyer evaluate your agreement before you submit it to the court to help you feel more confident in the choices you made and ensure your legal rights are protected. You can also choose to submit your agreement directly to the Court if you and your spouse both feel 100% confident that the agreement is fair and equitable without having to involve an attorney at all.

What if we can't agree on everything?

You don't have to. Sometimes parties can only agree on part of their settlement issues and will choose to litigate the rest. You can still submit your partial agreement to the Court and save some legal fees.

What if I change my mind?

You are not bound by your agreement until it is submitted to and accepted by the Court. You can (and should) take time to read over and consider any agreements you and your spouse make. If, after you sleep on it or have your lawyer look over it, you decide you are not comfortable with something, it can be brought back to mediation.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. It's also good to know that the mediation process is protected by law. You cannot subpoena us or our notes if the mediation process is unsuccessful and it is necessary to go to court, which means you can feel safe in coming together with your spouse in attempting to reach an agreement because what you say cannot be held against you.

Front Range

Counseling & Mediation, PC

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