INITIAL CALL
This is a brief explanation of process choices; mediation as joint neutral process; and options for the next steps.
JOINT EDUCATION MEETING
Explain all process options, overview of the law, steps in the legal process, Attorney Mediator as educator/guide/neutral process navigator.
ONCE RETAINED
1:1 Meetings with each party to discuss safety and process design assessment, then joint process and discussion of estimated number of mediation sessions, professional services required, and documents that will require completion.
FIRST JOINT MEETING
Review mediation process; complete Joint Petition for Divorce and Confidential Petition Addendum, decide filing; share interests/goals for the process; discuss roles of additional experts, discuss the financial disclosure documents; assign homework to the parties; schedule future meetings.
SECOND JOINT MEETING
Discuss option of financial specialist; financial walk through and education; review the financial disclosure statements, determine if additional information is necessary (examples can be an appraisal of the residence, appraisal of personal property, valuation of pensions or retirement accounts, etc.), assure full understanding; discuss preliminary property division if all information is available; review potential topics to include in a marital settlement agreement.
THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS
The number of subsequent meetings can vary depending on the needs of the particular parties and the issues that need to be addressed. In these meetings the Attorney Mediator will commence direct negotiations in the meeting, discuss the value of individual consultation with an attorney or other professional; review child support calculations; discuss maintenance options, decide allocation of assets and debts and finalize the terms of the marital settlement agreement. The Attorney Mediator drafts and finalizes the Marital Settlement Agreement, Financial Disclosure Documents, Drafts the Judgment of Divorce and Certificate of Divorce Worksheet.
FINAL MEETING
Review and sign all Court required documents. Review the legal process for the final hearing.
FINAL COURT HEARING
The parties attend the final hearing. The Attorney Mediator does not attend this hearing.
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS – IF ANY-