In mediation, the parties hire a neutral third party to assist them in reaching agreements concerning their divorce. The mediator can provide information about the divorce process and guide a discussion to help resolve issues. The mediator need not be a lawyer and does not represent either party. Whether the mediator is a lawyer or not, the mediator cannot provide legal advice.

Mediation may occur with parties who have hired attorneys or parties who are not represented. The parties communicate with one another directly in the presence of the mediator. The goal of mediation is to allow parties to reach agreements that meet the needs of both parties and their children without the financial and emotional cost of a court battle.

At the end of the mediation process, an attorney will prepare the required documents that must be filed with the court. The parties must then appear in court for their final hearing to have their agreement approved and the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage granted.

Patti S. Levinson is trained in Divorce Mediation. She can act as the neutral mediator, can represent one of the parties during the process of mediation or can draft the necessary documents and have the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered.

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