The Best Option for You
Cooperative Approaches: Mediation and Collaborative Law
What is mediation? Is it appropriate for everyone?
In mediation, you and your former spouse work with a person who is specially trained to help you reach an agreement.
It is not a mediator's job to make decisions for you or to give you legal advice. (We recommend that you see a lawyer as well before making any final decisions or agreements about custody, guardianship, access or support.)
A mediator will:
- provide a neutral place for you and your former spouse to meet
- help define the issues you need to resolve
- keep the discussions on track, and
- help you maintain a working relationship with your former spouse - something that is particularly important if you have children and will need to keep in contact while they are growing up.
Mediation is not, however, appropriate for everyone.
- If you have experienced violence or emotional abuse, or you are afraid for your safety or the safety of your children, mediation may not be for you.
- You both need to agree to mediation for it to work. If you do not agree, you should look at other options.
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