Both parties are typically represented by counsel in the majority of mediations I conduct. I find that mediation without lawyers works best for couples who already have an idea of how they want to resolve their divorce. As a mediator, I am a neutral and not on the side of either party. I do not hold conferences prior to mediation, but if communication beforehand is necessary, I write to both parties in a joint e-mail so that neither party misunderstands my neutrality. For this reason, I also prefer email over phone communications. I can assist with an understanding of the documents you need for an uncontested divorce, but I do not file them with the court as I cannot represent either party.
If you wish to schedule a mediation, look at the calendar for available dates. When you have agreed upon a date, use the online calendar link and I will confirm that the date is still available. (I often get last minute cancellations — if you are flexible, you will be able to pick up an earlier date than what you see on the calendar today).
At mediation, I spend time working on the Marital Settlement Agreement and the Parenting Plan (if applicable) with the parties. The more information you have at the mediation, the easier it will be for you. For example, how are your cars titled, how many credit cards do you have, whose name are they in, what are the balances, what are your retirement accounts, what is your gross annual income, how much do you pay for health insurance, how much do you pay for children’s health insurance. In order to collect all necessary materials and data, consider all of your financial issues and try to bring that to your mediation. Often, I find that people without lawyers come in more than one time – they start the process, break to gather more info and then return to conclude the negotiations. I assist in the preparation of the Marital Settlement Agreement and the Parenting Plan but I do not prepare any other documents you will need for court, because I cannot represent either party.