Family Mediation Services
Navigate family transitions with dignity and respect. Our mediation services help families find collaborative solutions during challenging times, putting you in control of your future.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps family members work through disputes and reach agreements that work for everyone involved. Unlike court battles that pit family members against each other, mediation is collaborative—it's about finding solutions together rather than "winning" against each other.
As your mediator, I don't make decisions for you or take sides. Instead, I facilitate productive conversations, help you identify what really matters, and guide you toward agreements you can both live with. You stay in control of the outcome.
Why Choose Mediation Over Court?
Court proceedings are public, expensive, unpredictable, and often leave everyone feeling like they lost. Mediation is private, more affordable, faster, and typically results in agreements both parties actually want to follow—because you created them together.
What We Can Mediate
Family mediation can address virtually any family-related dispute or transition. Here are some of the most common issues families bring to mediation:
Divorce & Separation
Property division, spousal support, and creating a path forward that honors what you both contributed to the relationship.
Parenting Plans
Custody arrangements, visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and holiday planning that puts your children's needs first.
Child Support
Fair financial arrangements that ensure your children's needs are met while considering both parents' circumstances.
Modifications
Updating existing agreements when circumstances change—new jobs, relocations, children's evolving needs, or changes in financial situations.
Co-Parenting Disputes
Resolving ongoing disagreements about parenting decisions, communication issues, or managing new relationships.
Elder Care & Estate Matters
Family discussions about caregiving responsibilities, living arrangements, medical decisions, and inheritance concerns.
Prenuptial Agreements
Starting your marriage with clarity and honest conversations about finances and expectations.
Family Business Issues
Navigating conflicts between family members involved in shared business ventures or succession planning.
Benefits of Family Mediation
- You control the outcome – Not a judge, not lawyers—you decide what works for your family
- Save time and money – Most mediations resolve in a fraction of the time and cost of litigation
- Privacy – What's discussed in mediation stays confidential, unlike public court proceedings
- Less stressful – Collaborative problem-solving instead of adversarial combat
- Preserve relationships – Especially important when you'll co-parent or interact in the future
- Flexible solutions – Courts offer limited options; mediation allows creative agreements tailored to your situation
- Better compliance – Agreements you create together are more likely to be followed than court orders
- Focus on the future – Rather than assigning blame, mediation helps you build a workable path forward
- Child-centered – Keep your children's best interests at the center without putting them in the middle
The Mediation Process
While every mediation is unique, here's what you can generally expect:
Initial Contact
We'll talk about your situation, answer your questions, and determine if mediation is a good fit. If both parties agree to mediate, we'll schedule the first session.
First Session
We'll establish ground rules, review the mediation process, and identify the issues you need to resolve. Both parties will have a chance to share their perspective.
Information Gathering
You'll share relevant financial documents, schedules, and other information needed to make informed decisions. Everything remains confidential.
Negotiation Sessions
We'll work through each issue methodically, exploring options and finding common ground. Sessions can be joint or separate (caucus) depending on what's most productive.
Agreement
Once you've reached agreements, I'll draft a Mediated Settlement Agreement documenting what you've decided. You can take this to your attorneys for review before signing.
Finalization
Your attorneys will incorporate the agreement into court documents, or if you're doing this without attorneys, I can provide guidance on the next steps for court filing.
Timeline: Some families resolve everything in a single session, while others need several meetings over a period of time. We'll move at whatever pace works for your situation.
What Makes Mediation Successful?
Mediation works best when both parties:
- Come voluntarily and are willing to negotiate in good faith
- Can communicate respectfully, even when disagreeing
- Are willing to share necessary information honestly
- Focus on solving problems rather than punishing the other person
- Understand they'll likely need to compromise on some issues
That said, mediation can still work even when emotions are high or communication has been difficult. That's part of what I'm here for—to help create a space where productive conversations can happen.
Mediation vs. Attorneys: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions I hear. Here's the simple breakdown:
A Mediator
- Is neutral—doesn't represent either party
- Helps you communicate and find common ground
- Facilitates negotiation but doesn't give legal advice
- Works toward an agreement you both create
An Attorney
- Represents one party's interests exclusively
- Provides legal advice and advocates for their client
- Can review mediated agreements before you sign
- Prepares and files court documents
Can you have both? Absolutely. Many people mediate first to reach agreement, then have attorneys review the settlement and handle the legal paperwork. Some consult with attorneys during the mediation process. You can also mediate without attorneys at all—it's your choice.
Special Considerations for Divorcing Parents
If you have children, your relationship with your co-parent doesn't end with divorce—it just changes. Mediation helps you establish patterns of communication and decision-making that will serve your family for years to come.
Your Children's Wellbeing
Kids don't need perfect parents or perfect co-parents. They need parents who can work together well enough to meet their needs. Mediation focuses on building a parenting plan that:
- Provides stability and consistency for your children
- Keeps kids out of the middle of parental conflicts
- Ensures they maintain meaningful relationships with both parents
- Addresses their developmental needs at different ages
- Can adapt as circumstances change
We'll talk through custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, holiday plans, decision-making authority, and how you'll communicate about your children. The goal is creating something that genuinely works for your family—not forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does mediation take?
It varies widely based on complexity and how much you agree on upfront. Simple modifications might take one session, while a complete divorce with children and significant assets might take several sessions over a period of time. We'll work at your pace.
What if we can't agree on everything?
That's okay. You can agree on what you can and go to court only for the unresolved issues. Partial agreements still save time and money. Sometimes taking a break and coming back later helps too.
Is what we say in mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation discussions are confidential and generally can't be used in court later. This creates a safe space for honest conversation and creative problem-solving.
Can mediation work if there's been domestic violence?
It depends on the situation. In cases involving abuse, safety is the top priority. We can sometimes work with separate sessions (caucus mediation) or other protective measures, but mediation isn't appropriate in all situations. We'll discuss this carefully during the initial consultation.
Do we both have to be in the same room?
Not necessarily. We can mediate via Zoom, or I can meet with you separately (caucus mediation) and shuttle between rooms. Whatever helps you both communicate most effectively.
How much does mediation cost?
Mediation is significantly less expensive than litigation. Instead of each party paying their own attorney by the hour to fight, you split the cost of one mediator. Contact me for current rates and to discuss your specific situation.
What should I bring to the first session?
Bring yourself and an open mind. We'll discuss what documents you'll need (financial statements, property information, etc.) during or after the first session. No need to prepare extensively before we meet.
Ready to Move Forward?
Let's talk about how mediation can help your family navigate this transition with dignity and respect.
Call 817.939.9645Or email John@OptionsMediation.com to schedule a consultation