Using mediation, you and your spouse are able to make your own decisions about your future, reduce the emotional and financial costs of divorce, and avoid the courtroom. In mediation, you and your spouse will work with Corey to navigate issues such as spousal and child support, division of marital assets and parenting schedules.

Corey is an unbiased neutral party and she will facilitate communication and discussion between you and your spouse about the division of marital assets and debts, the payment of financial support and shared parenting responsibilities.  Unlike litigation, with mediation, no court appearances are required. In a litigated divorce, the judge makes the decisions for you and you are bound by the judge’s orders. In mediation, you and your spouse control the decision-making process; instead of putting decisions about your future in a judge’s hands, you control the process and have the power to accept, reject or negotiate the terms in the settlement agreement. Using mediation, you and your spouse can work cooperatively with each other, and end your marriage without the high emotional and financial costs of going to court. You retain the power and control to create a unique, individualized, fair and consensual agreement about your future.

Corey recommends that both parties consult with an attorney, CPA or any other professional for guidance about the terms included in the final settlement agreement. Corey is not a legal or financial advisor; nor is she acting as a therapist during mediation.

The mediation process begins when you and your spouse jointly retain Corey as a neutral third party mediator, who is mindful of your needs and concerns, will guide you and your spouse through the issues that need to be resolved. Corey facilitates discussion, problem-solving, negotiation and resolution, and helps you and your spouse craft a mutually agreed upon settlement agreement. In addition, the mediation process includes executing and filing all documents necessary for initiating and finalizing the divorce.

Mediation promotes less conflict and healthier post-divorce relationships. In addition, children do much better when parents use mediation to create a personalized settlement agreement.

Often the mediation process takes three to five 1 - 2 hour sessions. The time involved in mediation depends on the couple’s ability to communicate, listen and work together to reach agreement.

Mediation is voluntary and requires open-mindedness and flexibility. Mediation can be an effective, lower costing and advantageous approach to divorce that allows you and your spouse to decide your future and keeps private family business out of the courtroom.