Is Mediation Right for Your Situation?

Mediation is a structured conversation with a neutral third person, aimed at agreements you both sign off on. It is faster and cheaper than court for many families, and wrong for some.

When it tends to help

• You can both sit in a room, or on a call, and be heard.
• Finances are reasonably visible to both of you.
• You want more say in the outcome than a judge would leave you.

When to be careful

Mediation assumes two people who can advocate for themselves. A history of abuse, intimidation, or hidden money changes that math. Feeling pressured to agree just to keep the peace is a sign to bring an attorney in first.

Questions to ask before you commit

• Is the mediator experienced with cases like yours?
• Can each of you review agreements with your own attorney before signing?
• What happens if you reach agreement on some issues but not others?