Step 1: Schedule a Consult
Fill out the Initial Contact Form and get started with your mediation process. You will receive a link to set up a Consult to get your initial questions answered. After the Consult, if you decide to move forward, you can signup for your first Mediation session and receive access to your personal Client Portal which will have a pre-mediation homework package designed to help both of you get organized for your first session.
Step 2: Schedule your First Mediation Session
Schedule your first joint 2-hour mediation session with your Mediator. The mediation sessions will be very comprehensive and help you both explore all your options for moving forward before ever committing to anything. At the end of the session, you will be provided a detailed summary of what was discussed, a list of action items to work on between sessions, tentative agreements reached (non-binding, in good faith), and next steps. Many couples reach full agreement in 1 – 3 mediation sessions. At any time during the process, you may also wish to schedule individual or joint mediation sessions with your Divorce and Co-Parenting Coach.
Step 3: We File your First Set of Court Documents
We prepare your initial court filings (Petition documents and Acceptance of Service) in a neutral manner so you can start the court process and the 60-day clock before having to decide anything. The manner in which we prepare your initial filings keeps you out of the litigation process so you won’t be required to attend hearings or file any litigation motions. We e-file the initial documents for you, so you don’t have to go to the Court.
Step 4: Decide on a Financial Division
and a Parenting Plan
Your Mediator will help you get a full picture of your community finances and guide you through decisions to help you both meet your individual and family goals, given your particular financial situation. Items discussed will include division of assets and debts and spousal maintenance. If you have minor children, you will also be assisted in making decisions around parenting time, child support, legal decision-making and kids’ expenses.
Step 5: Finalize Your Consent Decree of Divorce
We will prepare all of your final divorce documents including your Consent Decree of Dissolution (divorce) and associated documents and exhibits. The court does yet not allow e-filing of your final documents, so we will file the documents at the Court for you. Once filed, the Judge will likely sign and mail back your final divorce decree within a few weeks. The date stamped on the front of your Consent Decree of Dissolution (divorce) will be your official divorce date.