When couples choose to use divorce mediation, they are usually able to reach a fair agreement without going to court. However, divorce mediation is not binding. Typically, a couple meets with a divorce mediator three to eight times to come to an agreement. In most cases, the two parties will reach an agreement after each meeting. There are four steps in divorce mediation: preparation, negotiating, negotiation, and resolution. These steps can make or break the process.
The first meeting in the mediation process establishes the foundation for the remainder of the proceedings. This meeting focuses on marital property issues, child support, alimony, retirement assets, and real estate. In some cases, business valuation or sale is included in the divorce settlement. Not all cases will involve these issues, however, and some will not. The majority of cases will revolve around a division of assets, some support, and the division of debts.