Mediation Alternative with Steven Spence

What Are the Issues?

Some of the issues are big, others aren't. For many couples, some or all of the following may be questions in the mediation:

How will we divide the things we own?

Who will the children live with?

What happens to our debts?

We both want to live in the house. Who will?

If the kids live with my spouse, how can I keep in touch with them?

How can I live on a reduced income?

Each of you will have different questions, but all of the questions are about the future. Did you notice that? That fact, too, is an important part of mediation.

The mediator is there to help you and your family and will not try to talk you into something. Mediation doesn't mean "agreement or else." The mediator will be impartial--not "for" or "against" either spouse. The mediator will meet with you and explain how mediation works, how the issues will be dealt with, how long it might take, and what it will cost. The mediator will ask you to sign an agreement about some of the basic rules that will be followed during mediation. You will be encouraged to keep in touch with your lawyer.