As a leader in divorce mediation in Minnesota, we often get questions about how the process works and whether the process can work for even a complex divorce. We have compiled a list of the most common questions we get about divorce mediation and our answers so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with the process. You may also give us a call for answers to any questions you may have.
1. Can mediation be successful for my complicated divorce? The answer here is yes. Mediation can be successful for even the most complicated divorces with the most conflict. Mediation is highly effective, estimated to resolve conflict in 75-85% of cases. In fact, the most complicated cases can be very difficult to resolve in the court system, so mediation is a far better solution in the vast majority of cases.
2. Will mediation yield a fair solution? Many people assume that the only way to achieve a fair resolution to their divorce case is to put the decisions in the hands of a judge. This is not the case, in fact, you have the best chance of finding solutions that will work best in the long run for your family. Very often the agreements that you develop in mediation can be more flexible and tailored to the unique needs of your family, which means that they have less of a chance of failing.
3. What does the mediator do? Your mediator will serve as a neutral third party that can guide you through the divorce process. It is important to note that your mediator will not make decisions for you but will help facilitate communication and discussion between you and your ex to resolve issues such as dividing property, child custody and spousal/child support.
4. How much does mediation cost? If you work with AMS Mediation, you can expect to spend around $4000, which includes mediator fees, filing fees, and legal drafting fees. This is significantly less than paying for a divorce settlement through the traditional court system.
5. How long will mediation take?: You can expect to need 3-4 mediation sessions which are generally held over the course of 6-8 weeks. Each session will last between 2-3 hours. Once you have come up with a divorce agreement, it can take the court another 1-8 weeks to process these documents.
If you have more questions about the mediation process or would like to learn more about the divorce support services AMS Mediation provides, call us at 952-252-1492.
