Divorce Mediation in Michigan
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation brings spouses together with a neutral mediator, who facilitates meaningful discussions over disputed issues, enabling the parties to reach mutual resolutions without having judge or other third party, making decisions for them. The process is confidential and can be scheduled around work and school. Families use mediation to reach practical solutions that work in everyday life. Paul S. Kowal, P.C. supports clients through mediation from helping them in productive discussions over issues to drafting durable settlement agreements that are complete and enforceable.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation
Control and flexibility
You and your spouse shape the outcomes, from parenting time to property division, instead of leaving decisions to the court.
Lower cost and quicker timelines
Mediation avoids adversarial motion practice and repeated hearing dates, which can reduce fees and shorten the path to completion of the divorce process.
Better communication for co-parents
Working together in a problem-solving setting sets a healthier tone for future co-parenting between the parties.
Our Mediation-Friendly Approach
At Paul S. Kowal, P.C., we often act as the mediator for the parties, engaging the parties in meaningful discussions aimed at encouraging settlement of all disputed issues. We then help draft a confidential divorce settlement agreement.
Other times, should a party prefer us to represent them once Mediation is completed, we provide the client with names of Mediators to utilize for the Mediation process. After a Mediator is selected, we prepare our client for productive mediation sessions, help organize financial information, and identify practical proposals before mediation begins. We attend the Mediation sessions with you, if desired, or consult between meetings so each step moves you closer to a full agreement. If new issues appear, we keep discussions focused and constructive.
How Divorce Mediation Works
Choosing a mediator
Many competent mediators serve Oakland and Macomb County and the Southeast Michigan area. We can recommend neutrals who fit the issues in your case.
Mediation sessions
Spouses meet with the mediator, together or in separate rooms if needed. Topics include parenting schedules, support, and dividing assets and debts.
Reaching an agreement
When terms are set, a confidential settlement agreement is drafted so it can be incorporated into the final Judgment of Divorce without being part of the public record.
FAQs: Divorce Mediation
Is mediation required in Michigan?
Not in every case, but judges often expect good faith efforts to settle before trial, especially when children are involved.
Do we still need lawyers if we mediate?
Yes. Each spouse should have a lawyer review the agreement and advise on rights and obligations before it is submitted to the court.
What if we cannot sit in the same room?
Shuttle mediation allows separate spaces or virtual breakout rooms so progress can be made even if joint sessions are uncomfortable.
Ready to Try Mediation?
If you want a calmer way to resolve your case, Paul S. Kowal, P.C. can help you use mediation effectively. Call (586) 731-3012 to discuss a plan and timeline that fits your family.