Frequently Asked Questions
(and Myths) about Mediation
 Frequently Asked Questions
- What is mediation?
Mediation is a
private, confidential, non-adversarial approach to resolving all issues and
conflicts using a neutral third person -- the mediator -- to help reach an
agreement and dissolve your marriage.
- Do we need to file for divorce before coming to
mediation?
No. At Family Mediation Centers™ we are your one
stop resource to meet all of your needs when dissolving your marriage. You are
welcome to use our services whether you have filed for divorce or have not yet
started the process.
- Can mediation work if we are already divorced, but
have changing circumstances and want to revise our prior
agreement?
Yes. At Family Mediation Centers™, we are aware that
life is ever-changing. Often, visitation, child support, relocation and other
issues change after time has passed. We are available to assist you to change
your agreement using mediation as a simple tool to modify your agreement
without incurring unnecessary legal fees.
- Do I need a lawyer to go with me to
mediation?
No lawyers are required at Family Mediation
Centers™. However, Mediation does not replace the need for legal advice.
Although our mediators are licensed attorneys with many years of Family Law
experience, we do not provide legal advice. The parties are welcome to bring
attorneys, if they choose to do so.
- Do we meet in the same room?
That
depends on you. You have the option of meeting in the same room or in separate
rooms. We understand that divorce gives rise to conflicts. We have available in
our facility, several mediation rooms if you feel uncomfortable or feel that
you are best suited staying in different rooms.
- Can mediation make divorce easier?
Yes. During this high-conflict, emotionally charged time, our
professionals are available to assist you in resolving any conflict, big or
small, without the long wait and adversarial process associated with the court
system.
- What type of disputes can be
mediated?
If both parties agree, Family Mediation Centers™ can
provide services on disputes involving:
- divorce
- child support
- pre-nuptial agreements
- paternity
- post dissolution changes (modifications)
- cohabitation agreements
- visitation
- relocation
- lesbian and gay mediation services
- and all other family matters.
- What does mediation cost and how long does it
take?
Mediation is charged by the hour. Rates vary depending on your
need. You and your mediator will work out the details of scheduling, number of
hours, and the location of your mediation. Our goal is to always accomodate
your needs. We have mediators available Monday through Saturday with day and
evening appointments. Call us today and we will promise to schedule an
appointment within one week.
Myths about Mediation
- I have heard that I can get a better result if I
go to court and tell the judge my story.
Not true. Everybody wants
to be heard and that is why mediation works. In court there are many things you
are not able to say. Moreover, the judge will not be acquainted with you or
your family. Although mediation is not the answer for all people getting
divorced, court can be a nightmare. No one ever really wins. It can take years,
cost fortunes, and take large emotional tolls on the parties. Mediation is
almost always a better choice.
- I have heard I can use a mediator or a lawyer,
but not both.
Not true. Some people want to retain divorce lawyers
or get a consultation so they understand their legal rights and options when
filing for dissolution of marriage. At Family Mediation Centers™ you can
choose to bring a lawyer, or not.
- Even if I go to mediation, I still have to hire a
lawyer to do all of the paperwork.
Not true. At Family Mediation
Centers™ we are able to provide you with all required court approved
divorce pleadings. Our mediators prepare your settlement agreement and child
support guidelines. We are a one-stop center for all of your family
matters.
- At mediation the goal is getting back
together.
Not true. At all times, we support any person's desire to
stay married. However, our goal at Family Mediation Centers™ is to resolve
your conflicts and disputes in order to enter into an agreement. Mediation can
allow you to end your marriage in a way where you feel good about the choices
you made and can minimize the trauma of divorce on you and your
family.
- I heard that the mediator represents both parties.
Not true. The mediator never acts as a lawyer. Only a lawyer can
give legal advice. Moreover, the mediator is a neutral party and is never on
one side. The process is totally confidential and the mediator never discloses
information unless you give your permission.
At FAMILY MEDIATION
CENTERS™ we will help you reshape your future...
not rehash your
past.
Want to learn more?
Send
us your full name and e-mail address* and we will send you our FREE
"Painless Divorce" e-booklet, containing dozens of tips to help you
breeze through this difficult time.
Still have questions?
Contact us! We are always happy to speak to
you.
*We respect your privacy and will not give your e-mail
address to anyone without your permission.
To learn more about
Sherrie Marcus and Family Legal Services, visit
www.SherrieMarcus.com.
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