The Steps

1

Talk to your spouse about deciding your own future rather than leaving that up to strangers, mediators and judges. Educate yourself about the mediation process (OR READ ON!)
2

To learn more about mediation and how it works, call 678-985-8858 or email AtlantaMediator@aol.com to set up a free 30 minute consultation, which is to be attended by you and your spouse.
3

Should you and your spouse decide to continue with mediation, you will be sent a contract via Docusign. Once both of you have signed this, your first mediation session will be scheduled. This session can be remote or in person.

4

Gather all the financial information that you can before your first mediation session. Here are some examples of what you should bring (OR CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD)

  • home mortgage information and present market value.
  • bank, brokerage, and retirement account information.
  • loan and credit card information and balances due.
  • car loan, insurance costs, and car values.
  • childcare costs, child health insurance costs, special needs costs.
  • if self employed, valuation of your business.
  • valuables and approximate current value.

This will make the mediation much more cost effective and time efficient! Also, if you can, begin discussing how you will divide assets, debts, and child visitation. If that is too difficult, don’t worry! We will help you learn how to respectfully discuss these issues during the mediation process.

5

On average it takes three Mediation sessions, each lasting an hour and a half. You will be given as much time in between them as you need to help you make good decisions. During this time it will be important to consult with financial, legal and any other advisors to help you feel comfortable with any decisions you are making.
6

Relax! Your mediator knows this is a stressful time and will help guide you through the process to make practical decisions that will work both now and in the years ahead..
7

Once the decision making phase is completed, your Divorce Mediator will write up a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) clearly detailing all the agreements you have made..

8

You will receive a Rough Draft to review allowing you time to make corrections or remediate issues. Then you and your spouse will either meet in person or receive a docusign of your MOU for both of you and the mediator to sign.

9

Each of you will then have an original signed copy of your agreement and you can either file this with the court in your county of residence or you can have an attorney file it on your behalf. We offer a list of mediator minded attorneys who are willing to process your paperwork through the court on behalf of one client, for a flat fee..
10

That’s it! However, if at any point you have a new issue or need a revision, you can always come back and mediate rather than litigate!