Depending on the issues, it can even take place in one day, although most divorcing couples meet for several sessions on separate days over a period of days or weeks or months. As its name implies, court-ordered mediation is conducted under the sponsorship of a court. It usually involves only child custody and visitation issues. Rarely are financial issues addressed in court-ordered mediation. The mediator in a court-sponsored program often makes a report to the court.
Private mediation is usually confidential.
Both mediation and arbitration involve a neutral third party who is not a judge. Splitting property underlies nearly every divorce, be it real property, investments, retirement accounts and debts. This book gives you the knowledge and tools to do it well. Instead of fighting about child custody in court, learn how to work together to build lasting, child-friendly agreements. Learn how to negotiate, handle money matters and not lose your mind.