The mediator acts as a facilitator and assists the parties in reaching a fair and mutually acceptable agreement. These meetings take place in an informal non-adversarial atmosphere. The mediation process affords parties the opportunity to make decisions and plans for themselves and their children rather than have these important decisions imposed upon them by the court. Mediation is useful in reaching acceptable agreements defining the couple's ongoing relationships and responsibilities to each other and to their children.
Mediation serves to minimize the adverse effects of divorce on families.
The program staff helps preserve the parental relationships before, during and after divorce by helping parents constructively and amicably resolve conflicts concerning their children. These resolutions are formalized in writing in the form of an agreement and may be made an order of the court if requested. This free mediation is provided by court order, in family matters including married and unmarried persons, pre and post judgments, as well as grandparent visitation issues. An order signed by the Judge is necessary for this service. What this means is that you must first file divorce papers with the court before a Judge can issue a court order for this free service.