How Long Does Family Mediation Take?

When considering divorce or separation, mediation offers couples an alternative to going to court. One common question that arises is how long the family mediation process takes.

The simple answer is that the mediation process has no fixed time. However, mediation is often faster than the "traditional" divorce process. A litigated divorce can go on for months or even years, depending on your situation, while mediation can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and other factors. 

In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of family mediation in Ohio, particularly in Cincinnati, to help you understand what to expect.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a way of addressing disputes between couples planning to divorce or separate. It is an effective way for partners to resolve their disputes, have difficult conversations, and reach agreements, without going through the court process.

Mediation often involves bringing the disputing parties together in a neutral, safe environment with an independent, professionally trained mediator who facilitates the conversation.

How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

The time family mediation takes will depend on various factors, including preparation, level of cooperation, and whether the process occurs during or before a divorce. The complexities of your disputes can also impact the process.

Divorce mediation can be the quickest and most effective way of separating, especially when both spouses are willing to work together and resolve their issues. In some cases, matters can even be resolved within a single session under the guidance of a skilled family law mediator.

How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

A mediator facilitates discussions between the disputing parties, with their main objective to focus on the parties’ shared interests and goals, to bring resolution between spouses. The mediator encourages each person to discuss their concerns, feelings, and perspectives and work with the parties to reach an agreement that works for everyone involved. This process is voluntary and confidential and can help eliminate the costs involved in the divorce process.

Once a resolution is reached, the mediator will prepare a "Memorandum of Understanding," or “MOU.” This document is not legally binding, but will set forth the disputes that have been resolved. From there, the document is given to an attorney for drafting of the official, and legally binding, divorce documents.

After filing and having a final hearing, the court will then typically issue an order and dissolve or terminate the marriage, based on the document's details. However, before granting an order, the court must ensure a fair financial settlement and consider the best interest of any children involved. If mediation fails, the issues must still be addressed in some way, whether through another means of dispute resolution or through a court of law, where the judge will review the matter and make the final decision.

Get in Touch with our Cincinnati Family Law Mediators

If you need assistance with a family matter in Cincinnati, don't hesitate to contact our family law mediators at Wagner & Bloch. We have a deep understanding of family law and the experience needed to understand the dynamics of your case.

Contact us online or call (513) 751-4420 to schedule a consultation.