Mediation and Alternatives

Divorce mediation, collaborative divorce, arbitration, and alternatives to litigation.

60 articles in this topic

Divorce Mediation Process: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How divorce mediation works from the first session through reaching a final agreement.

Divorce Mediation Cost: What to Expect

How much divorce mediation costs, how mediators charge, and comparison to litigation.

How to Find a Divorce Mediator: Selection Guide

What to look for in a divorce mediator and how to find qualified professionals.

Divorce Mediation Pros and Cons

The advantages and disadvantages of choosing mediation over litigation.

Preparing for Divorce Mediation: What to Bring and Expect

How to prepare for your first mediation session including documents and mindset.

Mediation vs Collaborative Divorce: Key Differences

Comparing mediation and collaborative divorce processes to help you choose.

Mediation vs Litigation: Cost, Time, and Outcome Comparison

A detailed comparison of mediation and traditional divorce litigation.

Divorce Mediation With Children: Custody and Support Issues

How mediation handles child custody and support issues.

Mediation for Property Division: Negotiating Fair Splits

How mediation helps couples reach fair property division agreements.

Mediating Alimony: Finding Agreement on Spousal Support

How mediation can help couples agree on alimony terms.

Court-Ordered Mediation: What It Means and How to Prepare

What happens when the court orders mediation and how to make the most of it.

Mediation and Domestic Violence: When It Is Not Appropriate

Why mediation may not be safe in domestic violence situations and alternatives.

Online Divorce Mediation: How Virtual Sessions Work

How online mediation works and whether it is effective for divorce.

Mediation Confidentiality: What Can and Cannot Be Shared

Confidentiality rules in divorce mediation and their limits.

Enforcing a Mediation Agreement: Making It Legal

How mediation agreements become enforceable court orders.

When Mediation Fails: Next Steps for Your Divorce

What to do when mediation doesn't result in agreement.

Collaborative Divorce Explained: Process and Benefits

A complete guide to the collaborative divorce process and team approach.

Collaborative Divorce Cost: Investment and Savings

How much collaborative divorce costs compared to litigation and mediation.

The Collaborative Divorce Team: Roles and Responsibilities

Understanding the roles of attorneys, financial specialists, and coaches in collaborative divorce.

Collaborative vs Traditional Divorce: Which Is Better

Comparing collaborative divorce to traditional litigation on cost, time, and satisfaction.

Divorce Arbitration: How Private Judging Works

How divorce arbitration works as an alternative to courtroom litigation.

Arbitration vs Mediation in Divorce: Understanding the Difference

The key differences between arbitration and mediation for resolving divorce disputes.

DIY Divorce Guide: When and How to Do It Yourself

How to handle your divorce without any professional help and when it is safe to try.

DIY Divorce Mistakes: Costly Errors to Avoid

The most expensive mistakes people make in DIY divorces and how to prevent them.

When DIY Divorce Works: Criteria for Going Solo

The conditions under which a DIY divorce is likely to work out well.

Hiring an Attorney vs DIY Divorce: Making the Decision

How to decide between hiring a divorce attorney and handling it yourself.

Limited Scope Representation: Hiring a Lawyer for Part of Your Divorce

How unbundled legal services let you hire an attorney for specific tasks only.

Divorce Coaches: What They Do and When to Hire One

The role of a divorce coach and how they differ from therapists and attorneys.

Parenting Coordinators: Resolving Ongoing Custody Disputes

How parenting coordinators help resolve day-to-day custody conflicts.

Early Neutral Evaluation: Getting Expert Input Before Trial

How ENE programs provide expert feedback on likely case outcomes.

Settlement Conferences in Divorce: How They Work

What happens at a settlement conference and how to prepare for one.

Private Judging for Divorce: Pros, Cons, and Cost

How hiring a private judge works for divorce cases and when it makes sense.

Mediation for High-Conflict Divorce: Modified Approaches

How shuttle mediation and other modified approaches handle high-conflict cases.

Transformative Mediation in Divorce: A Different Approach

How transformative mediation differs from facilitative mediation in divorce.

Evaluative Mediation: When the Mediator Gives Opinions

How evaluative mediation works and when a more directive approach helps.

Facilitative Mediation: Helping You Find Your Own Solution

How facilitative mediation works by empowering couples to create their own agreements.

Child Specialists in Divorce: Advocating for Children's Needs

How child specialists help ensure children's needs are met during the divorce process.

Financial Neutrals in Divorce: Impartial Financial Guidance

How financial neutrals help couples make informed decisions about asset division.

Restorative Justice Approaches to Divorce

How restorative justice principles can be applied to the divorce process.

Therapeutic Mediation: Addressing Emotions During Negotiation

How therapeutic mediation incorporates emotional processing into the negotiation.

Co-Mediation in Divorce: Two Mediators Working Together

How co-mediation works and when it benefits divorcing couples.

Med-Arb in Divorce: Combining Mediation and Arbitration

How the med-arb process works by starting with mediation and moving to arbitration if needed.

Negotiation Strategies for Divorce: Getting a Fair Deal

Effective negotiation tactics for reaching a fair divorce settlement.

Interest-Based Negotiation in Divorce: Beyond Positions

How focusing on interests rather than positions leads to better divorce outcomes.

Four-Way Meetings in Divorce: Negotiating With Attorneys Present

How four-way meetings between both spouses and their attorneys work.

Kitchen Table Divorce: Negotiating at Home Without Professionals

How informal at-home negotiations work and when they can succeed.

Divorce Conciliation: Court Programs for Reconciliation

How court conciliation programs work and whether they might help.

Mandatory Mediation States: Where Courts Require It

Which states require mediation before a divorce trial and what the process involves.

Choosing Between ADR Options for Divorce

How to evaluate and choose the right alternative dispute resolution method for your divorce.

Alternative Dispute Resolution for Complex Divorces

How ADR methods work for divorces involving businesses, high assets, or complex custody.

Divorce Arbitration: Private Resolution Without Court

How divorce arbitration works, binding vs. non-binding, costs compared to trial, and pros and cons.

Mediation vs. Litigation: Real Cost Comparison for Divorce

Actual cost differences between mediated and litigated divorces, time savings, and outcome comparisons.

How to Choose a Divorce Mediator: Qualifications and Questions to Ask

What to look for in a mediator, credentials that matter, interview questions, and red flags.

Divorce Mediation with a Narcissistic Spouse: Can It Work

Challenges of mediating with a narcissistic spouse, protective strategies, and when to walk away.

Limited Scope Representation: Saving on Legal Fees by Unbundling Services

How unbundled legal services work, what tasks to hire a lawyer for, and how to save on legal fees.

Divorce Mediation When Children Are Involved: Focus Areas and Tips

How mediation addresses custody, support, and parenting plans, and keeping children's interests central.

Parenting Coordination vs. Mediation: Which Is Right for You

Differences between parenting coordinators and mediators, when each is appropriate, and cost comparison.

Early Neutral Evaluation in Divorce: Getting Expert Opinions Early

How early neutral evaluation works, when courts use it, and how it can help settle cases faster.

DIY Divorce vs. Mediation vs. Lawyer: Choosing Your Path

Comparing self-filed divorce, mediation, and hiring a lawyer on cost, time, stress, and outcomes.

Judicial Settlement Conferences in Divorce: How They Work

What happens at a judicial settlement conference, how judges push settlement, and preparation tips.