Frequently Asked Questions

Mediation is like having a neutral referee for a conversation. It’s a process where two or more parties with a disagreement come together to talk things out with the help of a mediator. The mediator is a neutral third party that is there to help facilitate discussions and ensure that you reach a fair agreement.

The mediation process is a peaceful, informal way to resolve conflicts without the stress of going to court. Think of it as a way to solve problems by talking it out – no drama, just productive chats and better outcomes!

Mediation works best for couples who are open to communication and want to reach mutually beneficial solutions together. It’s ideal for those who can negotiate in good faith and are ready to compromise, even if there are some difficult issues involved. Whether you’re in a high-conflict situation or just need help sorting out the details, mediation can help you get through it smoothly.

Compass Mediation Services LLC provides mediation to families regardless if a couple if married or not. Custody and child support issues can be discussed no matter if a mother is a Ms. or a Mrs.

Mediation is generally much more affordable than going to court. It saves you on legal fees, court costs, and the emotional toll of a lengthy trial. Plus, many mediators offer flexible payment plans, so you can find something that fits your budget.

The cost of mediation can also vary depending on the mediator’s experience and the complexity of your case. For more details on Compass Mediation Services’ fees, please see our fee policy.

On average, the cost of a contested divorce in NY state that involves litigation (depending on the complexity of the issues) can range from $15,000 to $50,000 (or more). The average cost of divorce mediation (again, depending on the complexity of the issues) can range anywhere between $1,500 to $7,000.

Typically, both parties share the cost of mediation, but it’s totally negotiable! If you and your spouse can’t agree on who will pay, a mediator can help work out a fair arrangement.

Mediation is usually faster than going to court! It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few sessions, depending on how complex your issues are. On average, most couples can reach an agreement in about 2 to 4 sessions. The best part? It’s a flexible process that works at your pace! Lauren will work with you to organize the issues and each session is an hour long.

Great question! Come with an open mind and a willingness to listen. It’s helpful to have a clear idea of what you want out of the process, but be ready to compromise. Also, you’ll want to bring anything relevant to your case, such as financial documents (like tax returns or pay stubs), property deeds, and any records about custody arrangements or support. Having this info ready will make the process smoother and more efficient.

We offer virtual mediation sessions using Microsoft Teams.

For a family member, yes you can! It’s totally your choice. Some people like to have a family member there for support, but others prefer to go solo. That family member will need to stay quiet, however, and not interfere in the sessions.

While I believe both parties should seek the advice of an attorney before, during, and after mediation, I do not permit attorneys to attend mediation sessions.

A divorce mediator acts like a neutral guide who helps you and your spouse communicate, understand each other’s points of view, and find common ground. They don’t take sides but instead help facilitate discussions and ensure that you reach a fair agreement. Think of them as your peacekeeper with a legal twist!

Yes, mediation is 100% confidential! What you talk about in mediation stays in mediation. This helps create a safe space for open communication, where you can work through issues without worrying about it coming up in court or elsewhere.

Be honest and explain why it’s a good idea. Let them know it’s a chance to resolve things peacefully without a courtroom battle. Frame it as a way to work together and avoid the added stress of a drawn-out divorce. It’s all about making it sound like a win-win!

Mediation is voluntary, so you can’t force anyone into it. But don’t panic! You can encourage them by explaining how it could save time, money, and stress compared to a lengthy court battle. You can also speak with a mediator to explore your options, even if your spouse is hesitant. Compass Mediation Services offers a free 20 minute consultation for just this reason.

Yep! Mediation can handle those situations, too. If you have a complex financial situation, a mediator will help guide the discussion to make sure all assets and liabilities are fairly considered. It’s an excellent way to sort through the details without getting bogged down in a courtroom battle. If needed, a financial expert can come into the sessions as a neutral third party to assist.

Absolutely! You don’t have to wait until everything’s finalized to mediate. In fact, many couples use mediation to settle issues during the divorce process, like asset division, custody, or spousal support. It can actually speed up the divorce process and help avoid a long, drawn out court battle.

Definitely! Mediation is super effective for resolving child custody, visitation schedules, and spousal support. The mediator will help both parties talk through these issues and come up with a fair, mutually agreed-upon solution that focuses on what’s best for everyone involved, especially the kids.

Mediation can be a helpful tool, but it depends on the situation. If there’s a history of abuse, it may not be the right choice, as it requires both parties to communicate openly and fairly. In such cases, the safety and well-being of the parties involved must come first, so it’s important to consider other options like legal protection or separate legal representation.