Divorce Mediation
No one gets married with the intention of getting a divorce. No matter how long or short your marriage, at one time you loved and respected each other. Mediation is a way to help you end your marriage with the same respect and love that was present when it began. This is especially important if you have children whose lives will change with this event.
Mediation is a less complicated process and usually much less expensive than litigation. You and your spouse agree to explore mediation and one of you calls a mediator. Couples usually only need a few sessions; this will vary depending on the complications of your property/debts. You will be charged only for the time you are actually in session and for the mediator to draw up a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement can cover such things as a Parenting Plan, Financial Support of the family, division of property/debt and any other considerations determined by your family.
The Memorandum of Understanding is equivalent to a Property Settlement Agreement. This document belongs to you and you can file it with the court yourselves, or hire an attorney to file an uncontested divorce. That requires only one attorney and will be less costly. However, we recommend that each party have his/her own attorney to look over the agreement.
- 01Mediation is an opportunity to build a custom plan for the future of your family. You know your children and how your family works together. Your plan, established in mediation, can address specific customs and needs that are unique to your family, especially your children. During mediation parents will establish a plan for spending time with the child(ren) and explore a new co-parenting relationship with each other. The parenting plan will indicate how decisions regarding the children will be made in the future and how the hopes and dreams for your child(ren) can be accomplished as the family restructures. Support for the child(ren) can be determined according the Virginia Child Support Guidelines. The mediator guides the discussion and ensures that all issues are discussed but does not provide financial or legal advice. Last Call Mediation believes that mediation participants have answers and solutions within themselves. Mediation is a safe place to bring issues and challenges and present ideas for the future of the family.