DIVORCE MEDIATION PROGRAM

WHAT IS DIVORCE MEDIATION:
Divorce Mediation is a less-adversarial process of dissolving a marriage and planning for the future. Once the decision to separate or divorce has been made, mediation provides couples the opportunity to negotiate their own agreements with the help of trained, neutral mediators. Divorce Mediation can assist in these areas:

• Determining parenting plans that are best for child(ren)'s well being
• Making appropriate child and/or spousal support decisions
• Making appropriate decisions about assets and debts, division of property

ACCORD's Mediators have been trained in special aspects of divorce. They do not give legal advice and the people involved should consult with an attorney for answers to legal questions. Mediation is completely voluntary, mediators will not take sides and they will not make decisions for the parties.

WHY MEDIATION:
By personally negotiating the terms of settlements, most mediation participants experience a sense of control over the decisions affecting their lives. They emerge from mediation with dignity, with their past more securely behind them, and with a clearer sense of what the future holds. If the participants have children, they take satisfaction from knowing that they have made decisions based on the best interests of their children and have done all they can to keep the children out of the middle of disputes. Research over the past two decades shows that children survive separation and divorce relatively well if their parents take steps necessary to minimize displays of conflict and the children are encouraged to maintain good relationships with both parents. ACCORD's approach is a child-centered process in which every effort is made to minimize stress on children as well as parents.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The desired outcome of divorce mediation is a written Memorandum of Understanding outlining the details of any and all agreements. The mediators will draft and re-draft this document as necessary until both parties are satisfied that it meets their needs. Both parties are free and encouraged to share drafts with attorneys or accountants or other professionals equipped to help you make informed decisions. Once both parties agree on the document's content, each of you will sign it. Memorandums of Understanding prepared by ACCORD mediators are designed to be suited for inclusion in legal separation and divorce documents that lawyers prepare to meet State requirements.

THE MEDIATORS:
ACCORD's divorce mediators have all completed at least 40 hours of basic mediation training, 15 hours of specialized custody and visitation and child support training and at least 21 hours of specialized divorce mediation training conducted by a trainers certified by the Unified Court System. They have undergone periods of observation and apprenticeship prior to accruing years of mediation experience. They are also required to complete at least 6 hours of continuing education annually. The mediators have been trained in special aspects of divorce issues and are skilled at ensuring that both parties' views are heard and understood.

FEE FOR SERVICE:
ACCORD's Divorce Mediation fee is an hourly rate per couple and is determined using a sliding scale based on the combined gross income of the couple. Mediation is typically completed in three to six sessions; the average length of each session is 90 minutes. Fees range from $80.00 to $120.00 per hour, per couple.

HOW TO GET STARTED:
If mediation sounds like a good approach for you, call ACCORD to arrange an initial interview with the Program Coordinator. At your first meeting, the coordinator will talk with both of you about your situation and goals. You will learn specifics about the process and the coordinator will help you determine the types of information you need to assemble to be prepared for mediation. This first meeting can be very useful even if parties decide not to pursue mediation. It offers a framework for moving forward and will give parties opportunity to ask questions about the process. If both parties are willing to continue, mediators are assigned and a mediation session will be scheduled.

For more information about our Divorce Mediation program, contact Robin Condon at (607) 724-5153, extension 107.