Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Mediation is a voluntary process that requires both partners participation and consent. If one partner is uncertain, a free initial consultation is a good way to explore the process together before committing.

Mediation sessions are typically two hours. We've found this to be the optimal length, long enough to make meaningful progress, short enough to keep both parties focused and emotionally present for the decisions that matter most. Longer sessions can lead to fatigue and diminished judgment at exactly the moments that require clarity.

The initial individual sessions, where Dr. Jones meets separately with each party before the joint process begins, are one hour each. These are designed to be focused and efficient, giving each person the space to share their perspective and prepare for the work ahead

The length of the mediation process depends on the complexity of your situation and the issues involved. The following reflects averages for full divorce mediation.

For couples without minor children (under 18), the process typically involves two one-hour individual sessions, where Dr. Jones meets separately with each party, followed by three two-hour collaborative sessions where both parties work together to reach agreement.

For couples with children, the process typically involves the same two individual sessions, followed by four two-hour collaborative sessions to address the additional complexity of parenting arrangements, custody, and child-related financial decisions.

For couples choosing Child-Inclusive Mediation, the child consultation process generally adds approximately two additional hours per child to the overall engagement. This time is separate from the joint sessions and is dedicated entirely to understanding your child's experience and needs.

It's worth noting that these are averages. Some families move through the process more quickly; others benefit from additional sessions to work through complex financial or parenting issues. Dr. Jones will give you a realistic picture of what to expect during your free initial consultation before any commitment is made.

The agreements reached in mediation are documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This is designed to be reviewed by your attorneys and submitted to court for approval, at which point it becomes legally binding.

Our services are flat-fee based. These flat fees vary depending on the scope of the engagement. A free 30-minute initial consultation is available to discuss your situation and provide the cost based on your needs. Mediation is almost always significantly less expensive than attorney-led negotiation.

Child-inclusive mediation adds a specialized step to the standard mediation process: a private, age-appropriate consultation between our Child-Inclusive mediator and your child. The insights from that conversation are then brought into the mediation sessions to inform parenting decisions. Regular mediation with couple with children will always be child driven, but this process allows for more intentional and thoughtful decision making in regard to what is in the best interest of your children.

Dr. Jones meets with your child in a child-friendly, relaxed setting for approximately one 120 minute session or two 60 minute sessions (depending on age). Children are never asked to choose between parents or make adult decisions. Dr. Jones uses clinical training and specialized child-inclusive techniques to understand your child's experience and needs.

Most families complete child-inclusive mediation in 2 one hour sessions and 4 two hour sessions, but can vary depending on complexity. A parenting-plan-only engagement is generally shorter. Dr. Jones will give you the flat fee based on your needs after the initial consultation.