Mediation

What Kinds of Issues Can Be Mediated?

The following issues are commonly addressed through mediation:

What Documents Do Mediators Prepare?

• To the extent requested by the parties, the Mediator will draft a Memorandum of Understanding of a Separation Agreement or Parenting Plan that can be signed and submitted to the Court to obtain a Decree of Dissolution or to modify an existing Decree.
• If requested by the parties, the Mediator will draft a Memorandum of Progress to remind the participants of matters discussed during mediation session.

Preparation Tips for Divorce Mediation:

• Consult an attorney to learn about your legal rights.  Many attorneys are willing to provide advice without representing you in the case. You may participate in mediation whether or not you are represented by an attorney.
• Review the paperwork required for dissolution of marriage.  If you plan to pursue the divorce without representation by an attorney, contact the clerk of the court to find out how you can purchase a pro se divorce packet.  The required forms are also available online.  To review the forms online, click here. http://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/SubCategory.cfm?Category=Domestic
• Start to familiarize yourself with tax considerations.  For more information, click here www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p504.pdf to review IRS Publication 504.
• Begin working on your Sworn Financial Statement.  This will help you think through financial issues.
• Speak respectfully to each other and about each other in the presence of your children.

Mediation-Arbitration

Mediation-Arbitration is most commonly used as a method of conflict resolution after divorce. In this process, the parties agree that if they cannot resolve specific issues through the mediation process, the Med-Arbiter will make decisions on those specific issues and prepare a written award for submission to the court. The process is set forth in a specific Mediation-Arbitration Agreement.