News & Events

John Shea quoted in "What is Mediation in Divorce," The Balance

01/19/2023

Typically, mediation covers a wide range of disputes, according to attorney John Shea, who spoke with The Balance by email. Dispute areas include:

  • Custody
  • Parenting schedules
  • Division of assets (real estate, personal property, etc.)
  • Child support
  • Alimony
  • Retirement benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance

You may even be able to resolve your issues in your first session with the mediator. Once you’ve reached your resolution, it takes around two weeks for your mediator to draft a settlement agreement and send it to you and your spouse. This phase of the mediation process is known as “pre-suit mediation”—you’re trying to work things out before going to trial. Once you and your spouse have the agreement, you’ll meet for a final mediation session to sign the agreement and related court documents.