Divorce Mediation
Reduce the stigma behind separation
Divorce is a difficult decision, often bringing stress and strain to families. Divorce mediation can help open the lines of communication with a safe and private space for resolving differences. At Perspectives, we will help you come to an agreement with a trusted, neutral, and trained mediator. Pre and post-divorce mediation is a voluntary, private, and confidential process. Perspectives’ aim is to help couples communicate, negotiate, and problem-solve.
Mediating your divorce has many advantages over litigating it (AKA “fighting it out” in court). Divorce mediation can occur before, during, or after a divorce; often helping you save money by avoiding the court litigation process altogether. The mediation process can provide self-determination with the ability to make informed decisions on what is best for your family before it moves to the courtroom, where there is less control over what happens. Judges often order divorcing couples to participate in mediation before going to trial, but you also have the option of mediating on your own before you file for divorce or at any time after.
- Pre-Divorce agreements regarding parenting time, child support, property division, and asset allocation.
- Post- Divorce parenting and support revisions to parenting plans, custody arrangements, and child support.
- Mediation can greatly reduce the cost and can expedite the process through an agreement and development of an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that can be presented to attorneys and the courts.
- Mediation can help families feel more empowered because they are in control of the process and the decisions being made for their families.
Laura Vargas, owner, and director of Perspectives is a trained Divorce Mediator through the Northwestern School of Professional Studies. She also has extensive experience working with high-conflict families in child welfare and Juvenile Court settings.
Memorandum of Understanding
If you have successfully mediated your case, your mediator will prepare a document that’s called a Memorandum of Understanding, often referred to as an MOU by the attorneys involved in your case. The MOU is provided to your attorneys. It is not signed by you or your spouse. It is not a binding agreement.
The time to complete mediation and produce an agreed upon Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) varies based on each couple or family circumstance. Most divorce meditation can generally be completed in 8-10 hours.
The cost per hour including face-to-face time and writing of the MOU is $200.00 per hour.