Divorce mediation

A structured process for divorce-related decisions.

Divorce mediation gives spouses, parents, and attorneys a neutral setting to identify issues, exchange information, discuss options, and work toward agreements where agreement is possible.

You do not need to have every issue settled before mediation begins. Mediation exists because people disagree and still need a workable way to make decisions. The mediator organizes the process; the participants decide whether to agree.

When it may fit

Divorce mediation may be appropriate when decisions need structure.

Mediation may help when spouses need to narrow disputed issues, discuss settlement options, organize financial or parenting questions, or work with attorneys toward a partial or complete resolution.

The process may occur before filing, during a pending divorce, after information has been exchanged, or when a later dispute requires a new conversation. HMC reviews each inquiry for conflicts, role concerns, timing, participant information, and general appropriateness before scheduling.

Issues commonly discussed

Divorce mediation can address financial, property, support, and parenting-related issues.

Property and debt

Marital property, debts, household goods, vehicles, accounts, real estate, and other financial issues may need organized discussion and information exchange.

Support and maintenance

Child support, maintenance, income information, budgets, and practical payment structures may be part of the mediation conversation. The mediator keeps the discussion structured while legal advice remains separate.

Parenting overlap

When divorce involves children, parenting schedules, decision-making, communication, and child-related arrangements may need to be discussed alongside financial issues.

Parenting and custody mediation

Attorney involvement

Divorce mediation can work with represented or self-represented participants.

Participants may consult independent attorneys before, during, or after mediation. When attorneys are involved, mediation can support preparation, option development, and settlement discussion while respecting the attorney-client relationship.

Attorneys looking for referral and scheduling information can reviewmediation for attorneys and represented parties. Visitors comparing service options can return to themediation services hub.

Possible outcomes

Resolution can be complete, partial, continued, or not reached.

Mediation does not guarantee agreement. Sometimes participants resolve all issues. Sometimes they resolve some issues, identify missing information, schedule another session, or determine that unresolved questions need another process.

Reaching agreement in mediation may be an important step, but the legal effect of any agreement depends on the matter, applicable law, court requirements, signatures, attorney review, and the documents ultimately prepared.

Next step

Start a divorce mediation inquiry.

Provide basic information about the participants, attorneys, filed case status, main issue categories, and any deadlines. Avoid submitting highly sensitive details through the general form.

Start a Mediation Inquiry