how it works
Our Mediation Process
Initial appointment
During the first hour, clients meet with their mediator together and review the basics of mediation. Each client will meet individually with the mediator for about 15 minutes during that first hour. At the end of the hour clients may choose to continue into the second hour, initiating the beginning of paid time. In the second hour, clients and their mediator discuss next steps, homework items, and build a comprehensive agenda for their work together.
Collect financial documents
The mediator will ask their client questions about their assets and debts. Once the client and mediator have determined what financial documents need to be collected, the client will upload the financial records to the mediation portal for all parties to review.
Reflect on co-parenting
Mediation can be especially well suited to address the issues and concerns around children and future parenting relationships. Clients can prepare for mediation using the parenting issues and decisions worksheet provided to them in their initial appointment.
Attend required parent education class
There are special issues for parents who are separating and their children. Because of some of these concerns, the State of Oregon requires parents to file a Parenting Plan when they are filing for divorce or for a custody order. There is also a requirement for all parents to attend a parent education class. Parent education certificates of completion must be filed with the rest of the court paperwork.
Complete mediation process
The clients and mediator meet as many times as is necessary, depending on the complexity of the situation. Clients may choose to meet with outside professionals and bring that expertise into mediation.
Clients will be led through an interest-based negotiation process grounded in each person’s values, priorities, and goals.
The mediator tracks the progress the clients make and posts summary notes and homework items to the client portal at the end of each session.
Final agreement
The mediator will draft the client’s final mediated agreement. Clients will have multiple opportunities to review and edit this document. The mediated settlement agreement is not considered a final agreement until it is signed by all parties. If parties are filing paperwork with the court, the signed mediated settlement is attached to the court paperwork.
Preparation and filing of legal paperwork
Clients can choose to have us complete and file their legal documents. They can also choose to have their own attorneys file their paperwork.
Judgment signed by a judge
A judge must approve an agreement before your parenting plan or divorce is finalized. Clients are notified once this happens.
QDRO’s (if applicable)
If parties have decided to divide a retirement account or pension they will need to file a qualified domestic relations order once their judgment has been signed by the judge and entered into the court record. QDRO’s must be prepared by a specialized attorney. The mediator will help facilitate this process.