Questions:

• What is divorce mediation, and how is it different from arbitration?
• Why is mediation better than going to a lawyer -- or is it?
• What is the difference between court-ordered mediation and private mediation?
• How do mediating spouses protect their legal rights?
• Does the mediator meet with both spouses together or separately?
• How much does mediation cost?
• How long does mediation take?
• How can a divorcing couple find a good mediator?

Answer:

How can a divorcing couple find a good mediator?

Personal referrals are usually the best way to find any professional, including a mediator. But because mediation is a relatively new field, personal referrals may not be possible. In that case, divorcing couples may need to do a little research.

Further Information

For helpful chapters on finding and evaluating mediators, see Divorce Without Court: A Guide to Mediation & Collaborative Divorce, by Katherine E. Stoner (Nolo).