What to expect from mediation

Every mediation is different — and that's by design. The process adapts to the people and the situation, not the other way around.

Before the session

For half-day and full-day mediations, each party has the opportunity to meet with me individually a day or two before the scheduled session. This is your opportunity to share your goals, ask questions, and get comfortable before we bring everyone together. There's no pressure and no judgment — just a chance to be heard before the work starts.

During the session

During the session itself, we will begin wherever it makes sense for the people involved. If everyone is comfortable being in the same space, we usually start that way — and often stay that way throughout. If there are concerns about being in the same space, or if either party simply prefers it, we keep the parties separate. Most mediations take place over Zoom, which makes this easy and removes the stress of having to be in the same room. Throughout the session, I may also speak with each party privately, or in some cases with attorneys separately, depending on what the moment calls for. The process is conversational and structured — part of my job is to keep things moving and make sure everyone feels safe enough to do the real work.

How long does mediation take?

Sessions are booked in blocks of time — two hours, four hours, or a full day — depending on the complexity of what needs to be resolved. A two-hour session works well when parties have already reached agreement and simply need a written, legally binding document. More complex situations, like a full divorce settlement, often benefit from a half-day or full-day session. If you're not sure how much time you need, we can talk through that before you book.

What do you leave with?

What you leave with depends on your situation. If your agreement needs to be filed with a court — a divorce settlement, a custody arrangement, a lawsuit resolution — you'll leave with a signed Mediated Settlement Agreement, or MSA. An MSA is a legally binding document, and judges are highly unlikely to override one. That makes it one of the most powerful tools available for people who want to make their own decisions rather than leave them to a judge — especially when those decisions fall outside what a court might typically order on its own.

For situations that don't involve court filings, such as siblings working out a plan for a parent's care, you may leave with a written Memorandum of Understanding, or simply a clear verbal agreement you've both committed to. If you want that agreement to carry legal weight, I will direct you to have an attorney formalize it.

Ready to take the first step?

You don't need to have all the answers; simply wanting to resolve the conflict while preserving what matters most is enough.

Mediation is voluntary — no one is required to reach an agreement, and nothing is promised. You remain in control of the outcome from beginning to end.

Call, text, or email your questions or to set up a free consultation. We can discuss your situation and whether mediation might be a path forward for you.

📞 Call or text: 713.714.0215

✉️ info@feelunburdened.com

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