Frequently asked questions

Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps individuals resolve family-related issues — like parenting arrangements, support, and property division — without going to court.

- Parenting time and parental decision-making - Child and/or spousal support - Division of property and debts - Holiday and travel arrangements - Mobility and relocation - Extended family contact (e.g., grandparents) - Communication and co-parenting plans

It is cost-effective, quicker than court, confidential, non-adversarial, child-focused, and empowers the parties to control the outcome rather than a judge.

Mediation results in a memorandum of understanding, which is not a binding contract. A lawyer can convert your agreement into a domestic contract (separation agreement) or consent court order.

While having a lawyer present during mediation is not required, it is highly recommended that you seek independent legal advice before, during, and after the process. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, review proposed terms, and ensure that any agreed-upon terms are properly drafted into a formal agreement. Mediators cannot provide legal advice.

Yes. Notify us beforehand so we can coordinate.

Yes. Discussions cannot be used in court except where disclosure is required by law or where both parties agree to share information.

Participation is voluntary; you may withdraw at any time.

Yes. Cooperation is essential.

Full and honest financial disclosure is necessary for fair support or property discussions.

Contact Forward Family Mediation to Book Your Free introductory Call and complete our intake forms.

Cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, intimidation, or lack of good faith may not be suitable. We screen every file for safety.

Closed mediation keeps discussions confidential and the mediator cannot be called to testify. Open mediation allows a written summary to be shared in court if both parties agree.

Forward Family Mediation can take the terms you reach in mediation and prepare a neutral, administrative first-draft document that organizes your agreement in a separation-agreement format. This is not a final or legally binding separation agreement. Each party must take this draft to their own lawyer for Independent Legal Advice (ILA), legal drafting, and finalization before signing.

Yes — if your divorce is uncontested and you have already resolved parenting, support, and property issues, Forward Family Mediation can provide administrative support. This includes helping you understand which forms are typically required, organizing the information needed to complete them, and giving you a step-by-step guide for filing. All documents must be reviewed and finalized by your own lawyer before they are filed with the court.