What is a Certified Divorce Mediator?

Certified Divorce Mediators are trained to support divorcing spouses with fair and equitable distribution of assets, finances, and matters relating to custody and child visitation, having completed a 33.5 hour program designed by attorney Susan Deveney, an licensed attorney in the state of Rhode Island with over two decades of experience mediating divorce cases in and out of the courtroom.  All certified Divorce Mediators are trained to support spouses who have chosen a route of divorce in navigating the areas of self-advocacy, empowerment in communication, un-biased participation, listening, and critical thinking skills in working through issues involved in their divorce.

Is mediation right for you?

If you and your spouse answer yes to the questions below, it is likely for you to have a positive and successful experience with mediation.

• Are both parties in agreement that they are ready to proceed with obtaining a divorce?

• Are you and your spouse willing and able to have negotiable conversations about the fair and equitable division of your marital assets?

• Are you wanting to be more financially conservative by staying out of costly and lengthy litigation?

• Are both parties willing to be frank and open about their financial situation including assets, investments, liquid cash, etc.?

• Are both parties willing and able to have a fair exchange of terms with regard to custody?

• Are you and your spouse looking to have a say on the terms of your divorce without having matters being determined by a judge?

How does Mediation work?

In mediation, a third (neutral) party supports couples in the decision-making process in the resolution of the following areas (although not limited to):

1. Fair and Equitable distribution of property and finances (assets, investments, keepsakes, etc)

2. Child/Custody Parenting with Fair and Equitable division of time

3. Child/Spousal Support

It is the hope and intent with mediation procedures, that there are more expeditious and agreeable decision-making outcomes.  It should be noted that reaching an agreement is sometimes met more quickly and with less resistance and thus there may be areas that require greater communication and a willingness for malleability.  Mediators can aid in the bridging of dialogue to help a couple reach an agreement.

Mediation is a voluntary option that can be concluded at the discretion of the client (and in rare instances, the mediator).  Opening a free exchange between parting spouses supports a calm negotiation of the terms of the divorce.  An additional positive of mediation is the sense of confidentiality.  Mediation is not available for public record, thus allowing the terms of the divorce to remain between the couple.

Mediation also can provide fair and effective terms for custody of minor children and the maintenance of support for said children.

There is a greater tendency in mediation for couples to walk away feeling as though they were able to retain or obtain what it is they wanted from the divorce while doing so on their own terms with far less discord amongst the parties.

What can be expected at the first appointment?

Both spouses must be present at intake and return the Mediation Consent form at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. The appointment cannot take place if both spouses do not attend. During this appointment a further in-depth review of mediation services will be discussed, an overview of limitations (both legal and therapeutic), completion of a cost analysis, explanation of documents provided when mediation has concluded, as well as time to review questions by both spouses.

The intake appointment is scheduled for two hours at the rate of $250 per hour. Please note a credit card is required to be kept on file at the time of scheduling the intake appointment. The card on file can be updated at the time of the appointment if parties wish to use another card as a form of payment for the intake session. The form of payment used must be agreed upon by both spouses prior to attending the appointment.