Couples preparing for divorce in New Jersey may decide to work together instead of fighting in family court. Mediation can be much more amicable than litigation. It can also potentially be faster than waiting for a hearing in front of a family law judge.
Of course, mediation only speeds up the divorce timeline if the process is successful. Not all couples who mediate their disagreements reach an agreement and pursue uncontested divorces. Some couples have to return for multiple mediation sessions. Others may eventually realize mediation isn’t the best option for them.
How many mediation sessions do people typically need to attend before they resolve their divorce disagreements?
Multiple sessions may be necessary
Some couples only have a few details to address in mediation. They may agree on many of the biggest issues but may need to settle a few outstanding disagreements. In such cases, it is sometimes possible to settle any lingering disputes in a single mediation session.
Divorce mediation sessions often last multiple hours depending on the schedules of the professionals and spouses involved. If they do not resolve everything in an initial mediation session, which is common, then they can schedule follow-up sessions.
Couples may require between two and four mediation sessions to adequately address their disagreements. Particularly when emotions run high or when the sessions are shorter due to scheduling constraints, spouses may need to accept the possibility of multiple sessions before they reach an agreement.
Mediation is not always immediately successful, but spouses can work out compromises if they both approach the process in good faith. Having information about the divorce mediation process and support throughout mediation can help people push for reasonable outcomes in difficult situations.