faq about divorce mediation in indiana

Mediation is a structured, confidential process that helps divorcing spouses make decisions about finances, parenting, and future plans without going to court. A neutral mediator guides productive conversations, keeps discussions focused, and allows parties to reach settlement agreements they both understand and accept, rather than having outcomes imposed by a judge.

In Court, decisions are ultimately made by the Judge, which means you lose control over the outcome. The process can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining. Mediation, on the other hand, allows you to maintain control over your decisions. It's a collaborative process where we'll work together to create solutions that work for both of you rather than having a decision imposed upon you by someone else.

The most common alternative to mediation is to work with two separate lawyers to handle negotiations; this is much more expensive. Mediation is generally faster, less formal, and more affordable. The hourly fees of mediators typically are lower than those of lawyers. Litigious approaches to divorce also involve a lot of time, including costly procedural actions (e.g., filing declarations and motions, depositions, discovery, back-and-forth communications between the lawyers, etc.), whereas mediation is very straightforward. The Agreement that emerges from mediation can be incorporated into a Court order. 

Mediation promotes better relationships through cooperation, creative problem-solving, and improved communication. Divorce mediation allows you both to work together at your own pace and reach fair solutions, which is an empowering way to navigate this difficult time.

The mediation process begins with a free initial consultation, during which we discuss your situation, answer your questions, and determine whether mediation is the right fit for your family. If you choose to move forward, clients complete a brief intake form that provides essential background information and allows mediation paperwork to begin.

A retainer is then submitted to secure my availability and ongoing services throughout the mediation process. Then we’ll schedule an in-person or virtual mediation session. Most couples participate in joint sessions; however, in certain situations, individual sessions are more effective.

You can expect a safe, confidential, and neutral environment during our divorce mediation sessions where we can have honest conversations without the pressure of a courtroom. You'll each have the chance to express your concerns, priorities, and goals, and we'll work together to find common ground. No decisions are made without both of you having input. We'll break things down into manageable discussions, and you'll have time to review every item and ensure you're comfortable with the outcomes. 

Throughout this process, I'll be here to keep things respectful, guide the conversation, and offer suggestions, but the decisions are entirely in your hands. My purpose is to make this process as smooth as possible and help you both move forward in a way that feels fair and balanced for everyone involved. Think of me as your clarity guide when life feels legally, financially, and emotionally overwhelming.

Together, we will:

• Identify matters that need to be resolved;

• Prioritize the issues and focus on one at a time;

• Discuss possible solutions;

• Come to an agreement about parenting plans, financials, and other key matters;

• Draft, review, and sign a final agreement.

Indiana law requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period applies statewide and is intended to allow time for reflection, resolution, and, when appropriate, settlement.

In many Indiana counties, when divorce-related issues are disputed, courts require or strongly encourage parties to attempt mediation before a judge will conduct a contested hearing. This creates an opportunity to resolve matters efficiently and outside the courtroom.

Mediation can be especially effective during the waiting period. When agreements are reached through mediation, settlement documents may be submitted to the court once the 60-day period has passed. In many cases, this allows the divorce to be finalized without a contested final hearing. The judge reviews the agreement, enters the decree, and the divorce is concluded.

While every case is different, mediation often helps couples move through the process more efficiently, with greater clarity and less conflict.

Mediation offers a more thoughtful and empowering way to navigate divorce. Rather than placing life-shaping decisions in the hands of a judge, mediation allows you to remain in control of the outcomes that affect your future. This means crafting solutions that reflect your specific needs—whether that involves dividing assets, creating parenting plans, or addressing other important matters.

Mediation is also significantly more cost-effective than traditional litigation. While litigated divorces in Indiana can vary widely in cost—often reaching tens of thousands of dollars—mediation typically requires a fraction of that investment, depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of conflict involved. For many families, this financial efficiency reduces stress and preserves resources for the next chapter of life.

Perhaps most importantly, mediation supports healthier communication and long-term stability. This is especially valuable for parents who will continue co-parenting after divorce. The process encourages cooperation, understanding, and problem-solving rather than conflict and division. Agreements reached through mediation are often more durable because they are created collaboratively—by the people who will live with them.

Ultimately, mediation helps couples move forward with clarity, dignity, and a sense of resolution, creating a stronger foundation for what comes next.

I help divorcing couples make thoughtful decisions with clarity and confidence. Think of me as your clarity guide when life feels legally, financially, and emotionally overwhelming.

My approach is neutral, structured, and solution-focused. I guide productive conversations, help reduce conflict, and support meaningful problem-solving so both parties can move forward with understanding and intention.

As your mediator, my role is to facilitate constructive dialogue, ensure both voices are heard, and help you work toward agreements that reflect your unique circumstances. I’ll guide you through the decisions that need to be made—whether dividing assets, creating co-parenting plans, or addressing other important issues—within a collaborative, not combative, process.

The goal is not to “win,” but to reach fair, workable agreements that allow you to move into the next chapter of your life with clarity, stability, and peace.

In most Indiana counties, disputed divorce issues must be submitted to mediation before the Family Court Judge will hold a formal hearing.

We can schedule an initial consultation as soon as the parties agree to try to resolve their disputes outside of Court. Mediation early on can save the parties thousands of dollars and minimize long-term distress.

The number of mediation sessions varies from case to case. It depends on several factors, including the number of issues involved, their complexity, and each party’s ability and willingness to participate in the process in good faith.

Some couples can reach agreements quickly, while others benefit from additional time and structure. A comprehensive divorce mediation typically takes between two and eight sessions, though some cases may require more. The process is designed to move at a pace that supports thoughtful decision-making rather than rushed outcomes.

Throughout mediation, the focus remains on efficiency, clarity, and productive progress, so sessions are used intentionally and with clear goals in mind.

You are not required to have an attorney to participate in mediation. Many couples successfully complete the mediation process without legal representation. That said, attorneys are always welcome to join if you choose to retain one, and some clients prefer to consult with an attorney alongside mediation for additional guidance.

My role as a mediator is neutral and non-adversarial. I do not represent either party, provide legal advice, or advocate for one outcome over another. Instead, I facilitate productive conversations, help organize issues, and guide the process so decisions can be made thoughtfully and collaboratively.

While I do not offer legal advice, I will provide general information on Indiana law, local court procedures, and available resources to help you make informed decisions. If any legal questions arise, I encourage the parties to consult an attorney of their choosing. Many attorneys appreciate mediation as a way to resolve issues efficiently and outside the courtroom.

No method of conflict resolution is successful in every case. That said, mediation has consistently higher success rates than litigation, in large part because both parties participate directly in shaping the outcome rather than having a judge impose a decision.

Successful mediation depends on a willingness to engage in the process in good faith and a shared goal of resolving issues constructively. When those conditions are present, mediation often leads to meaningful, lasting agreements.

Even when all issues cannot be resolved, mediation is not wasted. In many cases, parties can reach an agreement on some matters. These agreements can be documented in a partial settlement and submitted to the court, reducing the scope of any remaining disputes. This approach saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes unnecessary stress as the case progresses.

During our initial phone consultation, we’ll discuss what to expect, what to bring to mediation, and the topics you’ll want to be prepared to discuss. My goal is to help you feel informed and supported from the very beginning.

Before mediation begins, it’s helpful—if possible—to gather a general snapshot of your financial picture. This may include recent income information, an overview of assets and debts, and basic household expenses. While complete documentation is not required at the outset, having a broad understanding of your finances helps the process move more efficiently and allows for more productive discussions. Additional information can always be gathered as needed throughout mediation.

A $1,000 retainer is required before the first mediation session. This secures my availability and allows the process to move forward in a structured and organized manner.

You do not need to have everything figured out before mediation begins. Preparation is a gradual process, and guidance will be provided at each step.

I offer a complimentary initial phone consultation so you can ask questions, understand the process, and determine whether mediation is the right fit before making any commitment.

The total cost of divorce mediation varies depending on the complexity of the issues involved, the number of sessions needed, and the level of conflict between the parties. In many cases, divorce mediation ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, though each situation is unique.

My mediation rate is $175 per hour. A $1,000 retainer is required before our first mediation session. Retainer funds are applied toward mediation services as they are provided.

Parties generally share the cost of mediation equally (50/50), unless a different arrangement is agreed upon in advance. This shared investment often reinforces collaboration and encourages efficient, good-faith participation in the process.