Mediation is a process in which the parties to a dispute employ a neutral facilitator to assist in resolving matters by agreement, rather than in court. In Minnesota, it is generally expected that the parties to a family law dispute participate in mediation prior to seeking in put from a district court judge.

Court records are accessible by the public. While not everyone may have access to court information from their computer, one may be able to go to the courthouse to obtain certain documents or pleadings about a particular case. For many parties in family law matters, privacy is important. Whether parties are discussing finances or child

Quick, affordable, and informal, mediation provides an enticing alternative to litigation divorce. That doesn’t make it the right solution for every couple. From abusive relationships to neglectful parenting, a variety of circumstances can make mediation a nightmare. Consider opting for collaboration or litigation instead, if one of these factors applies to your situation:

Your Spouse

Written by Roger Fisher and William L. Ury in 1981, the bestselling book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In has become a go-to resource for working through challenging negotiations. As it turns out, the “getting to yes” methodology can also be very helpful in mediating difficult divorce agreements. Below are some key insights

Once divorce proceedings have begun, procrastinating is one of the worst things you can do. No one particularly wants the headaches of paperwork, lawyer consultation and other details, but it’s a safe bet that your ex is not procrastinating on his or her end, and you don’t want to find yourself at a disadvantage. Here

Blame it on television, movies, or messy celebrity splits — divorce has a reputation for being a contentious, litigation-based affair, with little room for compromise. Those who have not navigated the divorce process may envision couples screaming and yelling at each other in the courtroom as the judge tries in vain to keep the peace.  

Your marriage is ending, and you plan to file for divorce. However, you might be able to avoid a litigated outcome by pursuing mediation. This option provides people with a more private, less expensive and less time-consuming way to separate assets, plan for future financial needs and negotiate terms for child custody and visitation. In

Minnesota orders all couples without a history of spousal abuse to use some type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before taking their case to court. One of the most common and generally successful forms of ADR is mediation. In this process, a neutral third party, known as the mediator, helps the couple work out their

The vast majority of marital dissolution cases settle short of trial, often through mediation. During the mediation process, a neutral third-party will meet with the litigants, and their attorneys, to attempt to find compromise on disputed issues. Topics for discussion often include:

  • Child Custody;
  • Parenting Time;
  • Child Support;
  • Property Valuation;
  • Property Division;
  • Debt Division;
  • Spousal