Divorce peacefully by agreement

A more peaceful divorce is possible using divorce mediation. Spouses divorce by agreement with help from one mediator, instead of hiring two lawyers to fight. In Pennsylvania, husbands and wives who choose a mediation divorce may divorce without setting foot in court.

About 9 in 10 couples who try divorce mediation reach agreement on divorce matters that otherwise would be decided by a court:

• marital property distribution,
• spousal support,
• alimony,
• child support,
• child custody,
• divorce decree.

Spouses discuss and decide divorce terms together, with help from an experienced mediator. During meetings with both spouses, a divorce mediator can provide:

• legal information,
• tax information,
• parenting information,
• financial information.

This helps each spouse make informed decisions for themselves and their family. A divorce mediator who is an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania can further assist by:

• Drafting Pennsylvania legal documents (postnuptial agreement, deed, court order dividing retirement plan, etc.),
• Filing a Pennsylvania no-fault divorce pleading to get a mutual consent divorce decree.

Because a mediation divorce can be handled by one  attorney, the overall cost of a mediation divorce typically is less than hiring two  lawyers to fight in court.

Divorce mediation for a peaceful divorce

Most spouses I work with want a peaceful divorce. They want to divorce without the drama that comes with fighting in court. Many want to keep—or build—positive relationships despite their divorce. If parents, they want to provide a peaceful and supportive environment for each child.

Spouses can have a peaceful divorce with divorce mediation. In a mediation divorce, a mediator will:

• Help you and your spouse calmly  discuss and decide important divorce topics.
• Work in an impartial  manner—never picking sides or favoring one spouse over the other.
• Treat both spouses with kindness.

Unlike divorce attorneys who fight in court, a divorce mediator is:

• Committed to helping you reach an out-of-court agreement to divorce.
• Supportive of cooperation, compassion and friendship between spouses.
• Eager to help you communicate peacefully and effectively as you divorce.

Working together we can make your Pennsylvania divorce peaceful—as peaceful as possible.

Benefits of divorce mediation

A mediation divorce can benefit spouses and families in many ways:

• Costs less than other ways to divorce: Sharing the fees of a divorce mediator costs less—often thousands of dollars less—than other ways to divorce. How much does a mediation divorce cost?
• Resolves matters promptly:  In divorce mediation you may discuss and decide divorce terms within days, sign legal agreements within weeks, and get a divorce decree within months. Learn more about how much time a divorce mediation case takes.

After mediation, many spouses say they are glad they were able to choose the "high road" of dignity, respect and peace for their divorce.

Is divorce mediation right for your Pennsylvania divorce?

Consider sharing this website with your spouse. If both of you are interested in divorce mediation, the next step is to schedule a divorce mediation consultation with Dann Johns, Divorce Mediator & Attorney.

• Content updated 2018-09-10
• Copyright © 2010-2018, Dann Johns, All Rights Reserved.