Unless you have a signed agreement, you must complete mediation. You and your partner must agree on a certified family court mediator in your area. Certified mediators are usually attorneys or retired judges. They charge by the hour for their services, and you will be required to pay for half. Lawyers and judges are great mediators but are costly. Some mediation centers around the state offer low cost or sliding scale mediations.

What to Expect During Mediation You will be in a separate room from the other party and will not have to speak directly to them at any point; Mediations last between 2 – 4 hours; You will receive paperwork at the end: either a signed agreement or a statement of participation; The paperwork you receive from the mediator must be shown to the judge at your Final Hearing.