What is mediation and how does it work?

Mediation is a confidential process and is required by Utah courts in divorce cases. Parties must attend mediation at least once prior to trial. It is a forum where you, your spouse, attorneys, and a neutral mediator meet in an attempt to reach a settlement, whether temporary or permanent. This allows the parties to reach an agreement that caters to their family’s particular needs rather than having a judge dictate the division of the marital estate and what custody will be. Most mediators have the parties and their attorneys in separate rooms. This helps to remove some of the possible contention and allows each party their own space to negotiate terms of settlement with their attorney.