Divorce Mediation in Milwaukee

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Legally reviewed for accuracy by Attorney Kelly Dodd
The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
Talk to a lawyer today for legal advice

When two people begin the process of getting a divorce in Wisconsin, they can elect
(but sometimes don’t have the choice) one of two ways of working together in order to
ensure an equitable resolution to their divorce — mediation or litigation. This decision
can affect the family dynamic, the level of communication, and how effectively disputes
are resolved.

Divorce mediation is extending an invitation to an entirely neutral, objective third party
to informally, yet confidentially, help two spouses communicate and discuss issues in order
to reach a mutually beneficial divorce agreement without having to enter a courtroom.
This non-adversarial, peaceful, and private process is often described as more amicable,
less stressful, and less expensive for both parties involved.

WHAT IS THE DIVORCE MEDIATION PROCESS NEAR YOU?

Depending on the complexity of your divorce and your schedule’s flexibility, mediation can
take anywhere from three to five days to three to five months and requires multiple sessions
between you, your spouse, and your mediator, who helps facilitate, guide, and mediate
productive conversations.

The mediation process typically flows as follows:

1. An introductory meeting will be held to review mediation protocol and each spouse’s goals,
   helping both parties clarify priorities, decide next steps, and begin to agree on the
   structure of the process.
2. The spouses will provide a brief that describes all pertinent information required for
   settlement, including financial matters such as assets and any necessary support
   considerations.
3. Both spouses will enter negotiation sessions with the mediator and negotiate settlement
   terms while working toward a final marital settlement agreement. In some cases, this time
   is used for negotiations, to brainstorm alternative solutions, address conflict, and
   practice compromising in a constructive manner.
4. A final settlement agreement is drafted by our experienced mediators, finalized, signed
   by the parties, and forwarded to the Court.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIVORCE MEDIATION?

In divorce mediation, both partners voluntarily elect to work together outside of the
courtroom, which helps create a balanced, structured, and collaborative approach to
resolving disputes while remaining cost-effective when compared to litigation.

• foster cooperative problem-solving and respectful communication
• create a win-win divorce agreement that is mutually beneficial for each party
  (may not otherwise be available in a litigation context)
• speed up the process, making mediation more efficient than litigation since it
  takes place away from court records
• decrease emotional conflict and reduce the risk of drawn-out disputes that increase costs

But remember, when and whether the case resolves is directly influenced by your ability to
quickly provide accurate, detailed, and complete documentation to your mediator. Mediation
efficiency and success is also dependent on how cooperative and willing you and your spouse
are to support the process and work toward resolution.

Over 95% Success Rate:
Karp & Iancu successfully settles over 95% of mediation cases without the necessity for
either of the two spousal parties to hire their own lawyers—
learn how.

DIVORCE MEDIATION VS DIVORCE LITIGATION

Litigation, in its simplest terms, is the process of taking legal action.
Divorce litigation means that two spouses cannot find agreement outside of the court
to reach equitable settlement terms. The parties engage in a series of court processes
resulting in settlement or a trial. The litigation process can be grueling, impersonal, and
draining for many people due to long waiting periods and the increased financial and
emotional strain that often accompanies court involvement.

Cost of Divorce Mediation Milwaukee

Mediation can be less costly than litigation.
Although cost will vary based on your needs, the starting price for mediation services at Karp & Iancu is
$1,799 per spouse.

Choosing the Right Divorce Mediation Lawyer Near You

When deciding on what approach to take to your divorce, you have options:

DIVORCE MEDIATION

Get a no-obligation mediation consultation and price quote to help uncover the most competitive, affordable flat fee or hourly rate specific to your mediation needs.

Book a mediation consultation.

ALTERNATIVES TO MEDIATION USUALLY INVOLVE LITIGATION

• Option 1: DIY Divorce –
  Learn about how DIY divorce
  can make every stage of your divorce affordable, amicable and quick.
• Option 2: Uncontested Divorce –
  If you have no material issues to dispute and are able to resolve where your kids are going to live, how much child support will be owed and how you plan to divide your assets and debts,
  explore uncontested divorce options.
• Option 3: Contested Divorce –
  For issues that you and your spouse cannot agree on,
  check contested divorce
  as an alternative to help you reach a divorce solution.

STILL UNSURE ABOUT WHERE TO START?

Book a 100% confidential consultation
with a Karp & Iancu divorce mediation attorney.

Divorce Mediation Milwaukee Checklist for Couples

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT MEDIATOR

There are certain qualifications to look for when choosing a mediator for your divorce including:

• The mediator is a seasoned family law attorney or a lawyer that specializes in divorce law
• The mediator is trusted by the courts
• The mediator doesn’t have biased interests in representing one party over the other, and is rather, an impartial problem-solver helping you and your spouse make decisions together about important issues
• The mediator is experienced in guiding a time efficient, cost-effective mediation process
• The mediator can provide expert insights about your judge, your local court, and what you might expect from the litigation process should you not reach an agreement during mediation
• The mediator helps you understand and implement your post-divorce rights and responsibilities
• The mediator understands the importance of following up with you to ensure the divorce is finalized on your agreed upon terms after they’ve drafted your negotiated statement and forwarded it to the court for approval.

It’s important to note that a mediator cannot give you legal advice, make decisions for you, or impose orders like a judge would. They merely help bridge communication, resolve misunderstandings, and brainstorm solutions.

STEP 2: GATHER THE RIGHT DOCUMENTATION AHEAD OF TIME.

After starting the mediation process, the mediator may ask for some or all of the following. Make sure you collect and organize your financial information to make the mediation process as efficient as possible:

• Monthly Income & Expenses (in list or spreadsheet form)
• Tax Returns
• Pay Stubs
• Checking & Savings Account Statements
• Credit Card Statements
• Loan Statements
• Will(s) & Trust(s)
• Life Insurance Policy & Premium
• Pension Plan(s) Documentation
• Retirement Account(s) Documentation
• Social Security Earnings Statement (Form SSA-7005-SM-SI)

STEP 3: OUTLINE A PROPOSAL AGREEMENT

Although we recommend solidifying each party’s divorce requirements in an electronic document ahead of time, don’t feel the need to define every last detail surrounding the division of your assets, child custody, child support or alimony. As long as you have a general understanding of how you and your spouse want to tackle the important issues, you’ll help speed the mediation process along.

While a completed proposal agreement isn’t necessary before you enter conversation with your mediator, make sure that you write down a list of everything that is important to you to make sure nothing is overlooked when it comes down to finalizing the agreement.

STEP 4: BE CIVIL.

Remember that the end goal is a mutually beneficial compromise. To make sure you avoid showing up to your mediation session with a reactive, rash attitude, get proper rest and exercise to stay mentally healthy.