I have referred many clients to Oliver Ross for mediation and have consistently received great feedback. Most say that Dr. Ross is compassionate, fair, and thorough in all of his work. Some have said that he has had a remarkable calming effect on their relationship. I now encourage everyone who might be considering divorce to call Oliver first!
Dennis Hunter, Ph.D.
| Divorce Mediation FAQs |
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation
Couples work together with an experience mediator to resolve all of the issues involved in their divorce. The mediator assures that both parties make fully informed decisions about the division of their assets (such as real estate, investment accounts, and retirement benefits), allocation of debts, child and/or spousal support, and parenting arrangements for minor children.
What is the Situational™ approach to mediation? Originated by Oliver Ross, JD*, PhD, the founder of Out-of-Court Solutions, the Situational™ approach to mediation is an advanced method of mediation that has proven highly effective in resolving disputes quickly, caringly and inexpensively.
Mediators have different backgrounds and experience. Each mediator at Out-of-Court Solutions is experienced in law, psychology, and business, and makes sure that divorcing couples fully understand all of the legal, financial, parenting, and other issues involved in their situation. Our mediators also help couples effectively communicate and negotiate, explore alternative ways of resolving disagreements, and deal with the anger, sadness and other emotions common to separation and divorce. After a couple has decided everything, our mediators prepare a comprehensive and legally binding settlement agreement. How does mediation differ from court-based divorce? In mediation, divorcing couples do not surrender control to attorneys or a judge. Our mediators provide the legal, financial, parenting, and other information needed to make fully informed decisions – and divorcing couples decide what is best for them based on their particular relationship, needs, and standards. Mediation takes place in a safe, collaborative environment, and is significantly less stressful than adversarial, win-lose court-based proceedings. You will spend as little as $1300 for everything including court costs if you and your spouse agree on everything. If you need help with certain things, our mediators do that by phone, videoconference, or in-person on an hourly prorated basis so you only pay for the time spent. Mediation typically involves weeks rather than the many months or years divorcing couples spend in dealing with lawyers and the court. How does mediation benefit children? Research shows that using adversarial lawyers increases parental hostility, which impacts children on a deep, psychological level. With their education and experience in psychology (in addition to law), our mediators help parents focus on the best interests of their children so as to develop durable support and parenting arrangements. Are there times when it's not appropriate to mediate? When one spouse is in physical danger, or is unwilling to participate in good faith, mediation would not be appropriate. What if we already agree on lots of issues? These agreements often serve as a foundation for resolution of other issues and overall agreement. They are likely to expedite the mediation and further reduce the cost. What if I want an independent attorney’s help? At any stage of mediation and/or before signing a settlement agreement, you are free to consult with an independent attorney if you want additional information or legal advice. Your mediator will provide you with a list of attorneys who are expert in divorce matters, do not charge a retainer fee, and in mediation function as consultants rather than combatants. With Out-of-Court Solutions®, use of an independent attorney is an option, not a requirement. What if I don’t know as much or I am less assertive than my spouse? Our mediators will even out any differences in education, background, and experience. They will also make sure that an atmosphere of mutual respect is maintained in which any threats, intimidation, verbal aggressive, and the like are prohibited. Who prepares the court documents? We prepare and file on your behalf all of the legal documents required by the Superior Court to obtain a decree of dissolution of marriage (i.e., divorce). You will never set foot in court. What are the chances for success? We are very proud of our success rate: over 95% of divorcing couples who mediate with Out-of-Court Solutions reach full agreement and those that do not are protected because under Arizona law anything said or prepared for mediation is strictly confidential and barred from use in court. How do I get other questions answered? Arrange for a complimentary consultation for our Comprehensive Mediation Program , or get more information about our Doc Prep and As-Needed Program by calling Out-of-Court Solutions at (480) 422-3475 | (520) 829-5077 or click here to contact us by email. What are my options and how do they compare? 
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(480) 422-3475 | (520) 829-5077 or click here to contact us by email. |
Divorce is sad, but it doesn't have to be emotionally and financially devastating. Mediation reduces emotional stress, financial expense, and parental conflict. Mediation empowers couples to make informed decisions about property rights, debts, custody, and support -- without the cost and hostility of two adversarial lawyers.