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HOME > DIVORCE > FAQ
Divorce - FAQs
"I was introduced to Julie by my wife. I admit I was reluctant because my wife was not thinking of fairness. In dealing with the divorce I found Julie to be insightful and middle of the road fair. She corrected me when I was out of line. However, I was very surprised that when my wife became unreasonable, Julie used her mediation skills to bring her back to center to finish the task. I highly endorse Julie Gentili Armbrust. She is fair to both parties and able to use her skills to assist in the resolution to an otherwise bad situation. Good luck to all and after the mediation is over you can hold your head high knowing you did it right."
~ Ray
How Can I Get a Divorce Through Mediation?
First, the mediator assists the parties in negotiating all issues pertaining to the divorce including: asset allocation, debt allocation, spousal support, custody, parenting time, and child support. Then, upon reaching settlement on all issues, the mediator drafts a Mediation Settlement Agreement, which is called an MSA. At this time, the parties are encouraged to seek independent legal advise to review and advise each party regarding the terms of the MSA. Upon each party agreeing to the final terms of the MSA, the mediator files all documents necessary to legally effectuate your divorce. Because you are using one person to negotiate the terms your divorce, and are only using individual attorneys to advise you regarding your rights and obligations under the MSA, you are saving the cost of a traditional divorce!
Is Mediation Cost Effective?
Yes! Mediation Northwest charges parties $185 per hour for all mediation time. Upon reaching settlement on all necessary issues, the parties are then charged a flat fee for document preparation, which is dependent upon the complexity of the divorce and ranges from $500.00 to $1,200.00. Parties are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel prior to mediation and to review the MSA with legal counsel. Limiting attorneys' participation to advising parties regarding their rights and obligations and reviewing the MSA is very cost effective! Additionally, should outside experts be necessary during the mediation, the parties agree to use one set of experts rather than two sets of experts used in a traditional divorce process. By limiting one person, the mediator, to negotiating the terms of the divorce and hiring outside assistance as needed parties spend FAR less in mediation than hiring two sets of attorneys and two sets of experts!
How Do I Make an Appointment?
First, both parties must agree to use Mediation Northwest to mediate their divorce. We request both parties contact us individually so we may have a conversation about each party’s perspective of the issues involved in the divorce. Then, if both parties agree to use Mediation Northwest, an appointment is set to mediate. Generally, a two-hour appointment is scheduled, but parties only pay for time they actually use. So, if you only mediate for 30 minutes, you only pay for 30 minutes. Click here for appointment information.
How Is My Attorney Involved?
Mediation Northwest encourages its clients to seek independent legal advice at any stage of the mediation process. Furthermore, independent legal advice is most helpful before the first mediation session and after receiving the first draft of the Mediation Settlement Agreement. Parties best negotiate for their needs when provided with specific information regarding their rights under Oregon law - an attorney, and not a mediator, can provide that advice. Parties are encouraged to ask their attorney about the asset and debt division, spousal support, health insurance, custody, parenting time, and child support.
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