Mediation
Agree together, out of court.
A mediator is a neutral guide who helps you and your spouse settle what you cannot settle alone. With KindSplit, you arrive with your numbers ready and leave with documents drafted from what you agreed.
Five steps
How mediation goes
- 1
Choose a mediator
A neutral with family law experience, online or in person.
- 2
Bring your numbers
Your disclosure, property list and support estimates, already done in KindSplit.
- 3
Work issue by issue
Sessions of one to three hours. Most couples need a few.
- 4
Review the agreement
Ideally with a lawyer of your own. Book one by the hour.
- 5
File it
Your agreement becomes an uncontested divorce.
Mediation or court?
Two ways to settle
| Mediation | Litigation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | You and your spouse | A judge |
| Typical cost | A few thousand dollars in total, often shared | Tens of thousands for each spouse |
| Typical time | Weeks to a few months | One to three years |
| Privacy | Confidential sessions | Public court record |
| Co-parenting | Builds the habit of agreeing | Can deepen conflict |
When mediation is not right
Mediation may not be safe or fair if there is abuse, intimidation, or a spouse hiding money. Talk to a lawyer first, and read our safety guide.
Straight answers
Things people ask us first
Is a mediated agreement binding?
Once both spouses sign it and the court approves it as part of your judgment, it is enforceable like any court order.
What if we cannot agree on everything?
You can settle what you can and leave the rest to a judge, or bring in a lawyer for the hardest issue. Partial agreement still saves time and money.
Is what we say confidential?
Generally yes. What is said in mediation cannot be used in court, with limited exceptions such as threats of harm.