Mediation &
Coaching 
Q&A

General Divorce Mediation

Q: How is divorce mediation different from going to court?
A: Mediation is a private process where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach agreements on their own terms. Unlike court, which is public and adversarial, mediation is faster, less costly, and designed to reduce conflict rather than escalate it.

Q: How long does divorce mediation take?
A: The timeline depends on the complexity of your situation, but most cases are resolved in just a few sessions over several days or weeks—far quicker than the months or even years it can take in litigation.

Q: What if my spouse and I don’t agree on everything?
A: You don’t need to agree on everything before mediation begins. Mediation is specifically designed to help couples work through disagreements with the support of a neutral third party. Even high-conflict couples can find resolution in this structured process.

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Q: Do we both need to hire attorneys if we use mediation?
A: No, mediation can be done without attorneys in the room, although some couples choose to consult them outside of sessions. Mediation is designed to reduce legal costs and empower both parties to make their own decisions.

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Q: What happens if mediation doesn’t work?

A: If an agreement cannot be reached, you can still pursue litigation. However, most couples find success in mediation, even if they started from very different positions.

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Q: Is mediation legally binding?

A: Once both parties agree and sign the mediated settlement agreement, it can be submitted to the court for approval, making it legally binding.

Q: Is mediation only for couples who get along?

A: Not at all. Mediation is especially valuable for couples who struggle to communicate or are in conflict. The mediator creates structure and ensures that both voices are heard respectfully.

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Q: How much does mediation cost compared to litigation?

A: Mediation is typically a fraction of the cost of litigation. While court cases can run into tens of thousands of dollars, mediation often costs significantly less because it is shorter, private, and avoids lengthy attorney involvement.

Divorce for Business Owners & Executives

Q: How does mediation protect my business during divorce?

A: Mediation provides a private setting to discuss sensitive financial details such as business valuations, ownership structures, or executive compensation. Unlike litigation, where these details can become part of the public record, mediation keeps information confidential and focused on creating solutions that protect both the company and the family.

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Q: Can mediation help preserve my professional reputation?

A: Yes. Litigation can be public and adversarial, often drawing out conflict in ways that can harm your reputation with employees, clients, or partners. Mediation emphasizes discretion, collaboration, and respect—helping business leaders protect their professional image while resolving personal matters.

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Q: What happens if my business is considered a marital asset?

A: Mediation helps determine fair and realistic solutions, such as buyouts, structured settlements, or creative divisions that allow the business to continue operating without disruption.

Q: Will my employees or business partners find out about my

      divorce?

A: Not through mediation. Unlike litigation, which is public, mediation is confidential—keeping sensitive information about your business and finances private.

Q: How do we handle complex financial matters like stock

      options, bonuses, or deferred compensation?

A: Mediation allows these issues to be addressed openly and collaboratively, often with financial specialists or accountants present if needed, to ensure solutions are equitable and well-informed.

Q: I’m worried divorce will affect my professional reputation.

     How can mediation help?

A: Mediation emphasizes privacy, dignity, and discretion. This reduces the risk of negative publicity or gossip that could harm your standing with clients, employees, or investors.

Q: Can mediation save time for busy executives?
A: Absolutely. Mediation is efficient, with flexible scheduling and fewer sessions compared to litigation. This allows business leaders to focus on running their companies instead of being tied up in court for months or years.

Parenting and Family 

Q: How does mediation help with co-parenting?
A: Mediation allows parents to create customized parenting plans that fit their children’s needs, school schedules, and family routines. This helps reduce conflict, protects children from courtroom battles, and encourages healthier long-term co-parenting relationships.

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Q: Will the mediator tell us what to do about our kids?
A: No. Instead, the mediator helps parents collaborate on decisions that reflect their children’s best interests. This ensures the parenting plan is tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Q: Can children participate in mediation?
A: In most cases, children do not attend mediation sessions. However, their needs and voices are represented by parents, and sometimes professionals (such as child specialists) are consulted to ensure the plan is supportive.

Q: How does mediation reduce stress for children?
A: Mediation keeps conflict out of the courtroom, prevents prolonged battles, and allows children to see their parents working together respectfully. This helps them feel safer and more supported during the transition.

Q: What if one parent refuses to compromise?
A: A skilled mediator ensures both sides are heard and helps shift the focus from “winning” to “finding solutions.” Even resistant parents often find that mediation is a more constructive path than litigation.

Q: Can mediation help us create a parenting plan that changes as

      kids grow?
A: Yes. Mediation allows for flexible, child-centered agreements that can be revisited and updated over time as children’s needs change.

Divorce Coaching

Q: What is divorce coaching?
A: Divorce coaching is one-on-one support designed to help you manage the emotional, logistical, and practical challenges of divorce. Unlike therapy, which focuses on healing the past, coaching is forward-focused—helping you make clear decisions, stay organized, and build confidence during a difficult transition.

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Q: How is divorce coaching different from mediation?
A: Mediation is a structured process where a neutral third party helps couples create agreements together. Divorce coaching is personal—it focuses on you, providing guidance, clarity, and tools to manage the divorce process and your future, whether or not mediation is part of your journey.

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Q: Who benefits from divorce coaching?
A: Anyone going through divorce or separation can benefit, whether you’re overwhelmed with emotions, unsure about financial and legal decisions, or needing help with communication and co-parenting strategies. Business leaders, parents, and individuals seeking confidence in this transition all find value in coaching.

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Q: Can a divorce coach replace an attorney?
A: No. A divorce coach does not provide legal advice. Instead, they complement the legal process by helping you stay focused, prepare questions for your attorney or mediator, and make clear decisions without being overwhelmed by stress or conflict.

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Q: How does coaching help with emotional challenges?
A: Divorce coaching gives you tools to manage fear, anger, and uncertainty, so you can approach decisions calmly. It also provides strategies for self-care, communication, and rebuilding your life after divorce—so you emerge stronger and more confident.

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Q: Is divorce coaching confidential?
A: Yes. Coaching sessions are private and designed to create a safe space where you can speak openly and receive support without judgment.

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Corporate Mediation

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Q: What is corporate mediation?
A: Corporate mediation is a structured, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps employees, managers, or teams resolve workplace disputes. Unlike litigation or formal investigations, mediation focuses on communication, collaboration, and finding practical solutions that allow working relationships to continue productively.

Q: When should a company consider mediation?
A: Mediation is most effective when conflicts are beginning to disrupt workflow, morale, or relationships but before they escalate into formal complaints or legal issues. It can be used to address disputes between co-workers, manager-employee conflicts, executive or leadership team disagreements, and even cross-departmental challenges.

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Q: How is mediation different from HR or legal processes?
A: While HR and legal teams often address compliance and risk, mediation provides a confidential and supportive space to focus on problem-solving. It empowers participants to speak openly, rebuild trust, and create agreements that work for everyone—often preventing the need for disciplinary action, turnover, or costly legal disputes.

Q: What are the benefits of corporate mediation?
A: Mediation helps organizations save time and money by resolving conflicts quickly, reducing employee turnover, improving communication, and restoring workplace harmony. It also demonstrates a commitment to valuing people and maintaining a healthy, respectful organizational culture.

Q: Do you also provide training for managers and teams?
A: Yes. In addition to mediation, I offer conflict resolution workshops, leadership coaching, and communication skill-building programs. These services equip managers and employees with the tools to handle disputes constructively, reduce recurring issues, and strengthen collaboration across the organization.

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