Question 1

What exactly is divorce mediation?

Accepted Answer

Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which both spouses work with a neutral third party — the mediator — to reach agreement on all the terms of their divorce. The mediator does not represent either spouse and does not make decisions; instead, the mediator guides the conversation, provides information about the legal framework, and helps both spouses understand their options. The result is a written Settlement Agreement that both spouses sign and that is submitted to the court.

Question 2

How is mediation different from hiring divorce attorneys?

Accepted Answer

When each spouse hires an attorney, the attorneys negotiate on behalf of their respective clients — often by letter, sometimes in court. The process is adversarial by design, and costs reflect that. In mediation, both spouses work directly with one neutral mediator. There is one conversation, not two competing ones. The process is cooperative rather than adversarial, and the cost is a fraction of contested litigation.

Question 3

Is mediation right for us?

Accepted Answer

Mediation works for most couples who are willing to have an honest conversation. It does not require that you agree on everything before you begin — that's what the sessions are for. It does require that both of you are willing to participate in good faith and share complete financial information. If there are concerns about safety or coercion, those need to be addressed before mediation begins.

Question 4

What if we can't agree on something?

Accepted Answer

Disagreement is normal and expected. That's why you're in mediation rather than signing a form. My job is to help you understand the legal framework that applies to the issue, explore options you may not have considered, and work through the disagreement at a pace that works for both of you. Most couples who begin mediation reach full agreement.

Question 5

Do we both have to be on the call?

Accepted Answer

For the mediation sessions, yes — both of you need to participate. Mediation is a joint process. I do not meet separately with each spouse during the mediation itself, because the goal is a shared understanding that both of you reach together.

Question 6

Is mediation appropriate if there has been domestic violence?

Accepted Answer

This requires careful evaluation. In some situations, mediation can proceed with appropriate safeguards. In others, it is not appropriate. I discuss this directly during the consultation. If mediation is not right for your situation, I will tell you clearly.

Question 7

How are assets and parenting time handled?

Accepted Answer

Assets and debts are divided according to your state's law — which defines what belongs to the marriage and how it divides. We inventory everything, value it, and apply the standard your court would use. Parenting time is built around the best-interest factors your state's courts apply, tailored to your children's actual lives.

Question 8

What about support — alimony?

Accepted Answer

Child support follows your state's formula, which takes into account each parent's income and the parenting schedule. Spousal maintenance (alimony) follows statutory factors that vary by state. We calculate both together, openly, so you each understand the numbers before you agree to anything.

Question 9

What happens to retirement accounts and pensions?

Accepted Answer

Retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are typically marital property subject to division. The division is accomplished through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or similar instrument, depending on the account type. I explain how this works for your specific accounts and include the necessary provisions in your Settlement Agreement.

Question 10

What happens to the family home?

Accepted Answer

There are several options: one spouse buys out the other's interest and keeps the home; both spouses sell the home and divide the proceeds; or the spouses agree to defer the sale for a period of time (often until children finish school). We work through the financial and practical implications of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Question 11

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Most couples complete mediation in two to four sessions over four to eight weeks, depending on the complexity of their situation and their schedules. I don't rush the process — we move at the pace that works for both of you.

Question 12

What does the $1,595 flat fee include?

Accepted Answer

The flat fee includes all mediation sessions (however many are needed to reach full agreement), preparation of the complete Settlement Agreement, a Parenting Plan if you have children, financial disclosure forms required by your state, and filing instructions so you know exactly what to submit to the court.

Question 13

When is the fee paid and how?

Accepted Answer

The fee is set out in writing in the Retainer Agreement before we begin. It is typically paid at the start of the process. I accept payment by credit card, check, or bank transfer.

Question 14

Which states do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I work with couples in all 50 states. All sessions are conducted by secure video, so geography is not a limitation. I am familiar with the legal frameworks in the states where I most frequently work, and I research the specific statutes and formulas for your state before our first session.

Question 15

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Schedule a free 30–60 minute consultation. We'll discuss your situation, I'll explain the legal framework for your state, and you'll have everything you need to decide whether mediation is right for you — before any commitment.

Ending a marriage is hard. The process can be calm, clear, and fair to you both.

Courts decide divorces by published guidelines. We use the same ones.

Property & Debt

Support

Parenting

Four steps to a signed, filing-ready agreement.

A free, no-risk consultation

Full financial disclosure

Guided sessions, at your pace

Court-ready documents

Michael Levin

Everything you want to know before you call.

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Serving couples in Henderson, NV · Los Angeles, CA · Phoenix, AZ — and nationwide by secure video.