Legallv Speaking Mediation By Scott Berry-Berry Law Offices In a mediation, an unbiased third person (the"mediator") assists two parties to attempt to communicate and negotiate a resolution to their divorce or custody issue. The mediator cannot make an order resolving the divorce or custody dispute. Rather, the mediator's role is to encourage voluntary discussion and decision making by the parties and to help each party to understand each of their perspectives and consider options to attempt to settle the divorce or custody dispute. Mediation is a confidential process. This means that information shared or discussed during the mediation process cannot be used in court and a mediator cannot be called as a witness to testify in court about what occurred during the mediation. This allows the parties to freely talk about the disputed issues and make a good faith attempt to resolve their disagreements. Typically, the mediation will start with both parties together in the same room. During this initial mediation session, the mediator will explain the process and objective of mediation. From there, the mediator may keep the parties together to discuss their disagreements and positions; in other cases, the mediator may separate the parties and discuss each parties' position privately The information shared during a private mediation session is confidential and will only be shared with the other party if the person sharing the information authorizes the mediator to do so. Additional Questions? Call or email Scott or Allison to schedule a free appointment dsberry@berrylawoffices.com. alondgren@berrylawoffices.com 206 South Rum RiverDive Downtown Princeton 763-389-0178 BERRY LAW OFFICES Contact Scott Berry Attorney at Law