Formerly Served as Racine County’s Family Court Mediator, Eileen Sherman has the knowledge and expertise to help you!

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Mediation for Divorce in Wisconsin: What is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation in Wisconsin is a way of legally ending a marriage without the added stress of hiring a lawyer or appearing in court.  As a mediator, Eileen Sherman plays a crucial role in guiding couples through the necessary documents and decisions while ensuring neutrality throughout the process. She helps couples create a mutually acceptable agreement by facilitating effective communication and assisting them in finding common ground.

One of the key benefits of Eileen's mediation process is that couples retain complete control over crucial decisions regarding their children, assets and debts, property, retirement, insurance, and taxes rather than having a judge make these decisions for them. As the former Racine County Family Court Worker/Mediator, Eileen proved her skills and expertise required to help couples navigate the divorce process successfully.

Benefits of Divorce Mediation

• Cost-Effective - On average, mediation in Wisconsin is much less expensive than divorce litigation. By avoiding courtroom fees and the cost of hiring a divorce attorney, you can save a considerable amount of money.
  
• Time-Efficient - Divorce can be a challenging process, and family court systems are often overwhelmed with cases, leading to lengthy waiting periods. Mediation allows for greater scheduling flexibility and can help you reach a resolution faster, so you can move forward with your life.
  
• Confidential - Litigated divorces are held in public forums, where anyone is allowed to be present. Mediation is conducted in a confidential setting, providing a sense of privacy to openly discuss the issues that need to be resolved without fear of public scrutiny or unwanted family involvement.
  
• Increased Autonomy -Mediation for divorce allows you to have a say in the outcome, rather than leaving the final decision  to lawyers and judges. The mediation process emphasizes collaborative problem-solving to find mutually beneficial solutions. ​
  

The Process: What Happens in Divorce Mediation

Mediation for divorce typically takes 4 separate 1-hour sessions with Eileen, but is subject to change based on complexity of the case. 

1. Free Consultation - Eileen offers a free phone consultation for those interested in the mediation process. She will answer any questions and help determine if the mediation process is the appropriate next step. Before scheduling the initial consultation, it's important to note that both parties must be willing to participate in the mediation process.
2. Initial Meeting - If during divorce mediation is determined to be the best path forward, you will begin the process with a 1-hour meeting with Eileen.  During this first meeting, you will discuss the process in-depth and Eileen will gather some basic information about the situation.
3. Gathering Information & Identifying Issues - As the mediator, Eileen  will help both parties gather all necessary information, including financial records, and identify the issues that need to be addressed.
4. Negotiate Solutions - With Eileen’s  guidance, both parties will work together to negotiate and reach agreements on all outstanding issues, including child custody, child support, property division, spousal maintenance etc.
5. Draft and Finalize an Agreement - Eileen will prepare a written Memorandum of Understanding  that reflects the parties' decisions and is reviewed and revised as needed before being signed by both parties and presented to the court for final approval. Eileen may encourage both parties to have an attorney look at the agreement if necessary.
   

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FAQs About Divorce Mediation

Is Divorce Mediation Legally Binding In The State of Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, divorce mediation is a non-binding process, which means the mediator cannot force a settlement or make any decisions for the parties involved. However, if an agreement is reached during mediation, it can be submitted to the court for approval. Once the court approves the agreement, it becomes legally binding.

How long does divorce mediation take?

Eileen Sherman’s mediation process typically requires 4 visits over the span of a couple of months depending upon scheduling flexibility of both parties. However, the time it takes to complete divorce mediation varies depending upon factors such as the complexity of the issues involved and how quickly the parties can reach an agreement.

What is the cost of mediation?

Eileen typically charges $2800 for four complete sessions in her mediation process. In case there are additional concerns that need to be addressed beyond these four sessions, a rate of $200 per hour is applied. Specific information regarding cost  will be discussed during your initial consultation with Eileen, as rates are subject to change depending on factors such as the complexity of the case.

What is the difference between a divorce coach and a divorce mediator?

A divorce mediator is a neutral third party who helps a couple reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. They do not take sides, assist in decision-making, or provide individual counseling. A divorce coach, on the other hand,  who works one-on-one with an individual  going through a divorce to help manage emotions and develop coping strategies. They may also provide guidance on communication skills and help clients set and achieve goals related to their divorce.