You can end a marriage without handing the decisions to a judge.

A way to settle out of court. You and your spouse work with a neutral mediator to reach agreement on property, support, and custody, then put it in writing. It keeps the decisions in your hands instead of a judge's.

In a collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney and everyone agrees in writing to settle without going to court. It adds advocacy on each side to the cooperative approach, while still keeping the case out of a contested trial.

Yes. What is said in mediation is protected and generally cannot be used against you later if the case goes to court. That protection is what lets both sides talk openly and work toward a real solution.

That is common, and it does not sink the process. You settle what you can in mediation and narrow what is left. The few open issues can then be decided by agreement later or, if needed, by a judge, while the rest stays settled.

It helps to have one. A mediator stays neutral and does not advise either side, so having your own attorney review the deal makes sure the agreement protects you before you sign. We can mediate, advise, or review depending on what you need.