The Truth About Mandatory Divorce Mediation
Video Transcript
Mandatory divorce mediation is required in many U.S. states and counties before a judge will schedule certain divorce hearings, especially for custody and parenting disputes. Courts use mediation to reduce conflict, encourage settlement, and ease crowded dockets, but participation rules and exemptions (like domestic violence) vary by jurisdiction. This article explains where mediation is mandatory, what to expect, key benefits and risks, common costs and timelines, and how to prepare or request a waiver.
Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media
So, is divorce mediation, is it voluntary, as we just discussed, or is it court mandated?
Bill Leininger – Divorce Mediation Attorney – Sarasota, FL
That’s changed over the years. Up until recently, New York didn’t have any mandated divorce mediation process. Florida, on the other hand, has had it for over 30 years. So New York has traditionally been slow to adopt mediation.
Again, if I can be very candid with you, a lot of the divorce lawyers have been against it over the years. They feel that it’s going to take a ,000 case and maybe only make ,000, and not 100% in the small case. They want the big case.