Michigan Firm Providing Effective Divorce Mediation Services

Last updated on March 17, 2025

Divorce and courtroom litigation are stressful processes. Combining the two can seem overwhelming for spouses and their children. Fortunately, an effective option exists for couples who want to avoid courtroom stress when their marriage ends.

At Core Legal PLC, I deliver professional mediation services for divorce and other family law matters for couples in the Grand Rapids area and throughout Western Michigan. I am Chris Wirth, founding attorney of Core Legal PLC. Using the knowledge gained conducting mediations throughout Michigan, I offer comprehensive guidance through this alternative dispute resolution process to help parties settle divorce and family law issues such as custody, child support, alimony and property division.

What Are The Benefits Of Divorce Mediation?

Whether you are close to a marital settlement agreement or far apart on divorce terms, a certified mediator can help you dissolve your marriage while avoiding unnecessary problems. There are significant advantages to the mediation process, including:

• Control – Instead of working on the court’s schedule and dealing with their procedural requirements, spouses decide when to meet and what needs to be discussed.
• Cost savings – Litigation costs can mount quickly, potentially causing financial problems that last long after the marriage has concluded. During mediation, parties can limit what they spend to a great extent.
• Privacy and stress relief – A public courtroom is an uncomfortable place to discuss the personal issues often associated with divorce. A mediator allows clients to speak openly in a private, dignified setting.

Many states have recognized how useful mediation is when a married couple breaks up, so they require mandatory divorce mediation. Whether you’re seeking assistance on your own or at the court’s behest, I have the experience and knowledge to provide valuable support.

My Approach To The Divorce Mediation Process

With me as your mediator, you can be confident in my deep background in family law. I will help you find equitable solutions to the most entrenched disagreements. Though I am a neutral party and not permitted to provide legal counsel, my unbiased approach helps everyone better understand the key legal issues. I will work diligently to ensure that consensus is reached so that both spouses can move forward, confident that the outcome meets their needs.

I understand that divorce is a challenging time. My role is to create a respectful and constructive environment, encouraging open communication and mutual respect. Each session focuses on resolving specific issues, such as property division, child custody and support arrangements. I guide discussions to keep them productive and focused on solutions.

My approach is to facilitate understanding and compromise. I help clarify legal terms and concepts, ensuring both parties fully grasp their implications. I maintain confidentiality, allowing both parties to speak freely and honestly. Throughout the process, my goal is to reduce conflict and stress, fostering a more amicable relationship post-divorce, which is particularly beneficial for future co-parenting.

Choosing mediation often leads to quicker resolutions and lower costs compared to traditional litigation. My commitment is to help you achieve a resolution that respects both parties’ needs and interests. If you are ready to move forward with divorce mediation, I am here to assist you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation

Based on my experience helping families throughout Western Michigan, I’ve addressed some of the most common questions below.

How long does the divorce mediation process take?

The timeline for divorce mediation varies based on the complexity of issues and how readily spouses can reach consensus. Most Michigan couples complete the process in three to six sessions spread over one to three months. Simple cases with few assets and no children might conclude in just a few sessions. More complex situations involving businesses, substantial assets or complicated custody arrangements may require additional time. Unlike litigation, which often takes a year or longer in Michigan courts, mediation allows you to proceed at a pace that works for both parties. This timeline includes preparation, discussions, document drafting and finalizing agreements.

Is divorce mediation confidential?

Yes, divorce mediation in Michigan is confidential by law. The Michigan Court Rules and Mediation Rules protect the confidentiality of mediation communications. This means statements made during mediation sessions cannot be used in court if mediation is unsuccessful. This confidentiality encourages open and honest communication during sessions. The only documents that become public are the final settlement agreement and judgment of divorce filed with the court. Even your mediator cannot be called to testify about discussions held during sessions.

Can my children be involved in the mediation process?

While children do not typically participate directly in divorce mediation sessions in Michigan, their interests remain central to the process. For most families, I recommend keeping children out of direct negotiations to protect them from potential conflict. However, in specific circumstances involving older teens or when professional child specialists are involved, limited child input might be appropriate. Instead of direct involvement, parents can bring their children’s perspectives, needs and concerns to the mediation table.

What happens if we can’t reach an agreement during mediation?

If a full agreement isn’t reached during mediation, you still have several options. Partial agreements can be preserved, with only contested issues moving to court – often saving significant time and money. You might choose to take a break from mediation and return after gathering more information or considering alternatives. Some couples transition to collaborative divorce or traditional negotiation through attorneys. If litigation becomes necessary, the work done in mediation often narrows the issues requiring court intervention. Remember that approximately 70-80% of mediated divorces in Michigan reach full resolution, making it a highly effective approach even for couples with substantial disagreements.

Contact A Trustworthy Michigan Family Law Firm For Mediation Services

Finding a neutral third party to assist you and your spouse can ease the divorce process considerably. Throughout Western Michigan, Core Legal PLC, provides professional mediation services to resolve issues such as custody arrangements and property division. Call 616-341-1218 or contact me online to schedule a consultation at my Grand Rapids office.