Does an attorney play any role in the divorce mediation process?

Some divorce mediators are attorneys, but it is best for each spouse to have an attorney, independent of the mediator. Mediation often involves the parties’ attorneys. A skilled mediator should be adept at allowing the parties to dominate and directing the lawyers to refine written agreements, confer with his/her client about the legal factors (privately) and assist in the mediated settlement. If attorneys are not present, it is important that each parties’ attorney review the agreement reached to ensure that no areas have been overlooked. In addition, because many mediators are not lawyers, a lawyer is still needed to draft the final agreement and/or court documents required to finalize a divorce.