The mediation process usually involves an initial meeting which lasts one to two hours. The mediator reviews  the process,  establishes ground rules, and confirms the commitment to mediation.

Following the initial meeting, the mediator sets up four to eight sessions of one and a half to two hours each, depending on the complexity of the issues.  Topics for those sessions include budget and needs, division of assets and debts, and needs of the child(ren).

Following the sessions, if an agreement is reached, a joint memorandum of understanding is drafted, which is used to draft the settlement agreement.