Orderly Resolution, Step by Step

What Should You Expect from the Mediation Process?

Our process is designed to be structured, transparent, and responsive to the issues you need to resolve. The number and length of sessions depend on the complexity of your circumstances, the number of disputed issues, and your readiness to negotiate.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We begin with a discussion of your circumstances, the issues you would like to address, and your goals for mediation. We explain the mediator's role, how the process works, and what participants can expect.

This conversation also helps assess whether mediation appears appropriate for your situation and whether any concerns require additional screening or professional assistance.

Step 2: Intake & Suitability Screening

Each participant provides relevant background information and identifies the issues they would like to address. Screening may include questions about safety, coercion, power imbalances, ongoing court proceedings, and each participant's ability to participate voluntarily.

Mediation must be suitable for both participants. Where safety concerns, intimidation, or coercion prevent meaningful participation, mediation may not be appropriate.

Step 3: Exchange of Relevant Information

Participants are asked to identify and exchange information relevant to the matters being discussed. Depending on the case, this may include income information, expenses, financial accounts, debts, property records, existing court orders, and marital agreements.

The mediator helps organize the discussion and identify information needed to evaluate potential options. The mediator does not independently audit financial records or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information provided by participants.

Step 4: Mediation Sessions

During sessions, participants discuss their concerns, identify areas of agreement and disagreement, and explore possible solutions. The mediator guides the conversation, helps clarify issues, and supports constructive negotiation without favoring either participant.

Sessions may address parenting arrangements, support, property, debts, or other matters within the agreed scope of mediation. Some matters may require additional sessions or input from attorneys, financial professionals, or other specialists.

Step 5: Documentation of Agreements

When participants reach agreement on particular issues, those terms can be documented in writing. Depending on the scope of the mediation, the written document may be a memorandum of understanding or another mediation summary that records the terms discussed and agreed upon.

The written document's legal effect depends on its wording, the circumstances, and applicable law. Participants should obtain independent legal advice before signing or relying on an agreement.

Step 6: Independent Legal Review & Next Steps

Participants are encouraged to have a New York-licensed attorney independently review proposed agreements before signing.

What You Receive

Depending on the services selected and the progress of mediation, the process may include:

• An initial discussion of your goals and the issues to be addressed

• A structured process for discussing family, parenting, and financial concerns

• Assistance identifying issues requiring further information or professional input

• Facilitated negotiation and exploration of potential options

• Documentation of agreed terms within the scope of the mediation

• Identification of unresolved issues and possible next steps

Mediation does not guarantee that every issue will be resolved. Participants may reach agreement on some issues while leaving others for further negotiation or separate legal proceedings.

What We Ask of Participants

A productive mediation process requires meaningful participation from both individuals. We ask participants to:

• Participate voluntarily and communicate respectfully

• Provide complete and accurate information relevant to the issues being discussed

• Review requested documents and prepare for scheduled sessions

• Consider options in good faith without being pressured to accept a proposal

• Raise questions or concerns when they arise

• Obtain independent legal, financial, or tax advice when appropriate

• Respect the privacy of the process, subject to applicable confidentiality rules and agreed exceptions

You are not required to agree to a proposal simply because it is discussed during mediation. Each participant retains the right to make independent decisions and to seek advice before entering into an agreement.

Why Choose Align Mediation Group?

A neutral process. We do not take sides or decide who is right or wrong.

Relevant family-law experience. Larisa Bulachi, LLM, brings 10 years of experience in the field of family law to a structured, practical approach to family dispute resolution.

A focus on practical solutions. We help participants identify priorities, clarify concerns, and explore arrangements suited to their circumstances.

A coordinated approach to complex issues. Parenting, support, property, and debt issues can be addressed within an organized process, where appropriate.

Respect for participant choice. The goal is to support informed decision-making, not to pressure either participant into settlement.

Important Information About Mediation

Align Mediation Group provides neutral mediation services and does not provide legal representation or individualized legal advice. The mediator does not determine legal rights, act as an advocate for either participant, or represent participants in court.

Mediation is voluntary and may not be suitable in every situation. Confidentiality is subject to applicable law, the mediation agreement, and relevant exceptions. Participants are encouraged to consult independent attorneys before signing agreements or making decisions affecting their legal rights.

Take the First Step

You do not need to have every issue resolved before beginning mediation. The first step is to understand the process, identify your priorities, and determine whether mediation is appropriate for your circumstances.

Contact Align Mediation Group to schedule an initial consultation and learn how mediation may help you move forward with greater clarity.

Align Mediation Group — Guiding Difficult Conversations Toward Resolution.