What is mediation?

Mediation is a common requirement in domestic relations cases including divorce and custody cases. It is an opportunity for parties to a case to resolve their cases by agreement rather than allowing the Judge alone to make the final determination.  Parties may attend with their attorney and can negotiate to work toward a final resolution in their case.  Often mediation is the most effective means to resolve custody cases as parents will  know more than the court what is in their child's best interest.  Judge Hooper has said of mediation that, "The most important trip parents will take is the one where they meet in the middle."