Frequently Asked
Questions

Marital Mediation is a structured, solution-focused process that helps couples address ongoing conflict within their marriage. Unlike therapy, it doesn't focus on emotional healing or exploring the past — instead, it helps couples identify current issues, clarify their needs, and negotiate practical agreements that support the relationship moving forward. Whether addressing finances, parenting, communication, or household roles, Marital Mediation creates a safe and neutral space for honest conversation. Many couples use it as an alternative to divorce or as a first step toward restoring clarity and balance in their marriage.

Mediation and therapy are two completely different processes. In the state of Georgia, a Family Mediator would first train and meet qualifications to become a Civil Mediator and would then go on to train as a Domestic Mediator. Unlike with therapy, no clinical interventions, diagnosis, or therapeutic approaches are used in the mediation process. Instead, mediations are designed to be brief and facilitative, where the mediator utilizes specific techniques to help the parties move towards an agreement. Therapists and divorce attorneys commonly train to become mediators, but do not offer legal advice or apply therapeutic approaches to the process.

At Georgia Family & Mediation, court mediations are a standard $350 per hour and a two-hour minimum per booking. Divorce and family mediations might vary, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of items needing settlement.

Providing that the parties in a mediation have arrived at an agreement, the mediator (or in some cases, the attorneys of the parties) will draw up an agreement that is to be signed prior to the closing out of the mediation. In the event that the dispute is not settled, the case might proceed to arbitration or trial before a judge or jury.

While both Marital Mediation and Marriage and Family Therapy help couples improve their relationship, the approach and focus differ. Marriage and Family Therapy explores emotional patterns, past experiences, and the underlying dynamics contributing to conflict. It is a healing process rooted in psychology. Marital Mediation, on the other hand, is goal-oriented and practical. It focuses on present-day challenges and helps couples create agreements around communication, finances, parenting, and more. It’s a structured, forward-facing process ideal for couples seeking clarity and resolution without a therapeutic deep dive.

Since every family and situation is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for divorce mediation. Some couples reach agreements in a single extended session, while others may need multiple meetings. To help couples make the most of their time in mediation, we provide a comprehensive checklist ahead of your session. This helps you prepare thoughtfully and work through as many issues as possible outside of the mediation room. Our goal is to keep the process efficient, respectful, and focused on resolution — at a pace that works for you.

Let’s Stay Together Mediation typically takes place over a series of three to five sessions, though the exact number can vary depending on the couple’s needs and goals. The process is designed to give couples time to reflect, re-evaluate, and re-negotiate key aspects of their relationship. Each session builds upon the last, helping partners explore what’s not working, what needs to change, and what they each want moving forward. Our aim is to offer structured support without rushing — giving your marriage a real chance to evolve before deciding to separate.