The Single Session Mediation Solution: A Low-Cost Option for Couples Short on Time and Money

Have you been putting off divorce because you think the costs might be too high?

Have you been thinking about changing your name, growing a moustache, and moving to another country just to get out of your relationship?

This post will discuss Single Session Mediation—an option offered by NCRC that is tailored specifically to couples with few community assets and low combined incomes. Hopefully after reading this information you will decide to contact the NCRC and then go right back to the store to return the Rosetta Stone foreign language software that you just bought.

The NCRC offers a Single Session Mediation service as a more convenient, less costly option for couples meeting the criteria outlined below. During this 2- 2½ hour mediation session, the mediator will provide information about relevant laws, assist you in resolving any remaining issues, and work with you to prepare your documents—including an abbreviated Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). We provide all of the copies and written directions; you would be responsible for filing them with the court.

Please note that every situation is unique and needs to be reviewed individually.

Parties who meet the following criteria are likely candidates for successful Single Session Mediation:
* Income of each party is less than $30,000 or joint income is less than $60,000.
* Value of community property assets of marriage does not exceed $25,000.
* Value of community debts does not exceed $25,000.
* No IRA or 401(k) to be split.
* Relatively few credit cards with a total balance of $5,000 or less.
* Parties have completed the Income and Expense Declaration prior to session.
* Parties have completed the Schedule of Assets and Debts prior to session.
* Ability to bring in all supporting financial documentation to the Session including pay stubs, asset account statements, etc.
* There must be substantial agreement on most issues in order to finish within the allotted time.

In order for us to determine whether or not your situation can be mediated as Single Session, contact Robin Seigle via email (rseigle@ncrconline.com) or call extension 220 at either 619-238-2400 or 760-494-4728.