Do I need my own lawyer for a mediation divorce?

If you decide to talk to your own attorney, consider doing so:

• before divorce mediation sessions start, or
• ahead of signing documents that make the terms decided in mediation legally binding.

Timeline for a mediation divorce in Pennsylvania

Learn about Dann Johns, Divorce Mediator & Attorney

Why some spouses get their own attorney for divorce mediation

A divorce mediator does not represent either spouse. This means that a divorce mediator:

• won't advise either spouse about their individual legal rights,
• won't negotiate to gain advantage for one spouse over the other,
• won't evaluate whether the terms of divorce decided in mediation are right for either spouse individually.

So, in mediation a divorcing spouse might hire their own lawyer to:

• get advice about individual divorce rights,
• review legal documents before signing.

In Pennsylvania, each spouse gets to decide for themself whether to consult their own lawyer for divorce mediation. If you decide to hire your own attorney, consider one who is:

• experienced in family law,
• upfront about fees and payment terms,
• familiar with divorce mediation.

Divorce mediation costs less than hiring lawyers to fight

Free consultation about divorce mediation

Why some spouses don't get their own lawyer for divorce mediation

Some divorcing spouses find that their divorce mediator provides enough legal information and assistance. An experienced divorce mediator will:

• provide general legal information during divorce mediation sessions,
• make sure divorcing wives and husbands discuss all important topics.

So, either spouse in divorce mediation may choose not to hire their own lawyer if they:

• are satisfied with the legal information provided by the divorce mediator;
• are okay with the terms of divorce discussed and decided in mediation;
• want to keep the cost of divorce mediation as low as possible.

Schedule free consultation about divorce mediation

If you choose not to hire your own lawyer, consider reading each legal document carefully before signing, to make sure its terms are right for you.

Divorce peacefully

Divorce mediation for you and your spouse

Consider sharing this website with your spouse. If both of you are interested in a mediation divorce, the next step is to schedule a free consultation about divorce mediation.

To learn more about divorce mediation, visit the site map (helpful summary of each page of this website) or search by topic using the navigation menu.

I wish you and your spouse much peace and well-being!

Dann Johns
Divorce Mediator & Attorney