| Caucus-style divorce mediation is a growing form of | | | | shared and then each side retreats to a different |
| mediation. It is a type that many lawyers have defined | | | | room for the remainder of the process. The mediator |
| and used as a similar situation to a settlement | | | | then takes proposals and messages from one side to |
| conference. The problems with caucus-style | | | | the other. After each proposal is submitted, the lawyer |
| mediations are that it shifts too much power away | | | | and his or her client discuss the entire thing and then |
| from the husband and wife and to the hands of the | | | | the mediator goes back to the other room with the |
| lawyers and the mediator. | | | | response to the proposal. It is a very time-consuming |
| A caucus-style divorce works by allowing people to | | | | process that can take numerous hours. |
| stay out of a court-room. This is, frequently, a good | | | | Eventually, the two parties reach an agreement and |
| move as it keeps the settlement in the hands of the | | | | the divorce process has been complete. This process |
| divorcing parties and removes a judge's decisions. The | | | | generally takes between 8 and 12 hours but can last |
| first step to this process is the client and lawyer teams | | | | as long as 15. It is an exhausting process for everyone |
| each spend a lot of time and money gathering | | | | involved. |
| information, interviewing witnesses, probing financial | | | | While this style of mediation does have its problems, it |
| records, and completely preparing the case for trial. | | | | is an excellent option for a couple where there has |
| Once this is completed, the mediation process can | | | | been on-going domestic violence or abuse. It is in the |
| begin. | | | | abused individual's best interest to stay separate from |
| The mediation process starts with each team | | | | their former spouse. This prevents contact between |
| submitting a position to the mediator detailing the wants | | | | the two spouses and also removes the opportunity for |
| and needs of the client. This position may or may not | | | | verbal abuse or intimidation. It is much more difficult to |
| be shared with the other side. Once the positions have | | | | intimidate someone if they are in a completely different |
| been received, both client/lawyer teams meet in the | | | | room from you. |
| same room with a mediator. The opening positions are | | | | |