What to Expect From Divorce Mediation in Michigan

 Posted on July 29, 2025 in Mediation & Collaborative Divorce

For many couples, divorce seems like the most sensible option to end a difficult marriage and move on with their lives. Nevertheless, many people are wary of the kind of high-octane conflict that divorce dramas often portray in movies and on TV. 

Thankfully, in 2025, divorce does not always have to mean courtroom battles and drawn-out legal fights. In fact, more often than not, divorce does not involve litigation anymore. For divorcing couples in Michigan, mediation offers a more cooperative and often less expensive way to resolve the issues in a divorce. Many people are pleasantly surprised to learn how mediation works and what they can expect when they go through the process.

Although mediation is not a guaranteed strategy for resolving divorce issues without conflict, for many couples it genuinely presents a more peaceful way forward. If you are considering mediation for your divorce, it helps to understand what happens during sessions, how long the process might take, and what options are available if you cannot reach an agreement. Contact our Northville, MI divorce mediation attorneys to learn more. 

What Exactly Is Divorce Mediation in Michigan?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps spouses work out agreements on issues like child custody, parenting time, property division, and spousal support. Unlike a judge, a mediator does not make decisions for you. Instead, they guide the conversation and help both parties find common ground.

In Michigan, divorce mediation is often voluntary, but in some cases, a judge may order the parties to try mediation before moving forward with a trial. This approach aligns with the state’s goal of encouraging families to resolve disputes outside the courtroom whenever possible.

How Many Mediation Sessions Will We Need?

The number of mediation sessions depends on the complexity of your case and how much you and your spouse agree or disagree on key issues. Some couples resolve all matters in a single session lasting two or three hours. Others may need several sessions spread out over weeks or months.

In general, simple, uncontested divorces involving just one or two unresolved issues can be handled within a couple of hours. Divorces involving children or high-net-worth assets typically require more than that, although each case is different and a precise number is difficult to anticipate. The most time-consuming mediation processes belong to high-conflict divorces where one or both spouses are feeling strong emotions and struggling to compromise.

What Happens During a Mediation Session?

Many people are nervous before their first mediation session because they are unsure of what to expect. The process is designed to be less formal and more collaborative than a courtroom hearing.

Here is the order of most mediation sessions:

1. Introduction and ground rules: The mediator explains their role and sets expectations for respectful communication.

2. Identifying issues: The spouses, with the mediator’s guidance, identify the areas that need to be resolved.

3. Exploring solutions: Each spouse shares their perspective, and the mediator helps brainstorm potential compromises.

4. Drafting agreements: Once agreements are reached, the mediator prepares a written summary that can later be turned into a formal court order.

In some cases, spouses are in the same room during mediation. In others, the mediator may move back and forth between rooms (a process called "caucusing") to help each side feel more comfortable.

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Michigan?

Mediation is generally less expensive than litigation, but costs vary depending on the mediator’s rates and the number of sessions required. In Michigan, private mediators must attend special training and usually charge between $100 and $500, with experienced attorney-mediators or psychologist-mediators charging the highest rates. Other services offer sliding-scale fees for couples who want to use mediation but are cost-conscious. Because the cost of a mediator is usually split between the spouses, it is almost always more affordable than paying two attorneys for a contested divorce trial.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

Couples in Michigan choose mediation for many reasons. The first and most important reason is that it gives them more control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge. Although judges often give dueling spouses a sense of how they will judge in order to encourage compromise and resolution, the final decisions in a court-ordered divorce decree are fundamentally out of a couple’s hands. 

Moreover, mediation is faster than going to trial because divorcing couples are not constantly waiting for court dates; mediation can be scheduled more flexibly and more quickly. Mediation also helps preserve a more cooperative relationship, which is especially important when children are involved. Finally, many divorcing couples take comfort in the fact that discussions during mediation are confidential and cannot be used in court if mediation fails.

What Happens if Mediation Does Not Work?

Not every couple can resolve their issues in mediation. If you cannot reach an agreement, your case will proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions. However, even partial agreements reached in mediation can reduce the number of issues the court needs to decide. Judges generally view a willingness to try mediation favorably. It shows you are committed to resolving your case fairly and efficiently.

Is Mediation Right for Every Divorce?

Mediation works best when both spouses are willing to communicate honestly and make compromises. However, it may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence, significant power imbalances, or a spouse who refuses to participate in good faith.

An experienced Michigan divorce attorney can help you decide whether mediation is a good fit for your situation and guide you through the process.

Contact an Oakland County, MI Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering divorce mediation, having the right legal guidance is essential. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, our Northville divorce attorneys help clients understand their options and prepare for a successful mediation process. We have been serving families in Michigan for well over 20 years, and we are focused on getting results. Call our office at 248-344-9700 to schedule a free consultation.