Mediation is most successful when the participants are supported by the appropriate professionals. The mediator is trained and knowledgeable but does not serve a role as legal advisor or as mental health or financial advisor.

Attorney: Participants in mediation should be fully informed of their legal rights. There are many attorneys who are supportive of the mediation process, who will serve in a role as "coach" to participants. In this role, the attorney learns about your complete situation, and  advises you of the options you have available to you, including the strength of the various legal arguments in your situation. You can attend the actual mediation sessions with or without your attorney, and you can keep in contact with your attorney throughout the mediation process. Your attorney will review any written agreements that are drawn up in mediation before you sign them, to assure that the agreement as written fully and clearly incorporates the terms that you believe you have agreed to. Finally, your attorney will help navigate through the Court system to translate the binding agreements you reach at mediation into the appropriate court orders for your case.

Many attorneys will charge a reduced fee when they assume this role in your case.

Other Professionals: There may be others who are needed to help resolve your case, including mental health professionals for your ongoing needs, other mental health professionals who are devoted to coaching people through divorce, child development specialists, or financial specialists.  Your mediator can work in coordination with your attorneys to find those resources best for your situation.

Selecting Your Team: Many attorneys or other professionals who provide support to mediation are also mediators themselves. You can check the referral data base on this website for attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals who participate in or support mediation.