Portland Mediation Process
In a Nutshell
- A start-to-finish divorce process (at Matthew's Central Beaverton office or via Zoom) that is far more economical, amicable, and efficient than hiring two lawyers for a battle.
- Matthew House is the only metro Portland divorce mediator who has: a law degree and 20 years of experience as a mediator and Parenting Coach, and mentor for teens, 'tweens, and young adults; seven years as a K-12 educator; background and training as a divorce finance expert; and an active commission as an Oregon Notary Public.
- Successful mediation results in a thorough, detailed, and complete divorce finalized by the court -- without the time, expense, and stress of an adversarial setting.
- Only Matthew and the two parties are present. Attorneys are not allowed to attend, and almost none of Matthew's clients choose to have legal representation at all.
Schedule and Duration
- If you have not yet filed for divorce before coming to see Matthew, it is usually wise to wait to file until after mediation is complete.
- You can schedule a FREE consultation when you are ready to see Matthew within one week.
- Once you are ready to proceed with mediation, you should contact Matthew to arrange your first session. Before your first session, Matthew will send you an intake file to complete.
- If possible, before mediation, you should register for the required parenting education class if you have at least one minor child. Click here for more information.
- After the consultation, if you choose to proceed, you will most likely have three to four mediation sessions of two hours each. An interval of one to two weeks between sessions is typical.
- Matthew typically speaks with children, age 12-22, of clients. Preteens, teens, and college-age kids receive confidential sessions, free of charge in a casual and relaxed setting. Those meetings are highly encouraged but not required.
- About two weeks after the final mediation session, you'll meet with Matthew to review your Marital Settlement Agreement.
- Two weeks after your MSA is completed, the paralegal and her supervising attorney will prepare your divorce forms and file them.
- Within a month or so of filing the case, the judge will have finalized the divorce.