Summary of the Oregon Divorce Mediation Process with Mediator Matthew House, J.D.

What is the schedule and duration of the process?

• 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 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 begins, you should register for the required parenting education class if you have at least one minor child. Click here for more information about the requirements.
• 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. Pre-teens, 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 10 days 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.

 
​Click here for more details about the components of each stage of the process.