Co-mediation is a type of mediation where two or more trained mediators work together to help a couple navigate the divorce process.

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Adding Co-Mediation to Your Skill Set
What is Co-Mediation?
Co-mediation is a type of mediation where
two or more trained mediators work
together to help a couple navigate the
divorce process.
In co-mediation, the mediators often have
different skill sets. One might be a lawyer,
a mental health therapist or a financial
expert. They work together to help the
couples resolve disagreements and reach
an agreement on issues such as property
separation, debt division, child custody and
support.
Co-mediation can be very productive if you and your spouse have complex
issues or your conflict level is heightened.
The benefit of having more than one mediator is that they can provide a
neutral and supportive environment, manage emotions, and ensure that
each party has an opportunity to be heard while co-offering different
perspectives and expertise, allowing for a more creative problem-solving
process to help couples come to an amicable resolution.
Co-mediation during divorce proceedings can assist couples in attaining a
more cooperative and beneficial divorce experience, resulting in decreased
duration, expenses, and emotional strain compared to a conventional
litigated court divorce.
What does it look like?
The choice of the mediation model depends on factors such as the
complexity of the issues, the level of conflict between the parties, and the
professional backgrounds and expertise of the mediators involved.

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Selecting a model best suited to the couple’s specific needs is crucial to help
them achieve a positive and mutually beneficial resolution to their divorce.
The three primary mediation models are:
1. Multiple facilitator model: where two or more mediators work
collaboratively to facilitate the process, or one mediator takes a
more active role in specific areas such as legal issues. At the
same time, the other focuses more on emotional or
communication issues.
2. Co-equal model: where both mediators have equal responsibility
for facilitating the process and may take turns leading the
session or work collaboratively.
3. Lead and support model: where one mediator takes the lead role
in managing the process and ensuring all critical issues are
addressed, while other support mediators assist with legal,
financial, communication, and emotional support.
Co-mediation in divorce offers several benefits, including:
1. Reduced conflict: Co-mediation can be particularly effective in reducing
conflict between the parties. With multiple mediators, there is a better
chance that each party feels heard and understood and finds common
ground and acceptable solutions for both parties.
2. More efficient process: Co-mediation can be more efficient than
traditional litigation or mediation. With multiple mediators, the process
can move more quickly and efficiently, potentially leading to a faster
resolution and lower costs.
3. Increased support and guidance: With multiple mediators involved,
each party can receive more individualized support and guidance
throughout the mediation process, reducing stress and anxiety and
increasing the chances of a successful resolution.
Additionally, clients are less likely to sway the mediator. With more than one
mediator, there is more opportunity to have another viewpoint and more
options for resolving the couple’s conflicts.

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• Improved communication: Co-mediation can help improve
communication between the parties and the mediators. With multiple
mediators involved, there is a better chance of ensuring that each
party is fully heard and understood and that communication is clear
and compelling.
• Increased creativity: With multiple mediators, there is a greater
opportunity to explore creative solutions that may not have been
considered with just one mediator. Each mediator may bring a unique
perspective or expertise to the process, which can help generate new
ideas and options for resolution.Top of FormBottom of Form
Potential drawbacks of using co-mediation to consider include:
1. Varying approaches: Co-mediators may have different approaches
to their mediation process or viewpoints on what they feel is an
amicable yet fair resolution. The mediators may have disagreements
that can stall the process and raise the stress level in the meeting for
all involved.
2. Time constraints: Scheduling can be challenging due to the many
calendar coordination needed, especially when co-mediators need to
work together in rural or remote areas.
3. Higher costs: Co-mediated divorce can be more costly than
traditional mediation since two mediator professionals are involved,
especially if lawyers or mental health professionals are involved.
4. Power struggles: one mediator may be more dominant in their
opinions compared to the other mediator
5. Complexity: Co-mediated divorce can be more intricate, and harder
to find a balance so that all involved can feel heard and understood
due to more opinions during the process.
How do you maximize the benefits of co-mediation?
1. Flexibility is key: The co-mediation process should be flexible to the
needs of the couple involved. Mediators should be willing to pivot to
help meet the couple’s needs and interests.

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2. Utilize the skill set and expertise of the mediator and
professionals involved: Each mediator and professional brings a
different skill and expertise to the meeting. By complementing these,
each team member will provide a more comprehensive and effective
mediation process.
3. Develop clear roles and responsibilities: From the start, establish
roles and who is responsible for which part of the process. When each
expert stays within their skill set, it is more likely for the team to work
effectively and move faster through the mediation process.
4. Work together towards the end goal: Co-mediation involves
working with the other mediator and professionals, communicating
openly and transparently, exchanging information, and working
together to achieve the best agreement for the couple involved.
5. Stay focused on the couple, not the experts: The co-mediation
process should always focus on the needs and interests of the
divorcing couple. Listen to their needs and work together to find a
solution that meets their needs and interests, not the professionals at
the meeting.
6. Be flexible: Staying flexible and adaptable to the needs of a couple is
the key to having a successful mediation session. The experts involved
should adjust as needed
7. Reduce rate fee structure: Mediators often agree to discount their
hourly fee when working together.
Stay tuned for more information and training on CDR skills.
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https://www.lacfla.org/
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