What Is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a form of family mediation where divorcing couples work with a neutral mediator to resolve divorce-related issues outside the court system. It may be used on its own or alongside litigation to help couples resolve their case by Agreement rather than continuing through the court system to trial. Rather than relying on traditional litigation, mediation focuses on guided discussion, informed decision-making, and reaching mutually acceptable solutions. The mediator does not take sides or provide legal advice. Instead, mediation helps couples:
- Identify key issues
- Explore options
- Reach agreements in their best interests
- Prepare the groundwork for legally binding divorce agreements
How Divorce Mediation Works in Fairfax County
Divorce mediation is a structured process that allows couples to work through issues step by step, with support from an experienced attorney-mediator. Mediation sessions may address:
- Property division and equitable distribution
- Division of assets and debt allocation
- Spousal support and long-term financial planning
- Parenting plans and parenting schedules
- Child support and co-parenting relationships
- Separation agreements and property settlement agreements
Once agreements are reached, they are typically incorporated into a Marital Settlement Agreement or separation agreement and later submitted with divorce paperwork to the Fairfax County Circuit Court as part of the divorce process.
Mediation is offered through video conferencing (via Zoom), at our office location in Fairfax, VA, or in-person at another attorney’s office, giving clients flexibility in how they choose to meet.
Why Choose Divorce Mediation?
When guided by an experienced mediator, divorce mediation can offer a more constructive and efficient path forward than litigation. Many people choose divorce mediation because it offers:
- Lower costs compared to traditional litigation
- More control over outcomes
- A private process outside the courtroom
- Reduced stress on family relationships
- Better foundations for a long-term co-parenting relationship
For many divorce cases, mediation supports healthier communication and more durable divorce agreements than decisions imposed by a judge.
Divorce Issues Addressed in Mediation
Positive Pathways helps couples reach agreements on a wide range of family law matters, including:
- Property division and asset division
- Debt allocation
- Spousal support
- Parenting plans and parenting schedules
- Child support
- Divorce settlement terms
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Divorce-related considerations that may impact estate planning and long-term financial arrangements
Mediation is not appropriate in all situations, particularly where there are ongoing safety concerns or unresolved domestic violence. These issues are addressed carefully during the initial consultation.
About Positive Pathways
Positive Pathways is a Family Law Services practice in Fairfax County offering divorce mediation and related family law support.
About our Founder:
Christine Hissong is a Virginia Supreme Court-certified mediator and family law attorney with years of experience handling divorce cases in Northern Virginia. After extensive experience with traditional litigation, she developed a mediation-focused approach to help couples resolve divorce issues more constructively and with fewer negative long-term effects.
Christine’s work emphasizes problem-solving, fairness, and protecting relationships, especially where children and ongoing family relationships are involved.
Mediation Compared to Traditional Litigation
Unlike traditional litigation, mediation:
- Keeps decision-making with the parties
- Reduces reliance on the court system
- Encourages cooperation instead of conflict
- Often results in faster resolution
- Supports better long-term outcomes
For many couples, mediation offers a practical alternative to contested proceedings in Circuit Court.
Divorce Mediation Cost and Practical Considerations
Divorce mediation cost varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the number of sessions required, but mediation typically results in lower overall costs than litigation. During your initial consultation, we provide general information about the mediation process, expected timelines, and next steps so you can make informed decisions.
Areas Served for Divorce Mediation
Positive Pathways provides divorce mediation services throughout Northern Virginia, including:
- Fairfax County (including Tysons Corner)
- Arlington County
- Loudoun County
- Prince William County
- City of Alexandria
- Falls Church
- Manassas and Manassas Park
Is Divorce Mediation Right for You?
Divorce mediation works best when both parties are willing to participate in good-faith discussions and are open to compromise. It can be particularly helpful when couples want to preserve family relationships, protect children, and avoid unnecessary court involvement. In some situations, mediation may be combined with other approaches, such as litigation, depending on the circumstances.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
If you are considering Divorce Mediation in Fairfax, VA, Positive Pathways offers a supportive, structured approach focused on resolution rather than conflict.
To schedule an initial consultation, contact our Law Office using the form below to provide your contact information. You may also request an appointment by calling our phone number (703-239-3212) during business hours.
We are here to help couples move forward with clarity, respect, and peace of mind.