If the parties agree to mediation, separate intake meetings are conducted by the mediator. These meetings help the mediator to understand the issues and design a process that will make both parties feel comfortable. If the mediation involves financial issues, such as support or property, the parties exchange financial information before the mediation. 

The parties then meet for a half day or full day mediation session during which the mediator helps them reach a settlement. Sometimes a second mediation session is required—if important issues remain unresolved or more information is needed to reach a settlement.

At the end of mediation, the mediator writes a mediation report setting out the agreed settlement terms. The parties then give the report to their lawyers—so they can give legal advice and create a final document.

No — shuttle mediation, for example, means the parties are placed in separate rooms, with or without lawyers, and the mediator moves from room to room. This can be in place where face-to-face negotiation may be a challenge. Both in-person and online mediations can be shuttle mediations.

Yes — mediation can be successful even when there is a high degree of conflict.  Sometimes it is a better choice for parties, as the mediator can design a process to make both parties feel more able to assert what they need.