3. Get screened

Screening is usually the first step in . Screening means your mediator meets with each of you separately to find out if there are things like:

  • a history of partner abuse
  • a mental illness, such as depression

It is done to see if your mediation can be fair and safe.

In some cases of partner abuse, a mediator can mediate in a way that makes the process fair and safe. For example, if you aren’t comfortable being in the same room as your partner, the mediator can talk to each of you in separate rooms, by telephone, or online. They can plan for both of you to come and go at different times.

In other cases, the mediator may decide that they can’t make the process fair or safe. If this happens, going to court may be your only option to resolve your issues.

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