Divorce Mediation
in Michigan.
Resolve important issues yourselves. Make decisions on your terms and on your schedule, rather than leaving those decisions to the courts.
Gary Gardner helps couples navigate divorce through respectful, productive mediation, working toward agreements that reflect their priorities, families, and futures.
Divorce is a very human process.
Divorce involves more than legal documents and court proceedings. It involves people, families, finances, relationships, and important decisions about the future.
Gary Gardner believes couples should have the opportunity to resolve those issues themselves whenever mediation is appropriate.
As a neutral divorce mediator, Gary facilitates productive conversations, helps identify the issues that matter, and supports both spouses as they explore possible solutions.
Gary does not make decisions for either spouse. You remain responsible for the agreements you choose to make.
What can divorce mediation help resolve?
Discuss how property, accounts, belongings, and other assets may be divided.
Explore financial responsibilities, obligations, and arrangements.
When applicable, address parenting time and decisions involving children.
Identify unresolved concerns and work toward practical agreements.
Why choose divorce mediation?
Mediation gives couples greater control over important decisions while offering a more constructive alternative to contested litigation.
Your Decisions
Resolve important issues yourselves instead of asking a judge to make every decision.
Your Schedule
Arrange mediation discussions around your availability rather than relying entirely on court hearing schedules.
Less Conflict
Focus on respectful communication and solutions rather than escalating disagreements.
Potential Savings
Reaching agreements through mediation may reduce the time and expense of contested court proceedings.
Family-Focused
Explore arrangements that reflect your circumstances and your family's future needs.
Less Court Involvement
Agreements reached through mediation can substantially reduce contested hearings and simplify the remaining formal court process.
A clearer path forward.
Gary helps guide the conversation. You and your spouse make the decisions.
Connect
Contact Gary to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your circumstances.
Discuss
Identify your priorities, concerns, and the issues that need to be resolved.
Mediate
Gary facilitates productive discussions while both spouses explore options and work toward agreements.
Move Forward
Review your agreements and prepare for the remaining legal steps needed to finalize your divorce.
Less time in court. More control over your future.
By resolving important issues through mediation, couples may significantly shorten and simplify contested court proceedings. Michigan's required divorce filings and final court judgment still apply.
Different situations. Different paths.
Gary Gardner helps couples explore the approach that best fits their circumstances.
Pre-Filing Divorce Mediation
Work with Gary to resolve important issues before filing for divorce. Reaching agreements early may simplify the remaining court process.
Explore Pre-Filing Mediation →Mediation Without Attorneys
If you choose, mediation can proceed without attorneys participating directly. Either spouse can consult independent counsel before, during, or after mediation.
Explore This Option →Summary Divorce
Once you and your spouse reach agreements, an uncontested divorce may substantially reduce the need for contested proceedings and simplify the remaining legal steps.
Learn About Summary Divorce →You don't have to agree on everything to begin.
Some couples begin mediation with many unresolved questions. Others have already reached agreement on most issues.
What matters is whether both spouses can participate voluntarily, communicate meaningfully, and consider possible solutions.
Mediation is not appropriate in every situation. Serious safety concerns, intimidation, or an inability to participate freely may require a different approach.
Gary can discuss the mediation process with you and help you understand whether it may be suitable for your circumstances.
Discuss Your Options →Mediation may be worth exploring if:
Michigan Divorce Mediation FAQs
Answers to common questions about divorce mediation with Gary Gardner.
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a process in which a neutral mediator helps spouses communicate, explore options, and work toward mutually acceptable agreements. Gary Gardner facilitates the discussion without making decisions for either spouse.
Do we have to agree on everything before mediation?
No. Mediation can help couples resolve issues on which they have not yet reached agreement. Both spouses must be able to participate voluntarily and meaningfully in the process.
Can mediation reduce the amount of time spent in court?
Yes. Reaching agreements through mediation can substantially reduce the need for contested hearings and simplify the formal divorce process. However, Michigan's applicable filing requirements, waiting periods, and final court judgment still apply.
Is divorce mediation less expensive than contested litigation?
Mediation may cost less than contested litigation because spouses can resolve issues without extensive court disputes. Actual costs depend on the complexity of the situation, the number of sessions, and any additional legal services.
Do attorneys have to participate in mediation?
No. If both spouses choose, mediation can proceed without attorneys attending the sessions. Either spouse may consult independent legal counsel before or after mediation, or request a break during a session to obtain legal guidance. Gary may also recommend pausing when independent legal advice would be helpful.
Can mediation address parenting and property issues?
Yes. Mediation can address property division, debts, financial arrangements, parenting matters when applicable, and other divorce-related issues. The court retains responsibility for approving the final divorce judgment.
Does mediation finalize our divorce?
No. Mediation helps spouses reach agreements. A divorce is finalized through the applicable Michigan court process, including required documents and entry of a final judgment.
Where does Gary Gardner provide divorce mediation?
Gary Gardner is based in Traverse City, Michigan, and provides divorce mediation services throughout the state. Contact Gary to discuss available meeting arrangements.
Divorce mediation for couples across Michigan.
Gary Gardner is based in Traverse City and works with couples throughout Michigan.
Whether you're beginning to explore mediation or are ready to move forward, Gary can help you understand the process and discuss your next steps.
His approach focuses on helping people make informed decisions themselves, with greater control over their futures.
Gary Gardner
13310 S West Bay Shore Drive
Suite A
Traverse City, MI 49684
Your decisions. Your terms. Your future.
Divorce is a very human process. Gary Gardner helps couples approach it with respect, clarity, and greater control over the decisions that matter most.
Schedule a Consultation → Or call (231) 941-5878