All of the work done during the divorce mediation is meant to get the couple to come to an agreement regarding the issues that have to be addressed as part of the divorce as determined by the Family Court in Connecticut. This agreement is summarized in the couple’s separation agreement. The benefit of working with an experienced divorce mediator is they know what specific items need to be covered in your separation agreement and what other documents need to be filed. We are out here crossing T’s and dotting I’s with the goal that the final paperwork that's filed with the court, will be approved the first time, and without the couple having to go to court later to get the divorce finalized. This is the ideal scenario. But sometimes the court rejects the couples request to get divorced, either because there was an issue with something that was filed. Usually that something is the separation agreement. So what do you do if this happens? First, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean that you and your spouse are stuck together and can’t get divorced. It just means that the mediator needs to review the court’s reason for the rejection, and then your divorce mediator needs to correct it. That leads us to two possible outcomes. Outcome 1: The mediator fixes the paperwork that was filed, or amends the separation agreement in line with the court’s concerns. Re-files the agreement, and asks the court to review the updated agreement (and or paperwork) and grant the divorce. Outcome 2: The couple may have to report to court either in person, or remotely via video to attend an uncontested hearing. In Connecticut, the judge will ask the couple about the agreement and will address the judge’s concerns or questions about the agreement. If addressed to the judge’s satisfaction, then the court will approve the agreement and then grant the divorce. So either way, the couple will still get divorced with their mediator’s help. That’s why it’s so important even when a couple already has an agreement prior to filing, that working with a divorce mediation attorney (instead of going it alone) can be so helpful as it gives the couple the greatest probability of their agreement being approved the first time, and or can guide them if things do go as planned. If you are planning to file for divorce and are considering divorce mediation, or if you are in the situation where your agreement was rejected and you need help, please contact the Law Office of N. Gladstone Brown and Success Mediation for an initial consultation.