Resolve Your Ohio Divorce Respectfully (Without Court)
Our neutral mediation helps you save time, money, and emotional energy while staying in control of your future.
Watch the video to learn more about mediation.
What is divorce mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process by which a divorce mediator (a neutral third party) facilitates a conversation with the parties involved. The purpose of the conversation is to establish mutually acceptable agreements.
Generally, divorce mediation is a less costly process than litigation, and clients have greater control over the time and money spent.
Couples turn to divorce mediation to dissolve their marriages in a friendlier way and to be financially prudent with marital assets.
Why Choose Mediation with Intentional Divorce Solutions?
We’re not just neutral—we’re deeply experienced in both divorce financials and emotional support. Our approach makes complex money conversations easier and ensures both parties feel heard.
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✅ Save Thousands in Legal Fees
We help you avoid long, expensive court battles. -
✅ Reduce Conflict
We create a safe space for respectful dialogue and compromise. -
✅ Make Informed Decisions
We help you fully understand what’s at stake so you can choose with clarity. -
✅ Focus on Your Family’s Future
Especially when kids are involved, mediation protects relationships and reduces trauma.
Benefits of Mediation for your Ohio Divorce
Mediation allows you to:
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Be directly involved in developing an agreement
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Maintain your privacy
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Not waste time on a lengthy court process
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Save money on legal fees
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Have a cooperative post-divorce relationship
What's the divorce mediator's role?
Our highly experienced, professional-trained mediators will:
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Work with you and your spouse to identify the issues that are most important to both of you
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Help you determine your goals, and address your wants, needs, and concerns
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Guide you and your spouse toward mutually agreeable solutions
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Document everything in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing all agreements you make during mediation
"Our mediator was extremely easy to work with during this challenging situation. She is very knowledgeable and unbiased when it comes to helping advise individuals through the dissolution process. I would highly recommend [Intentional Divorce Solutions] as they make it as smooth as possible."
-Emily
How our Ohio divorce mediation process works:
- We start with an orientation where we review what mediation is and the role of the mediator to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- At the conclusion of the orientation session, we provide a workbook that has questions to consider and documents to gather to help you prepare for your mediation.
- We schedule mediation sessions in 2-hour time blocks with a minimum of one week in between sessions.
- At the conclusion of each session, you are provided with detailed homework to complete before the next session as well as a summary of what was discussed.
- When all of the agreements are finalized, we'll provide you with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing your divorce settlement agreement.
What is negotiated during mediation?
We will cover everything needed in your settlement agreement so you will be prepared to file your dissolution in addition to anything else you may want to discuss in order to have a smooth transition and cooperative co-parenting relationship post-divorce.
The broad topics for your settlement agreement covered during mediation sessions are:
- Division of assets (and/or liabilities)
- Spousal support
- Child support
- Parenting plan
- Other items unique to the couple
"Our mediator walked us through the mediation in a way that was both professional and compassionate. She was candid throughout the process, acknowledging that it was emotional while also keeping us focused and on task."
-Bob
Does mediation really work?
The most important factor in determining whether or not mediation will work for you is whether or not you and your spouse are committed to this type of divorce process.
Other factors to consider if mediation is right for you:
☑ Both parties agree to be civil in their communication.
☑ There is no history of domestic violence.
☑ Parties share a commitment to settle the terms of the divorce.
☑ Parties willingly provide full disclosure regarding assets, liabilities, and income.
☑ Neither party has denied the other access to the child(ren).
☑ Parties have a history of successfully working together to solve problems in the past.
☑ Both parties see some benefit to settling (e.g. quicker, lower legal fees, or unpredictable outcome if going to court).
Our Expert Mediators
About Liesel Darby, Mediator & Divorce Coach
Divorce doesn't have to mean conflict. Liesel Darby helps individuals and couples navigate one of life's most difficult transitions with clarity, compassion, and a clear path forward.
Liesel brings a rare combination of clinical depth and lived experience to her work. With a background in mental health counseling, family therapy, and substance abuse recovery, plus certification in life coaching, she understands the emotional and relational complexity divorce carries. And as someone who has personally navigated divorce through mediation, she brings an insider's perspective that no textbook can teach.
At Intentional Divorce Solutions, Liesel works alongside our financial and legal team to support clients through every dimension of the process. Whether you're just beginning to consider divorce or are deep in negotiations, Liesel helps you move from overwhelm and uncertainty to confidence and clarity.
Schedule a Complimentary Call
About Leah Hadley, AFC®, CDFA®, MAFF™, Divorce Mediator
Leah Hadley is a trained mediator and one of Ohio's most credentialed divorce financial specialists, holding the AFC®, CDFA®, and MAFF™ designations. She founded Intentional Divorce Solutions to offer a smarter, more empowering alternative to traditional divorce litigation.
Leah brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her work. She navigated her own divorce after a ten-year marriage, and experienced her parents' divorce as a child. These experiences ground her practice in genuine empathy and a deep understanding of what clients are going through at every stage of the process.
She specializes in financially complex divorce cases, guiding clients through asset division, retirement accounts, support structures, and long-term financial planning within the mediation process. Her approach saves clients significant time and money while keeping them informed and in control.
