Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation in Alexandria

Choose Neutral Mediation or Individual Advocacy

Thomas P. Silis serves as a neutral mediator for spouses seeking to resolve divorce issues outside the courtroom. Drawing on his experience as a trial lawyer and negotiator, he helps both parties identify disputed terms, exchange proposals, and pursue workable areas of agreement. Alexandria couples can engage him through Silis & Associates in this impartial role rather than asking him to advocate for either spouse.

We also represent individual clients during divorce mediation and collaborative divorce procedures. In that role, we advocate for one spouse’s interests. A mediator, by contrast, helps both spouses pursue a resolution without representing either one.

Mediation can address property division, spousal support, child custody, visitation, and other terms when both parties are prepared to negotiate. Our broader family law practice handles divorce, child support, modifications, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. This breadth allows us to recognize how proposed terms may affect related concerns.

Schedule a free case evaluation to discuss neutral mediation or individual representation. Call (703) 721-4773 to speak with us.

How Mediation Differs from Litigation & Collaborative Divorce

Divorce mediation is a structured negotiation process in which one neutral mediator helps spouses define issues, exchange proposals, and work toward a written agreement. The spouses decide whether to accept proposed terms rather than asking a judge to resolve every contested issue.

Litigation is the court-based process used when spouses can’t resolve their disputes by agreement. After considering the evidence and applicable law, a judge can decide the remaining issues. Mediation may still narrow the dispute even when it doesn’t resolve the entire case.

Collaborative divorce follows a different model: each spouse works with separate, collaboratively trained counsel, while mediation relies on one neutral mediator to facilitate negotiations. We represent clients in either process and explain the legal significance of proposed terms before they make decisions.

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Why Choose Silis & Associates?

Affordable Services

We make our top-notch legal counsel accessible to the entire state of Virginia.
Client-Centered Legal Counsel
We keep your best interests in mind from day one.
A Boutique Firm

Silis & Associates provide personalized representation to every client served.
Well-Versed in Multiple Areas of Law

Our firm can thoroughly navigate you through the complexities of your case.

The Alexandria Divorce Mediation Process

Mediation begins by identifying the matters to resolve and the information needed for informed negotiations. Depending on the issues, relevant materials may include financial records, parenting schedules, and proposed terms. Because every divorce presents different questions, there’s no fixed number of sessions or universal timeline.

The usual stages include:

Defining the issues: The parties determine which divorce-related terms remain disputed.
Gathering information: The spouses identify the records and details needed to evaluate proposals.
Negotiating terms: Mediation sessions address proposals and possible compromises.
Documenting an agreement: Resolved terms can be recorded in writing.
Completing court action: After the applicable requirements are satisfied, a court can incorporate an accepted agreement into the final divorce decree.

Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Virginia divorce law and the courts handling family matters in Alexandria. Depending on the proceeding, a case may involve the Alexandria City Circuit Court or the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The appropriate court and procedure depend on the type and status of the case.

Section 8.01-581.26 permits a court to vacate a mediated agreement procured through fraud or duress, or one found to be unconscionable. We offer free case evaluations for divorce and related matters so prospective clients can discuss their circumstances before choosing a course of action.

Virginia Laws Affecting Divorce Mediation

Virginia Code § 8.01-581.22 generally makes mediation communications and a mediator’s notes confidential, not discoverable, and inadmissible in court. Because confidentiality is subject to the statute and applicable exceptions, parties should understand how the rules apply to their circumstances.

Virginia generally doesn’t require mediation in civil cases, although a judge may refer a matter to a non-mandatory dispute-resolution orientation session. In disputed child custody and visitation cases, judges generally must refer parents to a mediation orientation session unless mediation is inappropriate, including when there’s a family history of abuse.

Residency & Separation Requirements

Under § 20-97 of the Virginia Code, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide Virginia resident and domiciliary for at least six months immediately before filing for divorce. This establishes eligibility to file but doesn’t eliminate the other conditions for obtaining a divorce decree.

A no-fault divorce may proceed after six months of separation when the spouses have no minor children and have signed a written property settlement agreement. Other no-fault divorces require 12 months of continuous separation. Mediation can produce an agreement, but it doesn’t replace the applicable residency, separation, filing, and court requirements.

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More than Qualified to Handle Your Case Trust Silis & Associates to Keep Your Best Interests First

See why we are a trusted name for legal guidance in the state of Virginia.

Why Hire Us?

Payment Options for Divorce Mediation

The cost of mediation depends on the issues to resolve, the information needed for negotiations, and the time required to reach agreement. A matter involving several financial or parenting disputes may require a different scope of work from one involving a limited set of defined terms.

We offer retainer and flat-fee payment structures. Flat fees may suit simpler, well-defined matters, while retainers are better suited to work whose scope is harder to predict. After learning which role and services you need, we can explain the applicable arrangement.

Discuss an Out-of-Court Divorce Resolution

During a free consultation, we can clarify whether you’re seeking a neutral Alexandria divorce mediator or attorneys to represent your individual interests during mediation. We’ll also discuss the legal issues and services your circumstances may require. You can begin through our contact form.

Call (703) 721-4773 to schedule your free divorce consultation with Silis & Associates.

Issues Spouses Can Resolve Through Mediation

Spouses can negotiate multiple parts of a divorce without resolving every issue at once. The subjects addressed depend on the family’s finances, parenting circumstances, and disputed terms.

Common mediation topics include:

Division of marital property
Allocation of marital debts
Spousal support
Child custody and parenting arrangements
Child support and visitation

Under § 20-107.3 of the Virginia Code, Virginia follows equitable distribution. This means marital property is divided fairly according to the applicable legal factors, not automatically split equally between the spouses.

A partial settlement can resolve selected issues while leaving others for continued negotiation or court resolution. Mediation isn’t appropriate for every divorce, particularly when one party can’t participate safely or voluntarily. Its suitability depends on the relationship, the parties’ ability to negotiate, and the issues requiring resolution.

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Our Reputation Speaks for Itself

"Exceptional attention to detail."
I have referred friends and family to him and plan to use his firm to represent me in the purchase of my next house and creation of wills.

- Jeff
"Tom and his team are fantastic! "
I would not go anywhere else for legal representation.

- AM
"Mr. Silis stood out as the right fit. "
The outcome was favorable thanks to the hard work and consistency Mr. Sillis and his colleagues provided.

- Liza
"He treats every case as the most important case of his career. "
Attorney Silis is very professional, kind, honest, understanding, compassionate, open minded, non judgmental.

- Raquel B.
"Tom Silis did an incredible job on my highly contested divorce and custody case."
He was such a nice guy when we met in his office but when we got to court he was surprisingly aggressive and in command.

- anonymous
" He did such a great job that the prosecutor decided to drop the case. "
Bottom line, if you're in northern Virginia and you need a lawyer, hire Tom Silis. He's a great lawyer.

- Jorge
" I will definitely hire him again if the need arises."
He was professional, knowledgeable, caring and thorough.

- Vick
"Two big thumbs up from me. "
He has a powerful commanding voice in the court room and his intelligent arguments are exactly what you need in a lawyer.

- Anonymous

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113 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
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