Pro Se (without attorneys), Pre-Suit divorce (before going to a judge/court) is a process where a couple who is ready to end their marriage uses a mediator to help them decide what is best for their families. Mediation allows the individuals to shape what they want their futures to look like. The decision-making power is in the hands of the couple. Mediation will cover issues such as parenting, asset/debt division, alimony, child support, and pet guardianship. The mediator is a neutral party and will not take sides. The role of the mediator is to guide the couple to self-determination. This allows the control to remain with the couple. This process is best when a couple is ready to end their marriage amicably. This process is often less stressful, less expensive and less time consuming than traditional court divorces.

The idea of uncoupling has been gaining popularity in mainstream culture. There are two routes to uncoupling. If married, uncoupling would be separation without the formality of divorce. A couple may decide that divorce is not appropriate now. Examples could be for religious purposes, hope to reunite, or to minimize the impact on children. Mediation can help draft an agreement that includes child support, parenting plans, alimony and the diving of assets and debits. These mediated settlements can stand on their own or be used if divorce becomes the decision later. 

The other route to uncoupling is for individuals who had never formalized their relationship with legal marriage but have had some form of couple hood. This type of relationship can be just as valid and important as legal marriage. Therefore, it maybe necessary for the couple to use mediation to help in the ending of that relationship. These mediated agreements can also include parenting plans, division of assets and debts, child support and pet arrangements. Both routes of uncoupling put the control into the parties’ hands so they can best agree to how they want their future family to look.