“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to move forward with clarity, respect, and hope.”

Divorce Mediation Services in Cleveland, Ohio

Divorce mediation offers couples a more peaceful, cost-effective alternative to contested divorce litigation. Instead of leaving major family decisions in the hands of the court, mediation allows both parties to work together with the guidance of a trained neutral professional to reach fair and practical agreements.

Dr. Liz O’Donnell provides divorce mediation services for couples throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio. With decades of experience in counseling, conflict resolution, and family systems, she helps families navigate divorce with clarity, respect, and a focus on long-term well-being.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that helps spouses resolve the financial, and parenting decisions involved in divorce or dissolution without the stress and expense of a contested court battle.

During mediation, both parties work together to discuss and resolve important issues such as:

  • Parenting plans and custody arrangements
  • Child support and shared expenses
  • Division of assets and debts
  • Spousal support considerations
  • Communication and co-parenting expectations
  • Other matters required by Ohio family court

Once agreements are reached, a Memorandum of Understanding is prepared and filed in the appropriate county court.

Mediation allows couples to maintain greater control over their decisions while reducing conflict, legal fees, and unnecessary emotional strain.

Benefits of Divorce Mediation

  • Greater Control
    You and your spouse make the decisions – not a judge. Mediation allows both parties to create solutions that work best for their unique family situation.

  • Lower Cost
    Divorce mediation is typically much less expensive than a contested divorce, where attorney fees can quickly become overwhelming.

  • Faster Resolution
    Court schedules may delay divorce proceedings for months or even years. Mediation allows couples to reach agreements much more efficiently.

  • Reduced Conflict
    Mediation encourages respectful communication and cooperation, helping reduce stress and emotional disruption for both spouses and children.

  • Better for Families
    When children are involved, preserving a functional co-parenting relationship is often one of the most valuable outcomes of mediation.

When Mediation May Not Be Appropriate

While mediation is highly effective for many families, there are situations where it may not be the best option.

A successful mediation process requires honesty, safety, and a willingness from both parties to work toward resolution.

Mediation may not be recommended in cases involving:

  • Domestic violence or coercive control
  • Child abuse or neglect concerns
  • Active substance abuse affecting decision-making
  • Serious mental health instability
  • Lack of financial transparency or hidden assets
  • Situations where one party is unwilling to participate in good faith

“Sometimes the strongest step forward begins with choosing peace over conflict.”

About Liz O’Donnell, PhD

Dr. Liz O’Donnell is a Cleveland-based divorce mediator, mental health counselor, and family conflict resolution specialist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate major life transitions.

Originally from London, England, Dr. O’Donnell began her professional career as a physical therapist in Toronto, Canada before relocating to the United States. She spent ten years working as a developmental specialist in neonatal intensive care and early childhood follow-up programs before pursuing advanced education in counseling and mediation.

She earned her Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Mental Health Counseling and completed her PhD in Counseling in 2006. And her MLS degree (master of legal studies) in 2023. She has maintained a private practice in the Cleveland area since 2000.

Her continued education includes:

  • Advanced Certificate in Bioethics (2022)
  • Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Cleveland State University College of Law (2023)
  • Supreme Court of Ohio Family and Divorce Mediation Training (2024)
  • Divorce Mediation Certificate from the National Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training Institute

Dr. O’Donnell brings a unique combination of counseling expertise, legal understanding, and compassionate guidance to every mediation process.

Divorce Coaching

As a mental health professional with over 25 years of experience working with couples and families I understand the complex issues that contribute to ending a marriage, as well as the fears and resistance that can get in the way of a healthy divorce.

I am also aware that the decision to terminate a relationship is often made over an extended period of time with many changes in direction and extended emotional turmoil. It is my goal to facilitate the most amicable and just ending of a family structure. A family that has been defined one way can move toward being equally well defined in some other way.

My intention is to help you move in the direction of family preservation despite relationship termination.

In addition to being a PhD level licensed professional clinical counselor I am also a certified professional coach, have earned a master’s in legal studies, including family law and mediation, and have my Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Family/Divorce Mediation Training Certification.

I will help you to prepare to navigate the mediation/divorce process with integrity, strategy, confidence and momentum.

I am not an attorney so cannot give you legal advice, however, as a trained mediator and doctoral level mental health professional I can provide you with essential information and guidance AND, most importantly, a path toward divorce that will minimize regret and impulsive decision making.

I am also a physical therapist and infant developmental specialist with many years of experience working with families and young children, especially families with children with special needs and vulnerable health concerns.

My style of divorce coaching is particularly helpful for individuals who know that they are ready to terminate their marriage, want to do so as reasonably and respectfully as possible, and have every intention of doing so through mediation rather than a litigated divorce.

I have extensive experience working with heterosexual, same-sex and diversely oriented partnerships.

I am open to working with all genders, identities, orientations and configurations.

Working with me will prepare you for mediation or divorce and save you both unnecessary additional emotional turmoil and excessive financial expenditure.

I am here to help when you are ready.

Divorce Mediation vs. Dissolution in Ohio

Many people ask about the difference between divorce and dissolution.

A dissolution is typically used when both spouses already agree on all major issues and simply need help finalizing paperwork and legal filing requirements.

Divorce mediation is often used when couples are not fully in agreement but want to avoid litigation and work toward resolution together.

Mediation can often help couples move from conflict toward a successful dissolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce mediation is generally much less expensive than contested divorce litigation. Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of sessions needed, but most couples save significantly compared to traditional attorney-driven divorce.

Some couples reach agreement in just a few sessions, while more complex cases may take longer. Mediation is typically completed much sooner than court-based divorce proceedings.

Not necessarily. Many couples complete mediation without separate attorneys during the process, though independent legal review before finalizing agreements is often recommended and can be completed with one legal professional.

Mediation is not always required, but many courts encourage or recommend it, especially when parenting plans or custody matters are involved.

Yes. Mediation is often one of the best ways to create parenting plans, custody arrangements, and co-parenting expectations that support the best interests of the children.

Yes. Mediation is a private and confidential process, unlike courtroom proceedings, which may become part of the public record.

Helpful Resources

Cuyahoga County Dissolution of Marriage Information

Local Court Forms and Mediation Resources

Ohio Child Support Calculator