I was ordered by the judge in our case to attend mediation. What is it and can I bring my mom with me?

Mediation is an informal conference between the parties and a neutral 3rd party (mediator) who tries to get the parties to find a middle ground to settle. If you settle at mediation, you typically sign the agreement on the spot. It is binding immediately. There is no buyer’s remorse. From that point, you can have a short final hearing or have a no-hearing final by submitting the uncontested packet to the Court. You can bring anyone with you to mediation, but I always caution my clients. When you add others to the mix, it can cause problems. For instance, do not bring your new significant other to a divorce mediation.