Language and mediation
Divorce mediation when Spanish is your first language.
Divorce is hard enough in your first language. If one of you is more at home in Spanish, here's exactly how mediation with us works, what AI translation does and doesn't do, and what to ask any mediator before you book.
- Sessions in English, with AI translation available.
- Nobody gets left behind: we slow down and read back every agreement.
- $1,695 per person, flat, on Zoom.
4.9 from 292 Google reviewsBy the Flannel People Mediation team. Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Flannel People Mediation doesn't practice law or give legal advice, and doesn't draft court papers or file anything with a court.
AI translation
so both of you can follow every part
- AI translation
- sessions conducted in English
- 4.9 stars
- 292 Google reviews
- On Zoom
- all 50 states + DC
- Free 15 minutes
- to see if it fits
En español
¿Busca mediación de divorcio en español?
Nuestras sesiones se realizan en inglés por Zoom, con traducción por IA disponible para que ambos puedan seguir toda la conversación. El costo es de $1,695 por persona. Si el inglés no es su primer idioma, podemos hablar en una llamada gratuita de 15 minutos para ver si este formato les funciona.
Reservar la llamada gratuitaThe short version
The hard part shouldn't be the words
When one spouse is working in a second language, the risk isn't only misunderstanding. It's agreeing to something you didn't fully follow because you were tired of asking.
Mediation is helping two people work through the hard issues, reach agreement and put it in writing. That only works if both people actually understand what's on the table.
Our sessions are conducted in English. If English isn't one spouse's first language, we offer mediation with AI translation, so both of you can follow every part of the conversation. We also pace things for it: shorter turns, plain words over jargon, and a read-back of every agreement.
If you're looking for a mediator who runs the whole session in Spanish, that's a different service, and it's worth asking for directly. The questions below work either way.
How it works with us
Five steps, at a pace both of you can follow
Same process as any mediation with us. The difference is in the pacing and the checking.
- 115 minutes · free
The free call
Tell us who's more comfortable in Spanish and what worries you about language. We'll walk through how AI translation works and whether it fits. - 2Separately
A private call with each of you
Each spouse gets time alone with the mediator before any joint session. It's a good moment to say, "Slow down for me," or "I don't always follow money terms in English." - 3Homework
The written intake
You each gather the numbers and the kids' current weeks. Take your time with it; nobody's grading your English. - 4Zoom
The joint session, with AI translation
The session is conducted in English, with AI translation available so both of you can follow every part of the conversation. We go topic by topic and read back what you've agreed. - 5In writing
Your agreement in writing
A written summary of what you agreed to, for each of you to review with your own attorney if you choose.
Before you book anyone
Questions to ask any mediator about language
Whoever you hire, these are fair questions. A good mediator won't flinch.
- Are sessions conducted in English, Spanish, or both?
- If there's AI translation, how does it work during the session?
- How do you check that both of us understood before something is agreed?
- Can we slow down or take a break if I'm lost?
- What language is the written summary in?
How we keep it clear
Small habits that matter a lot
Slower turns
Plain words
Check-ins
Read-backs
Is this a fit?
When English plus AI translation works, and when to look elsewhere
It can work well if…
- One spouse is more comfortable in Spanish but follows some English.
- Both of you want to work it out and can talk, even if it's tense.
- You're comfortable on Zoom from a private room.
Look for another option if…
- Either of you wants the entire session held in Spanish.
- There are safety concerns, threats or coercion.
- A court has ordered a specific program for your case. Ask the court.
Parenting in Minnesota? The Minnesota Judicial Branch's list of approved parent education courses marks several as available in Spanish.
“We went into it with a lot of questions, emotions, and anxiety about our divorce but came out feeling much lighter. Ryan helped us understand the process and walked us through everything making sure we understood what we needed to do.”
“He knows the ins and outs, and presents them in a logical, understandable way.”
“Ryan brought patience, clarity, and professionalism to every part of the mediation process.”
Mediation with us
What mediation looks like at Flannel People
Mediation is helping two people work through the hard issues, reach agreement, and put it in writing. Here's how that works with us.
$1,695 per person
Flat, on Zoom: the private calls, the intake and the joint session. Cost breakdown.
Ryan or Kate
Your mediator is Ryan or Kate McLaughlin. Neutral, no sides, no verdicts. Meet us.
All 50 states + DC
Ryan serves couples virtually in all 50 states plus DC. Online mediation.
AI translation
Available if English isn't one spouse's first language. Sessions are conducted in English.
In person?
In-person options may be available on request, for an additional fee.
FAQ
Mediation in Spanish: FAQ
Educational information only, not legal advice. Flannel People Mediation provides mediation services and does not provide legal representation.
Do you offer divorce mediation in Spanish?
Our sessions are conducted in English. If English isn't one spouse's first language, we offer mediation with AI translation so both of you can follow the conversation. We can talk through whether that fits on the free 15-minute call.
How does AI translation work in mediation?
It runs alongside the Zoom session so a spouse who's more at home in Spanish can follow along. On the free call, we'll explain what to expect and talk about whether it's a good fit for the two of you.
Is AI translation perfect?
No translation is. That's why we slow down, check understanding as we go, and read back what you've agreed before anything is written up. If something doesn't sound right, say so and we'll stop and clarify.
What if only one of us speaks Spanish?
That's the situation AI translation is meant for. The conversation stays in English, and the spouse who's more comfortable in Spanish can follow along. Either of you can ask to slow down at any point.
What does it cost?
$1,695 per person, flat, on Zoom, the same as any mediation with us. AI translation is available as part of that. In-person options may be available on request, for an additional fee.
Are there Minnesota court resources in Spanish?
Some. For example, the Minnesota Judicial Branch's list of approved parent education courses marks several as available in Spanish ("Disponible en Español"). For questions about a court case, contact the court directly. We don't deal with courts.
Who are the mediators?
Ryan or Kate McLaughlin. Ryan serves couples virtually in all 50 states plus DC.
Sources we checked
Read October 31, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
- 01Minnesota Judicial Branch: Parent EducationApproved parent education courses, several marked "Disponible en Español."
- 02Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 114.02How Minnesota's court rules define mediation: a neutral facilitates communication and negotiation to promote voluntary decision making.
Keep reading
- Online divorce mediation on ZoomHow it works for couples in all 50 states and DC.
- What to expect in divorce mediationThe five steps, from first call to written agreement.
- What a Minnesota divorce costsFiling fees by county and flat-fee mediation.
- Child custody mediation in MinnesotaBuilding a parenting plan the two of you agree on.
Next step
Let's see if it fits the two of you
A free 15-minute call to talk about language, pace and what you need settled. 4.9 stars, 292 Google reviews.