Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann ordered to attend 'mediation session' to reach settlement in divorce case

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: In an attempt to facilitate their settlement, a judge has ordered 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' alum Kim Zolciak and her husband, former NFL player Kroy Biermann, to resolve their divorce issues through mediation.

A court in the case stated that although they have "numerous unresolved issues," the judge also thinks the county's alternative dispute settlement program can be beneficial to them.

According to TMZ, the estranged couple has been told to go through a mediation session to reach a settlement by January 31, 2024.

Since filing separate applications to dissolve their 11-year marriage in May, Zolciak and Biermann have been embroiled in what seems like an endless legal battle.

As per a source, the couple's erratic relationship took a toll on the mental health of their children. 

Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak ought to get on the same page quickly

On Monday, December 11, Judge Shermela J Williams of Fulton County Superior Court ordered the 45-year-old 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' alum Zolciak and the 48-year-old retired NFL star Biermann to complete mediation to reach a divorce settlement by January 31, 2024.

The decision purportedly stated, "As there are numerous unresolved issues, based upon review of the record and applicable authority, the Court finds that the Parties’ interests and the orderly management of the Court’s docket would be served by referring the above-styled case to mediation. Both Parties must attend the mediation session."

Moreover, the order mentions that the parties may either employ a private mediator or finish mediation through the Fulton County Alternative Dispute Resolution program and that they shall split equally in the mediation's expenses.

The matter will continue to be assigned to the court if they are unable to reach a settlement.

Biermann initially filed for divorce from Zolciak in May, but after their reconciliation, they decided to withdraw the application in July.

In light of a potential foreclosure, the retired athlete also asked for exclusive authorization to sell the couple's Georgia house. As per PEOPLE Magazine, they were supposedly also in a "money war." 

Moreover, Zolciak and the former athlete have sent conflicting signals about their relationship during the course of the financial, custody, and personal disputes, including allegations of drug and gambling.

Rejecting the 'RHOA' star's attempt to have their divorce dismissed, Biermann filed for divorce once more on August 24, saying that their union was "irretrievably broken."

What is divorce mediation?

According to LegalKart, mediation is one of the dispute resolution techniques that is currently receiving the greatest attention.

It is used when parties want to reach a settlement as quickly as possible after learning more about the dispute and having their first courtroom experience.

A mediator is a person chosen by one or both parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement in the context of mediation. Through discussion facilitation, a mediator is an impartial third party who helps parties reach an agreement.

It takes a while to find a solution in mediation since the mediator must first evaluate the issues at hand. While some cases may terminate after 30 days, others may last for seven or eight months.

Mediators assist the parties in resolving their differences rather than rendering a verdict, and that's why a lot of individuals try mediation before going to court.

Given that the parties choose the most convenient time for them, mediation is a very flexible process. By providing formal notification to the opposing party beforehand, one might initiate mediation.