Usually, the mediator will meet the couple in the same room and hold sessions that last between 1 and 2 hours. During the initial meeting, the issues requiring discussion will be finalized, including the order in which they will be addressed. There may be information to be gathered, including financial data, which can be dealt with in subsequent mediation sessions. Also, the opinions of other experts may need to be ascertained. These further sessions will also focus on other issues that require compromise, with the mediator pointing out facts about the legal system and ways in which similar issues have been resolved by other divorcing couples. Only when agreement is reached will the mediator draft the written settlement to be reviewed by both parties and their legal representatives.