Singer Joe Jonas and actress Sophie Turner are currently undergoing divorce proceedings and are about to initiate a four-day mediation process beginning this Wednesday. The former couple, who publicly confirmed their separation last month, are focused on reaching an agreement regarding their divorce terms, which includes determining the custody arrangements for their daughters, three-year-old Willa and 14-month-old Delphine. During a recent hearing, Judge Katherine Polk Failla scheduled a trial for January 2 to address custody matters, but she expressed optimism about the mediation process.

Sophie Turner's lawyer, Stephen Cullen, who is 27 years old, acknowledged the scheduling challenges but anticipates a relatively brief trial, estimated to last no more than two-and-a-half days. The trial will specifically address certain issues, such as determining the habitual residence of the children. Cullen stressed the urgency of concluding the trial within this year due to the young age of the litigants and their extremely young children. He suggested running the trial concurrently with the ongoing mediation.

According to DailyMail.com, Cullen stated, "We are commencing mediation tomorrow with full commitment to resolve this matter comprehensively." He also mentioned that the interim order, which currently stipulates that the children remain in New York, would be addressed during this week's mediation discussions. He argued that Joe Jonas' request for 50/50 custody could significantly impact the case.

On the other hand, Joe Jonas' lawyer, Richard Min, noted that his client would only be available for a trial after the Jonas Brothers' ongoing tour takes a break on December 9. Min expressed neither optimism nor pessimism about the mediation process, emphasizing the substantial amount of time allocated for it.

Min commented, "Four full days of mediation provide ample opportunity for these parties to come together and resolve their differences." Unlike Sophie's lawyer, he believed that a trial would require at least five days and involve a significant number of witnesses, extending beyond the former couple.

Stephen Cullen vehemently disagreed with the necessity for numerous depositions, asserting that both parties have a responsibility to expedite the resolution of the case in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Sophie Turner, who is currently caring for their daughters, participated in the hearing via video call, while neither Joe nor Sophie were physically present in court.

(With IANS inputs)