What To Expect

California Divorce Mediation Process

If you’re looking to save time and money on your divorce in a way that conveniently works according to your schedule, mediation may be your best option. You may be thinking, what should I expect during mediation? From the initial appointment to final agreement, learn more about what to expect from the divorce mediation process and please contact us with any additional questions. 

The Mediation Process in California

Initial Appointment – During this session, Laura will explain the California mediation process in detail and discuss your goals and expectations. If you have additional questions that need to be addressed independently, she will set a time to discuss with you one-on-one. 

Setting the Ground Rules – Although this is not an official court proceeding, mediation does include several legally enforceable ground rules, including the confidential nature of the meetings, full disclosure of all financial information, and the right to consult with your own attorney during the mediation process.

Starting the Paperwork – CMS will prepare the paperwork necessary to file the divorce or legal separation with the court.

Reaching an Agreement – After the initial appointment, you will continue to work with Laura on a periodic basis until a final agreement is reached. Common issues discussed in mediation include child custody, parenting time (visitation), child support, spousal support, asset and debt division.

Legal Information – Part of Laura's role is to present the legal knowledge to both parties so that each of you can make informed, educated decisions in the divorce mediation process. As a neutral party, Laura will not offer legal advice, make any decisions, or pressure you to agree with any proposal. The decisions will be yours to make.

Final Agreement – Once an agreement is reached, Laura will draft the judgment containing the details of the agreement and submit it to the court. Prior to signing, both parties retain the right to take the agreement to another lawyer for a final review.

Divorce Litigation

When getting a divorce, the first thing most people do is hire an attorney. You each hire your own divorce attorney, who then represents you in court. A Judge decides when you see your kids, how much support you will pay or receive, and what property and debts you will receive in the divorce.
 
Most people think this is the way divorce has to be: lawyers and court. But going to court can create an even bigger headache in the end. The time and expense spent in this traditional approach to getting a divorce can create overwhelming stress for everyone, including your children. 
 
Mediation is the modern approach to getting a divorce. In the divorce mediation process, both parties use the same highly trained, experienced professional; the divorce mediator remains neutral while working closely with both parties to help them make decisions about what is best for them and their children. In mediation, you make the decisions, not a judge. 
 
In mediation, you do not have to be on the best speaking terms with your soon to be ex. You just need to have the desire to work with the mediator to find solutions so that you can avoid a long, expensive court battle.
 
If you have to go to court, working with a divorce attorney who is both a mediator and a traditional litigator will assure you that your attorney is invested in helping you make the decisions that are best for you rather than making your divorce longer and more expensive than necessary. 
 
At California Mediation Solutions, we believe in doing what is best for our clients. Contact us for a FREE consultation to determine what divorce approach is best for you.

Options Comparison

Not sure what option is right for you? We have laid out a simple analysis for you to compare going to court versus mediation. Let us help you make the best decision for your situation.

Court Litigation

Mediation

Financial Cost

Average divorce costs
$20,000 per person

Flat fee, No hidden costs
Average cost $2,500 - $3000
for both parties

Time

18 months or longer to
complete

In 2-3 mediation sessions,
your entire divorce is
resolved

Decision Making

Judge decides

You decide

Emotional Cost

Court brings out the worst
in people: fighting, blame,
negative remarks

You are empowered as
you focus on solutions and
your future

Confidentiality

Court is public

Mediation is private

Impact on Children

Greatest negative impact on children

Studies show mediation is better for children

Do It Yourself Divorce

You are getting a divorce and just want to move on with your life. You are looking to get your divorce done as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Why hire an attorney and go to court if you don’t have to? In these situations, couples may find themselves in the office of a paralegal or document preparation service, with the hope of getting their divorce over with as fast and cheap as possible.
 
Paralegals have some general knowledge of the law. In law firms, they work under the direction of a lawyer and prepare paperwork. But a paralegal does not have the intense education, depth of legal knowledge or experience that is needed for couples going through a divorce. Time and again, divorcing couples have come to us to “fix” the errors that were made by paralegals or document preparation services. In an effort to get through the divorce process as quickly and inexpensive as possible, these couples actually ended up spending more time and money in the long run. 
 
Whether your divorce is simple or complex, you still have an affordable option when it comes to getting a divorce. When you decide to use divorce mediation, you get a highly trained and certified family law mediator, who also has extensive knowledge and experience as a divorce lawyer. The mediator will provide you with information and options as she works closely with you so that you can make the decisions that are best for you and your family. Even if you have already met with a paralegal service or attorney, you can still mediate to ensure that your divorce is done the right way, at a substantial financial savings.
 
Don’t risk putting your divorce in the hands of someone that is not trained or legally qualified to help you. Contact us for a FREE consultation to see how the divorce mediation process is the better way to get a divorce. 
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