How Does Divorce Mediation Work in California?
Posted on Jan 10, 2023 11:05am PST
If you're going through a
divorce in California, you may be considering mediation as an alternative to traditional courtroom
litigation. Divorce mediation can be a great way to save time and money,
and it can also help reduce the stress and conflict associated with the
divorce process.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation in California
Divorce mediation is an alternative to a traditional court trial for couples
going through a divorce. It is a private and confidential process run
by a professional mediator who assists both parties in assessing the facts,
exploring potential solutions, and finding agreement on each issue to
reach a mutually beneficial settlement.
Benefits of going through divorce mediation over the court system include
the following:
- Cost-effective
- Less time consuming
- More efficient
- Focused on resolution and collaboration
- Allows you to maintain healthy family relationships throughout the divorce
process and beyond
Overall, divorce mediation helps couples break free from roadblocks that
can get in the way of reaching a workable solution, allowing them to move
forward with their lives with their dignity intact.
How Divorce Mediation Works in California
If you’re considering divorce mediation in California, here’s a basic outline of the process:
-
Find a Qualified Mediator – Finding a qualified mediator who can help you and your spouse
reach an agreement on the important issues of a divorce is essential to
ensure the best interests of everyone involved are met during the divorce
mediation process. A mediator can help resolve disputes between both parties
in a timely and cost-effective manner. When searching for a mediator,
it is important to research their credentials, such as their education,
experience, and background. In many cases, an experienced divorce lawyer
may be best suited to handle your needs. This is because most experienced
divorce attorneys have an in-depth understanding of California’s
divorce laws and the mediation process.
-
Schedule Mediation Sessions – Once a mediator has been selected, expect the process to move
forward in sessions organized at regular intervals. The length of the
mediation process will vary depending on the complexity of the dispute
and number of issues that need to be discussed. During each mediation
session, the mediator will facilitate discussion between both parties
to encourage conversation and understanding. The mediator will work hard
to ensure that all sides fully understand what is being discussed before
any decisions are made. Additionally, there should be ample opportunities
during mediation for both parties to express their views in a supportive
environment. With diligence and clear communication from all involved,
a satisfactory settlement agreement can typically be reached within several
weeks or months, depending on the severity of the situation.
What if an Agreement Can’t Be Reached During the Divorce Mediation Process?
If a couple is unable to agree on certain aspects of their divorce during
the mediation process, then all hope is not lost. The mediator may work
with both parties to determine how disputes can be resolved. This could
involve continued negotiations or a trial.
In some instances, couples can petition the court to make decisions on
issues that they fail to agree upon during divorce mediation. It is important
to note that typically any decisions issued by a court will cost more
in terms of time and money than if the divorcing couple is able to reach
an agreement through mediation.
Considering divorce mediation in California? Give Arnold Law Group, APC
a call at (559) 900-1263 or contact us online
today to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced divorce mediation lawyers in Fresno.