Making the decision to divorce is never easy. Not only can the process be emotionally taxing, but divorce can quickly become financially and personally devastating to all involved. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional divorce, which can save you and your family time, money, and a great deal of stress. One such alternative is divorce mediation – a dispute resolution tool that allows couples to divorce on their terms.
At Diaz Law Firm, our team of knowledgeable Los Angeles divorce mediation attorneys has years of experience representing individuals throughout the mediation process. We understand how to effectively settle disputes through mediation and achieve a peaceful, amicable resolution for your divorce. To learn more about how we can help you avoid a costly court battle and ensure a healthy divorce, consider contacting our office at (626) 261-0402 today.
Who Are We?
Diaz Law Firm was established to provide comprehensive legal services through personalized consultations, passionate advocacy, and representation to those who feel unheard in the traditional legal process. We pride ourselves on being transparent, ethical, and client-centered, and we take the time to understand the story of every individual who comes to us for assistance. Over the years, our practice has been shaped by our core values, which we bring to all of our cases:
- Every individual and family is treated equally. We work diligently to ensure that we see eye-to-eye and communicate honestly and transparently.
- We are partners with justice, holding a deep-rooted belief that through fairness and equity, we can better serve our clients.
- Prioritizing peace is a chief concern for our team, and we strive to resolve each case quickly and smoothly.
- We approach our practice with a healthy level of self-criticism, constantly looking inward to see how we can improve upon our work. In this way, we can provide the highest quality legal representation to our clients by continuously improving our systems and standards.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a legal method used to settle a dispute between two or more parties. This approach can be used in a divorce as well, allowing couples to resolve the key issues of their separation, including:
- Asset and property division
- Child support
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Child custody
In divorce mediation, both spouses present their issues to a neutral third party known as a mediator. The mediator will then guide them through the negotiation process to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The mediator will facilitate the discussion, assist with communication, and provide information to help resolve any differences. When the key terms of the divorce have been agreed upon, the mediator will then draft a settlement agreement that reflects these decisions.
Given the importance of the mediator in this process, is it essential that you and your spouse choose an individual who carefully listens to your needs, goals, and expectations during every step of the process. Many times, couples will choose an experienced Los Angeles divorce mediation lawyer to facilitate the process due to their background and expertise in this area of the law. At Diaz Law Firm, divorce mediation is a large facet of our work and we have helped numerous California couples settle their divorce outside of court.
How Does Divorce Mediation Work in California?
Mediation is a formal legal process governed by Article 3 of the California Family Code. As such, there are specific rules and procedures that must be followed to conduct a successful divorce mediation. To begin, the couple will identify a mediator to facilitate the process. Then, the couple will hold an initial appointment to discuss the terms and general goals of the mediation, and what each spouse intends to accomplish by the end of the process.
Divorce mediation typically consists of several hours-long meetings between spouses. During each meeting, key issues of the divorce will be discussed until an agreement has been reached. In divorce mediation, all decision-making is left to the couple. No other individual, such as a judge or arbitrator, will make the final decision about the terms of the divorce.
What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
There are numerous benefits of divorce mediation that make this method an appealing option for many couples. Some of the key advantages of divorce mediation include:
- Cost-effective. Court proceedings can be costly, especially if they carry on for an extended period of time. Paying for multiple attorneys and other professionals, such as child custody evaluators, can become expensive. Moreover, you may need to miss work in order to attend court hearings. Mediation is often a fraction of the cost of a traditional divorce because you must only pay for the mediator’s time.
- Less emotionally taxing. Divorce can be emotionally draining for all parties involved, especially when discussing sensitive issues in front of a judge. Mediation occurs in a more private setting, which is appealing to many couples. It should also be noted that you and your ex-spouse do not need to meet face-to-face during divorce mediation. Your attorneys can represent your interests and negotiate on your behalf.
- More confidential. All issues discussed during divorce mediation remain entirely confidential and private. This means that you can discuss sensitive issues such as financial information, for instance, without being made a part of the public records, accessible to any member of the public.
- Happens on your terms. One of the largest benefits of divorce mediation is that all decision-making power remains with you. All negotiations and agreements will be made on your own terms.
For more information about whether divorce mediation is right for you, consider contacting an experienced Los Angeles divorce mediation lawyer. Your attorney will review your situation and make recommendations about the ideal course of action to dissolve your marriage as smoothly and peacefully as possible.
When Would Divorce Mediation Not Be Recommended?
While divorce mediation can be advantageous in many cases, there are some situations in which it is not the recommended course of action. Divorce mediation may not be recommended if any of the following circumstances apply:
- There is a history of domestic violence or abuse
- One spouse will not reveal their assets
- Either party does not want to divorce
- Amicable communication is not possible
Hiring a Los Angeles Divorce Mediation Lawyer Near You
Navigating a divorce can feel overwhelming, but the process does not need to become stressful and burdensome. Divorce mediation is a valuable alternative to traditional divorce for many couples, providing a unique opportunity for spouses to come together and negotiate their separation on their own terms. If you are considering divorce mediation, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand whether this option is right for you and your family. To learn more about how Diaz Law Firm can help, consider connecting with our team of Los Angeles divorce mediation attorneys at (626) 261-0402 today.