Because divorce and family law issues are often contentious, California has encouraged couples to resolve their differences through avenues other than the courtroom. The most common alternative dispute resolution approach is mediation.
Mediation presents an exciting opportunity for spouses who wish to find a more economical and amicable alternative to the standard divorce litigation process. While mediation is not for everyone, it can have significant advantages for those capable of resolving their disputes with the assistance of a skilled and effective mediator.
When Can Mediation Be Used
If you need an experienced divorce and family law mediator, please get in touch with me, Ronald K. Stitch. Mediation can be a superior method for resolving divorce and family law disputes. I offer mediation services for a wide range of family law matters, including:
- Divorce
- Child custody and parenting time
- Post-divorce disputes (e.g., child support, custody, visitation)
- Other family law matters
I encourage you to learn more about mediation’s many benefits. To speak with me about your legal matter, please call 818-707-0202 at my law office in Westlake Village, California.
Benefits of Mediation in California
Mediation can offer many benefits to those involved in family law disputes. Potential benefits of mediation include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:
- Minimizing stress throughout the divorce process
- Allowing you and your spouse to discuss critical issues in a civil manner
- Preserving a friendly relationship with your spouse
- Preventing California family law courts from making decisions about child custody and other such sensitive matters for you
- Making the overall experience more accessible for your children
- Reducing costs for both spouses, as mediation can prevent a divorce from being drawn out
What Does Family Law Mediation Involve in California
Every family law case is unique. Thus, the mediation process can vary in some ways depending on numerous factors.
Generally, though, mediation involves:
The First Meeting
The mediation process might begin with an initial meeting or appointment. Both spouses may be in attendance.
This initial appointment is for a mediator to understand each spouse’s goals. Before the meeting is complete, a mediator in California might ask both spouses to sign an agreement to begin mediation officially.
A mediator may also assign “homework” to each spouse. For example, a mediator might ask each spouse to gather various documentation related to the areas of dispute.
Appointments
Mediation usually consists of multiple meetings or appointments. Often, both spouses attend these appointments, but there may be instances when a mediator believes it will be more helpful to meet with a spouse one-on-one.
It is impossible to say how many appointments will be necessary. Typically, the more issues two divorcing spouses disagree on, the more appointments the mediation process will involve.
There is also no universal schedule for how often appointments take place. When scheduling appointments, a mediator may determine how long spouses need to gather documentation or complete other homework assignments.
The primary purpose of these appointments is to resolve every issue two spouses struggle to agree upon. A mediator will strive to facilitate an atmosphere of respect and civility throughout the appointments. Whenever an agreement appears to be reached during a mediation session, the mediator might make a note accordingly.
Agreement
A mediator will draft a document (often called a settlement agreement) describing the nature of the various agreements reached throughout the mediation process. Both spouses then have the opportunity to review the agreement. They may elect to do so with the assistance of lawyers if necessary.
Should a spouse object to any of the details of a settlement agreement, further mediation might be required until all complaints have been addressed. Both spouses will sign the settlement agreement when they are satisfied with it.
The mediator will then submit the signed agreement for court approval. Although exceptions exist, a court typically approves, and the divorce process can proceed to the next phase.
My Role As A Mediator
As a mediator, I do not act as an attorney (legal counsel) for either party; I act as a neutral third party to facilitate an agreement between the parties.
I meet with both parties and work to find common ground to serve as a basis for agreement. Once parties have agreed, I can prepare all final paperwork for the court to enable them to move their cases through the court system effectively and efficiently.
An Experienced And Knowledgeable Mediator
I have been mediating cases since California courts recommended this process for family law cases. As mediation is relatively new to divorce and family law cases, it’s essential to have an attorney who profoundly understands the mediation process, has helped many individuals successfully resolve their family law issues, and understands family and divorce law in the state.
Certified Family Law Specialist
I have over 35 years of legal experience and have represented over a thousand clients in divorce and family law matters. I am certified by The State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization in family law. Because of my experience as a divorce lawyer, I can better act as a potent mediator.
Call 818-707-0202 To Schedule A Free Consultation
My family mediation services extend to clients in Thousand Oaks and throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact my law office at 818-707-0202 or by email.
