Various disputes can arise when two spouses divorce one another in California. Often, the best way to address these matters is with the help of a neutral third party or mediator.
For more information, contact a Thousand Oaks mediation attorney at the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch. Our mediation services can simplify the divorce process.
When Can Mediation Be Used in Thousand Oaks, California
A Thousand Oaks mediation attorney can assist you in a variety of circumstances. Specifically, their services may be helpful when addressing such matters as:
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Parenting time
- Child support
- Similar family law matters
The Benefits of Working With a Thousand Oaks Mediation Attorney
Mediation is often helpful when two spouses are getting divorced. In California, spouses are encouraged (and, sometimes, required) to attempt to come to mutually satisfactory agreements regarding topics such as child custody, alimony, etc. If they’re unable to do so, the courts must intervene.
This deprives either spouse of being able to exercise a degree of control over how these matters are ultimately addressed. Granting both spouses more control over these issues is one of the many benefits of mediation. Additional benefits include:
- Facilitating positive and productive conversations about otherwise sensitive topics
- Minimizing stress for all parties involved in a divorce
- Allowing two spouses to remain on friendly terms
- Helping spouses maintain a degree of civility for the benefit of their children
- Reducing costs
That last point is essential. Although no one can promise that mediation will be successful, when it is, the process of getting a divorce often takes much less time than it would otherwise take. This can significantly reduce the amount of money a couple spends on their divorce.
What Does Working With a Thousand Oaks Mediation Lawyer Involve
The specifics of the mediation process can sometimes vary on a case-by-case basis. However, mediation tends to involve the following steps:
The Initial Meeting
During the first meeting with a Thousand Oaks mediation attorney, which both spouses might attend, the goal is to ensure the mediator understands the desires of each spouse. This meeting gives everyone involved the opportunity to ask questions.
At the end of the meeting, the mediator may ask each spouse to sign an agreement, which marks the official start of the mediation process. Depending on the circumstances, the mediator might assign each spouse “homework” to complete before the next session.
Sessions/Appointments
This phase makes up the bulk of the mediation process. Over a series of appointments, a mediator will attempt to resolve disagreements between parties. Sometimes, both spouses may attend these sessions, but there are cases when they might attend appointments separately.
Agreement
Once all the necessary issues have been addressed, a mediator will draft a document (often called a settlement agreement) describing the agreements ideally reached via the previous mediation sessions. Each spouse will review the document and decide whether to sign it or request changes.
The mediator will submit the document for the court’s approval once it’s been signed by all necessary parties. In rare cases, the court will reject the agreement, but usually, it will be accepted without any issues.
Contact a Thousand Oaks Mediation Attorney
The experience of getting a divorce doesn’t need to be as stressful as you assume it will be. With the assistance of a neutral mediator, you can address various disputes healthily and productively. Learn more by contacting the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch online or calling us at 818-707-0202.
