Everything You Need to Know About Divorce Mediation in California
Divorce mediation can help spouses come to peaceful decisions about matters relating to the divorce. Here’s everything you need to know about divorce mediation in California.
In California, divorce mediation involves a mediator informing and helping a divorcing couple reach agreements about their divorce. Although divorce mediation may not result in a couple agreeing upon every issue, it simplifies the divorce process by helping couples agree on at least some issues.
What is divorce mediation in California?
In California, divorce mediation refers to a set of meetings arranged to help couples make decisions about their divorce. Although some couples may require one meeting while others may require many meetings to achieve their goals, divorce mediation is a useful and effective tool that can help couples come up with divorce agreements without the hassle of attending court. Divorce mediation involves a neutral attorney informing a separating couple about the various factors that affect divorce outcomes. The neutral attorney must be trained in mediation and will explain topics including property, money, child custody, and spousal support to the couple. Essentially, the role of a mediator is to explain important issues that must be resolved during a divorce, with the overall goal being for both spouses to maintain peace while they learn about their options.
Related: How To Prepare For Divorce Mediation in California
How does mediation work in California?
In California, divorce mediation involves the mediator listening to each spouse and making decisions and suggestions that will benefit the couple as a whole. Part of a mediator’s work involves figuring out what divorce-related matter each spouse feels most passionate about, and sharing information on how to best go about obtaining mutually agreeable results. An example of this can include one spouse feeling strongly about child-related issues while another spouse feels strongly about business-related matters. In this situation, a mediator would make it clear that both subject matters can be discussed within the same meeting, thus keeping the peace while allowing the couple to explore options.
Furthermore, mediators are responsible for informing separating spouses of different laws. This allows each party to be better equipped to make good decisions about relevant legal matters pertaining to divorce. Oftentimes, disputes between couples occur as a consequence of one spouse being ill-informed about a particular subject. For example, a spouse may not realize the consequences of waiting to sell a house. In such cases, mediators are very helpful at making sure both spouses are equally knowledgeable about different topics so they can better work together to make decisions.
How can a couple find a mediator in California?
Although mediators cannot get couples to agree on every divorce-related matter, every issue that they can help resolve simplifies the divorce process. Additionally, mediation helps the couple prepare for court appearances if a court case becomes necessary. Even if a judge needs to make decisions on issues the couple cannot agree about, having control over certain issues and reducing the work that goes into a trial case are benefits of divorce mediation. Steps to finding a divorce mediator include:
- Browsing the internet for a qualified, local mediator
- Checking a local telephone book by directly approaching the section for mediation
- Reaching out to a local bar association
- Reaching out to the local court and specifying a search for a mediation panel
Related: How to Find the Best Divorce Mediation Near Me
Contact Us
If you are seeking divorce mediation in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified Divorce Mediation Attorney for your unique legal situation. Your first consultation is free!