What You Need to Know About the Length of Divorce Mediation in California
Going to court to reach a divorce settlement is not necessary for all divorcing couples. Here’s what you need to know about the length of the divorce mediation process in California.
The divorce mediation process usually takes between three to six months. However, the length of mediation can be different depending on the comfort levels and pacing of each party, as well as the circumstances of each couple’s case.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation involves an unbiased person (known as the mediator) helping a couple reach an agreement on various issues, by helping them talk through the issues in a way that facilitates the couple’s decision-making. The mediator does not make any decisions; instead, they focus only on helping the couple come to decisions on their own.
Even if the mediation does not result in the couple coming to an agreement on everything, it can help the couple focus on issues they are unable to resolve themselves and prepare them to go to court if necessary.
Related: What Happens If Divorce Mediation Is Unsuccessful?
There are a number of ways to find a mediator, such as searching in a local telephone directory or online, contacting a local community organization or bar association, or contacting the local court to see if they have a mediation panel.
Related: Divorce Mediation in California: What You Need to Know
How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?
The divorce mediation process can usually take between three to six months. However, this time frame can differ based on each individual couple’s circumstances. Unlike in a litigated divorce in a court setting with set dates and timeframes, mediation is much more flexible to the spouses’ schedules and pacing, as well as their comfort levels.
Because of this, mediation can take shorter or longer periods of time depending on the individual circumstances of the couple’s relationship. For example, if a couple agrees on many issues and goes through the mediation process quickly, their mediation could be shorter.
FAQs
How can I make my mediation process shorter than three months?
The length of your divorce mediation process is dependent on you and your spouse’s individual circumstances, pacing and comfort levels. If you would like your mediation process to be shorter, you may need to be a bit more flexible and open during the mediator-facilitated conversations with your spouse, to come to agreements on the various issues related to your divorce.
What kinds of issues can a mediator help resolve?
A mediator can resolve issues related to your divorce, including things like child custody, child and spousal support and property division.
Is mediation a substitute for a legal divorce?
Mediation can be a substitute for a legal divorce if you and your spouse are able to come to a full agreement on all issues relevant to your divorce. In this case, you can file a marriage separation agreement, which requires a written agreement on the issues related to your divorce, including property division, child custody, and child and spousal support.
What are the benefits of divorce mediation?
Mediation can help you keep control of your divorce, because you and your spouse are involved firsthand in the decision-making process. Because you and your spouse know each other, your relationship and your family situation the best, the agreements you reach through mediation can be the most effective and applicable. Additionally, if you and your spouse are able to reach a full agreement, you can save time and money by filing a marriage separation agreement, which doesn’t require a court appearance.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions on how long divorce mediation takes in California, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our experienced Divorce Mediation Attorneys to discuss your unique legal situation.