How to Win Divorce Mediation in California
If you want to win divorce mediation, it’s important to prepare. Here’s how to get what you want in divorce mediation in California.
To get what you want in divorce mediation, spouses should choose the right mediator, set reachable goals, know what’s worth giving up, and consult a divorce attorney. Develop a strategy to meet your goals and gather evidence to support your claims.
Choose the Right Mediator
The first step to getting what you want in divorce mediation is hiring an experienced, qualified mediator. An inexperienced or incompetent mediator can pit spouses against each other, making negotiation virtually impossible. A good divorce mediator will help facilitate productive conversations that involve both spouses and make room for collaboration. Interview your divorce mediator before you hire them. Ask them about their experience, qualifications, and how they specifically can help you and your spouse through mediation. Click here for all the questions you should ask when interviewing a divorce mediator.
Hiring a mediator with legal experience can be a big plus as well. A divorce mediator that is also an attorney can help spouses navigate through California’s complex divorce laws and help them reach mutually satisfactory divorce terms. Divorce mediation attorney can also properly draft final divorce agreements and submit them to a judge for approval on the spouses’ behalfs. Contact Her Lawyer to get in touch with one of our divorce mediation attorneys.
Set Goals
Figure out what you want your life to look like after your divorce. Consider issues like property division, child support, child custody, and spousal support; what divorce terms will best suit your interests? You’ll probably need to do some soul-searching to discover what you want out of this divorce. If you’re looking for sole child custody, then develop goals and a strategized plan with your attorney to make sure that’s what you get no matter what. Speak with an attorney and figure out what goals are necessary and realistic, and classify other goals as less important.
Determine What’s Non-Negotiable
Determine what you’ll be willing to give up if push comes to shove. Chances are that you’ll need to negotiate, so prepare to give some to get some. Make a detailed list of non-negotiable terms, ideal arrangements, and minor preferences. Then, once negotiations begin, your foresighted planning will come in handy. Letting your spouse win trivial preferences can make him feel like he’s not getting the raw end of the deal. This can help you win the more important disputes.
Consult an Attorney
You’re gonna need to have legal representation and counsel to get everything that you want in divorce mediation. As legal counsel with specialization in your particular legal matter, an experienced divorce lawyer can protect your rights and interests in mediation. Your divorce attorney can either advise you outside of sessions or protect your interests in the actual meetings. A divorce attorney can help you determine what goals are in reach, and then craft an effective strategy to meet those goals. Contact Her Lawyer to get in touch with one of our divorce attorneys for women.
Develop a Strategy to Meet Your Goals
Plan a detailed strategy to meet your goals in mediation. Carefully craft effective strategies regarding matters like child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Your mediation strategy should include your goals listed and ranked by importance, along with evidence to back your claims. A strong, foresighted strategy can strengthen your position in mediation and help you get what you want.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Goals
Any significant claim you make should be backed by proof. Gather evidence to support your strategized goals; this will strengthen your case and increase your chances of getting favorable terms. Collect, organize, and bring documents that back your claims. Talk with your attorney to determine what evidence should be included in your case. These documents may include:
- Documentation of income and expenses
- Custody and visitation schedules
- Asset titles and deeds
- Legal testimonies
- Messages, emails, or transcribed phone calls
- Court orders
- Restraining orders
- Requests for Orders
- Police reports
- Any other evidence that will strengthen your claims
If you’re making a claim to spousal support, bring financial statements that document you and your spouse’s income. Proof should be relevant and well organized. Try not to include or present evidence that is irrelevant to the matter at hand. Avoid making significant accusations or claims without evidence. This could ruin your credibility with the mediator and potentially weaken your case.
If you and your spouse are conflicting, back your claim with proof. A divorce attorney can help strengthen your case with an effective, foresighted strategy.
Know That You Can Walk Away
Know that you do not have to settle your divorce in mediation. If you and your spouse are stuck in a deadlock, your best option may be to get up and walk away. You completely have the right to leave or end mediation at any time. You should never feel pressured to sign an agreement that you don’t feel comfortable with or understand. Don’t stick around unproductive mediation sessions, as they can be wholly counterintuitive. If you feel that mediation is not suiting your interests, you have the right to get up and walk away at any time.
Contact Us
If you’re looking to get what you want in divorce mediation, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified mediator or attorney for your unique legal matter. Your initial consultation is free. We’re here to help 24/7.