Setting Up Divorce Mediation With Your Spouse
Arranging a meeting between you and your spouse can be difficult. Here’s how to set up divorce mediation in California.
To set up divorce mediation in California, first consider your goals, expectations, and budget. Then, based on these considerations, hire the right divorce mediation attorney for you. Proceed with the mediation process.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a process where an impartial person (the mediator) helps divorcing spouses come to an agreement. Mediators help the parties to discuss issues in a way that makes it easier for the couple to settle disputes.
Other Options Instead of Divorce Mediation
1. Do-It-Yourself Divorce
While choosing to move forward with your divorce without an attorney or mediator may seem like the most cost-effective option, it poses a large amount of legal and financial challenges. Mistakes that occur in do-it-yourself divorces are nearly irreversible.
2. Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce occurs when a couple agrees to work out a divorce settlement without going to court. Both parties hire an attorney to reach a settlement.
Related: 7 Benefits of Divorce Mediation in California
What to Consider Before Going to Divorce Mediation
1. Goals
What exactly is it that you hope to achieve with a mediation? What problems faced with your spouse during negotiation are you hoping to resolve with an impartial third party? Where do you have room to compromise and on what issues do you firmly stand?
2. Expectations
Clearly define your expectations from a potential mediation. How much time do you want to spend on mediation?
3. Budget
How much money can you spend on mediation? Will you and your partner be sharing the costs of mediation?
Cost of Divorce Mediation in California
The average cost of mediation in California is approximately $5,000. This does not include the cost of divorce consultants or other attorneys. However, this is generally a less expensive option than a litigation case, which can cost three times as much as mediation.
How to Find a Divorce Mediator
There are multiple ways to find a divorce mediator in your area. To start, you can:
- Check your local telephone directory. Most have a section for mediation.
- Search on the Internet.
- Contact a community organization.
- Contact your local bar association.
- Contact the local court to see if they have a mediation panel.
- Or, get your free consultation with one of our experienced divorce mediators in California!
The Mediation Process
1. Before Mediation
Prior to beginning the mediation, your mediator will meet with you and your spouse to plan the process. Particularly in cases involving attorneys, the mediator may have a Pre-Mediation Submission or Mediation Statement for each party in order to outline issues important to resolve in the case.
Related: How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation in California
2. The Mediation Session
Mediation sessions are typically attended by both parties and a mediator; one or both parties may choose to hire attorneys to advise them as well. If attorneys are involved in divorce mediation, their attendance must be agreed upon by both of the parties. Mediation in California can be expected to take, on average, three to four months to complete.
3. Settlement
After sessions of mediation, the disputing parties may come to an agreement.
4. What If Mediation Does Not Work?
Sometimes, divorce mediation can end unsuccessfully as the parties cannot resolve issues in a divorce. In these cases, litigation may be inevitable. It is important before starting the process of divorce mediation to properly weigh all of your available options and decide what will be most effective for both parties involved.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to set up divorce mediation in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified mediator for your unique divorce. Get your free consultation with one of our California Divorce Mediation Attorneys today!