If you're going through a divorce in California, you may be considering mediation as an alternative to traditional courtroom litigation. Divorce mediation can be a great way to save time and money, and it can also help reduce the stress and conflict associated with the divorce process.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation in California
Divorce mediation is an alternative to a traditional court trial for couples going through a divorce. It is a private and confidential process run by a professional mediator who assists both parties in assessing the facts, exploring potential solutions, and finding agreement on each issue to reach a mutually beneficial settlement.
Benefits of going through divorce mediation over the court system include the following:
- Cost-effective
- Less time consuming
- More efficient
- Focused on resolution and collaboration
- Allows you to maintain healthy family relationships throughout the divorce process and beyond
Overall, divorce mediation helps couples break free from roadblocks that can get in the way of reaching a workable solution, allowing them to move forward with their lives with their dignity intact.
How Divorce Mediation Works in California
If you’re considering divorce mediation in California, here’s a basic outline of the process:
- Find a Qualified Mediator – Finding a qualified mediator who can help you and your spouse reach an agreement on the important issues of a divorce is essential to ensure the best interests of everyone involved are met during the divorce mediation process. A mediator can help resolve disputes between both parties in a timely and cost-effective manner. When searching for a mediator, it is important to research their credentials, such as their education, experience, and background. In many cases, an experienced divorce lawyer may be best suited to handle your needs. This is because most experienced divorce attorneys have an in-depth understanding of California’s divorce laws and the mediation process.
- Schedule Mediation Sessions – Once a mediator has been selected, expect the process to move forward in sessions organized at regular intervals. The length of the mediation process will vary depending on the complexity of the dispute and number of issues that need to be discussed. During each mediation session, the mediator will facilitate discussion between both parties to encourage conversation and understanding. The mediator will work hard to ensure that all sides fully understand what is being discussed before any decisions are made. Additionally, there should be ample opportunities during mediation for both parties to express their views in a supportive environment. With diligence and clear communication from all involved, a satisfactory settlement agreement can typically be reached within several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the situation.
What if an Agreement Can’t Be Reached During the Divorce Mediation Process?
If a couple is unable to agree on certain aspects of their divorce during the mediation process, then all hope is not lost. The mediator may work with both parties to determine how disputes can be resolved. This could involve continued negotiations or a trial.
In some instances, couples can petition the court to make decisions on issues that they fail to agree upon during divorce mediation. It is important to note that typically any decisions issued by a court will cost more in terms of time and money than if the divorcing couple is able to reach an agreement through mediation.
Considering divorce mediation in California? Give Arnold Law Group, APC a call at (559) 900-1263 or contact us online today to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced divorce mediation lawyers in Fresno.