Nobody wants a confrontational divorce with contentious attorneys and long drawn out court proceedings. Divorce Mediation is the best way to avoid this, especially if you and your spouse are on common ground about the issues which need to be resolved in your divorce. In California, divorce mediation is now the most popular way to divorce.
Mediation offers a peaceful alternative to the often aggressive and stressful courtroom battles. It’s also the fastest, least expensive and most efficient way to work through the divorce process. Mediation requires a professional mediator who acts as a Neutral Third Party throughout the divorce process. A skilled mediator actively listens to both spouses, and guides the parties through the divorce process with the ultimate goal of a fair, reasonable and equitable Marital Settlement Agreement which is acceptable to the couple. Successful mediation requires both spouses committed to the process. Here are some guidelines to help make your decision:
Before you decide on mediation, make sure it’s right for both of you. Mediation works well if you and your spouse have a good working relationship. Both spouses must support the process and be willing to work together peacefully for the good of the family. Each spouse should be on equal ground and never feel intimidated.
This is one of the most import issues in divorce. Both spouses should fully understand all joint financial issues. This includes real property, joint accounts, and investments. Nothing should be hidden and no surprises when you go into mediation. The mediator is the coach, but you both have to provide the input to start the process. Make sure to bring a list of all your assets including real property, bank accounts, debts, financial records and retirement accounts and pension statements to aid the process. California is a Community-Property state. Anything which was accumulated during the term of the marriage is to be shared between the parties with some exceptions which the mediator will explain to the parties.
Make decisions ahead of time. Find areas you can agree upon before the meeting to save time and potential disagreements. If there are children involved, mediation is one of the best ways to negotiate an agreement for the care of your children. Decide on such issues as visitation, joint parenting, and education. If you can, come into the mediation with decisions on what is best for the children and each other.
A Fair Way Mediation has helped couples to mediate a successful and positive divorce for over 30 years. Our experience includes success with domestic partnerships, traditional, military, same sex, and alternative relationships. Our mediators are skilled in all the technologies of virtual mediation and will guide you through the process. Mediation also works non-criminal disputes such as landlord tenant, family, and HOA issues. We mediate issues throughout Palm Springs, Riverside County and San Diego.