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Divorce Mediator San Diego

Finding the right divorce mediator in San Diego to help guide you through the beginning stages of divorce to completion is a very important step in moving on with your lives. A Fair Way Mediation Center has been helping couples obtain an affordable and peaceful divorce for over 30 years! We strive to provide couples with a comfortable environment for communication and help them get to the finish line.

Most importantly, WE DON'T TAKE SIDES. We work as a mutual 3rd party to help the negotiations and allow each individual to speak their mind and help facilitate the direction of concerns and various issues that need to be discussed such as propert division, child support, debt issues, and so on. Each case is unique and we will take the time to understand the entirety of your situation and help bring this to an end, without having to waste thousands and thousands on lawyer fees.

We offer a free consultation if you want to fill out the Ask the Mediator form, this will allow us to learn more about your situation and also allow you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We are also available by phone:

Ask the Mediator for a free consultation!

619-702-9174

Divorce Can be Stressful


We know the stress that a divorce can bring to couples lives. It is a big change and many aspects of your lives have become intertwined whether through children, finances, friends and family and much more! With the upcoming change, it can be a bit scary and stressful when you start the process. The goal of A Fair Way Mediation is minimize the stress on each individual they may be xperiencing and provide a comfortable atmosphere to discuss the topics at hand. If children are involved, the stress can be multiplied many times over. We fully understand this and it is natural to feel this way.

Common issues we go over during the mediation process include property division, retirement division, child support, spousal support, and even pet custody! Whether you are a traditional marriage, a military marriage, or an LGBT marriage, the process is very similar with minor issues that can arise with each. Ultimately at the end of the day, we are all people and want happiness in life, and you both deserve closure and the opportunity to open a new chapter.

Affordable Divorce


Another thing that people often think about when starting a divorce is the "cost of the divorce". There are 2 routes that you can go, using a divorce mediator or going with a traditional divorce lawyer. We explore these 2 options futhere Divorce Mediation Vs Divorce Lawyer. With a traditional divorce lawyer route each of you will hire the services of your own lawyer that you will rely on to communicate your needs to the other. These lawyers typically charge an hourly rate. Along with the fact that the traditional divorce route may take months if not years to complete, these hourly fees can rack up to a pretty hefty bill!& It is very common for couples to have lawyer fees exceed $20,000+ each.

With the divorce mediation route, the fees are a fraction of the cost. Typically at the end of using a divorce mediator, fees can range from $4,000 - $7,000, but can go higher in very complex cases and depending on the communication between the couple. We strive to bring the best mediation services to you at an affordable rates.

With a “divorce mediator”, costs often range from around $3,000 to about $8,000 depending on the varying degrees of issues that need to be sorted out. We always understand money is an important factor in all things in life, divorce included, and we strive to bring the highest quality divorce process at an affordable rate.

Common Issues in a Divorce


Every couples situation is different, which is why we don't take a one size fits all approach. Some divorces are very complex involving children, businesses, and multiple properties, and some are very easy to navigate as both couples already have a general idea as to how they want to proceed.

Child Support
Property Division
Retirement Distribution
Spousal Support
And even Pet Mediation!

Mediation Benefits


There are a variety of reasons to choose mediation over litigation, but the 2 most common benefits why couples choose mediation include:

Cost and Time


Many couples choose mediation over the litigation route because of the affordable costs. With litigation, each side has to get their own lawyer and these fees can easily exceed $25,000+ (per person), depending on how long it will take for lawyers to negotiate. Couples often aren't aware the fees they are being charged by a lawyer until the process is complete and can be blindsided by a bill that exceeds what they were expecting. Mediation is a straightforward approach with no hidden fees. The average cost of a mediated divorce ranges between $3500 - $7500 depending on the complexity of the case and the couple's ability to communicate effectively. This fee is also split between the couple which makes it a very cost-effective solution.

Peaceful Environment


Divorce can already be stressful, and having to go to court can make this stress grow. With mediation, all discussions and agreements are settled out of court. Once the agreement has been finalized, the couple will submit the paperwork to the court for review and approval. Another disadvantage when couples go to court is that the proceedings become public record, but with divorce mediation all discussions and the final agreement are kept private.

Divorce Mediation FAQs

How does divorce mediation work?down-arrow

Divorce mediation is a collaborative approach to a divorce aimed at helping couples resolve their marital disputes and reach a mutually beneficial agreement without going to court. The mediation process involves a neutral 3rd party known as a “mediator”, who facilitates communication between the divorcing spouses. During the mediation sessions, each person will have the opportunity to express their concerns, needs, and interest to various aspects of the divorce such as spousal support, child custody, division of assets, and even pets. The goal of mediation is to identify a common ground by exploring potential solutions and guiding couples toward reaching a fair and agreeable settlement.

What happens if we cannot reach an agreement through mediation?down-arrow

If couples are unable to reach an agreement through divorce mediation, they may choose to continue negotiating and exploring alternative dispute resolution methods such as collaborative divorce or arbitration. If these efforts fail, the next step is litigation where each party presents their case to a judge who will then make the final decisions regarding division of assets, child custody, spousal support, and any other relevant matters.

Can I still go to court if mediation fails?down-arrow

Yes, you can still go to court if divorce mediation fails. If mediation proves unsuccessful and the couple is unable to reach an agreement on the issues, they have the option to pursue litigation by taking their case to court.

How much does divorce mediation cost?down-arrow

Depending on the complexity of the case, the location, and the mediator’s fees, the average divorce mediation costs between $3500 to $7500. It’s important to note this is just an estimate as the actual price can be higher or lower depending on circumstances.

Can children be involved in divorce mediation?down-arrow

Yes, children can be involved in the divorce mediation process. Divorce mediation primarily focuses on resolving issues between the couple, the well-being and best interests of the children are also extremely important consideration. In most cases, mediators encourage children to be involved to express their feelings, concerns, and preferences, giving them the opportunity to have a say in decisions that directly affect their lives. NOTE: This is also dependent on the child’s age and the parent’s preferences.

Can the agreements reached in divorce mediation be modified in the future?down-arrow

Yes, the agreement reached in a divorce mediation CAN be modified in the future under certain circumstances. Life circumstances can change over time, requiring the need to modify the original agreement. Modifications may be requested if there are substantial changes in financial situations, employment, or significant changes in the needs of the parties involved. Any modifications to the agreement would require the consent of both parties or approved from the court, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of modifications being sought.

Are attorneys involved in divorce mediation?down-arrow

Yes, attorneys can be involved in divorce mediation. While divorce mediation is a collaborative process with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement, attorneys can play a role in guiding and advising their clients throughout the mediation process. Attorneys can provide legal counsel, explain the rights of each party, and help to prepare the legal documents after the agreement has been reached.

What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of divorce mediation?down-arrow

There are a few limitations to the mediation process. To start, mediation relies on the willingness of both parties to cooperate and negotiate in good faith. If one or both individuals are unwilling to compromise, the mediation process may become unproductive. Power imbalances between spouses such as differences in financial resources can hinder the fairness of mediation. If there is a history of domestic violence or significant conflict between the spouses, mediation may not be appropriate or safe because it relies on open communication.

Is divorce mediation suitable for same-sex couples?down-arrow

Yes, divorce mediation is suitable for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples face the same challenges as opposite-sex couples when it comes to divorce, such as child custody, property division, and financial matters. When it comes to the divorce mediation process, it’s the same approach as a “traditional” marriage.

Can divorce mediation be used in cases involving domestic violence or abuse?down-arrow

In cases involving domestic violence or abuse, divorce mediation may not be a suitable or appropriate option because safety concerns associated with such situations can make it difficult for the victim to express their concerns without fear. If couples wish to continue to proceed with the mediation process, it is recommended that virtual meetings be held, or the mediator works as the go-between to facilitate communication.

Popular Divorce Mediator Articles


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Divorce, a process fraught with emotional turmoil and significant life changes, often leads to adversarial legal battles, creating more bitterness and resentment between estranged partners. In recent years, a method called divorce mediation has emerged as a powerful tool to transform anger into cooperation and pave the way for a fair and peaceful resolution.

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Divorce is an emotionally challenging chapter in many people's lives, that often comes with tension, disagreements, and uncertainty about the future. While the process can be adversarial and draining, there's an alternative that offers a more peaceful and constructive approach to resolving differences: divorce mediation. This method is gaining popularity due to its numerous benefits for couples navigating the complexities of separation.

About A Fair Way Mediation


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.

Ask the Mediator for a free consultation!

619-702-9174

2 Locations - San Diego and Palm Springs

San Diego

Coachella Valley