Providing Affordable and Peaceful Divorce Solutions for Couples
Throughout San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside, Temecula and Orange County

Why Fair Way Mediation?

Save MoneyOur affordable divorce mediation services are 80-90% less then litigation.
Clients Never Go To Court Clients of A Fair Way Divorce Mediation can rest assured that they will never have to go to court, as the service is dedicated to resolving divorce disputes amicably through mediation.
Flexible Appointment Schedule A Fair Way Divorce Mediation offers a flexible appointment schedule, ensuring convenience and accessibility for couples seeking their mediation services.
Case Settled On Your Time, Not the Courts A Fair Way Divorce Mediation ensures that cases are settled on your time, not the courts', allowing for a more flexible and personalized approach to divorce resolution.

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Client Reviews

The service my family received was amazing. Rich made us understand the process from early on. He was always fair and reasonable to both parties. I was always able to contact him and get a prompt response from him. I was so satisfied with his services that I recommended him to some of my friends and they were delighted with the results.

Anya G.

Rich was very easy to deal with through the process. My husband and I had possibly a unique situation. We consulted with Rich to dissolve our marriage but through the process decided we wanted to work out our marriage. Rich was patient and understanding as we requested to dissolve our dissolution and stay married. I would highly recommend working with them!

Kristi V.

Excellent Service and committed to the details. Rich Gordan and his staff did a superb job in executing a smooth and amicable divorce through my military PCS. I highly recommend him, if you're looking for timely follow-up and impeccable details. Don't waste your time with imitators, they're the real deal. Thank you!

Josh M.

My divorce was a difficult thing to go through. I cannot think or want to remember how difficult it was for me and my Ex. I really wanted to put it behind me and move on with my life. Rich made it so; He was considerate in all steps of the process.

Kiro W.

Divorce Mediation Frequently Asked Questions

How much is divorce mediation compared to divorce litigation?

Many couples turn to divorce mediation as opposed to litigation because of costs. Generally, the average cost of a mediated divorce is $3500 - $7000 (depending on the complexity of the case). With lawyers, the costs can easily exceed $25,000+ (per person).

How long after mediation is divorce final in California?

On average, the divorce is finalized within a few months with the courts. The timeline is based on a variety of factors including the complexity of the issues involved in the divorce, the court’s caseload, and whether it’s contested or uncontested. Once the agreement has been reached, the divorce mediator will prepare the final paperwork to be filed with the court.

Do I have to go to court with divorce mediation?

No. This is another primary reason couples choose mediation over litigation. All discussions will be settled out of court, once the agreement has been made you will simply submit the final paperwork to the courts which your divorce mediator will prepare. Discussions in mediation are kept private, when the case ends up in court it becomes a public record.

In a California divorce, what issues can divorce mediation cover?

An experienced divorce mediation firm can cover a wide range of issues related to a divorce including: Division of Property: mediation helps couples divide their marital property, including debts and assets that have been acquired during the marriage. Child Support: through discussions, mediation can assist in determining the amount of spousal support to be paid to one spouse or the other. Spousal Support: can help determine the amount and duration of spousal support payments (if any). Retirement Accounts: mediation also helps couples divide their retirement accounts and pensions. Debt: divorce mediation can assist couples in resolving issues related to marital debt (credit cards, loans, mortgages). Business Partnerships: mediation can also help divide any business interests that have been acquired during the marriage. Pet Mediation: while not as known, mediation can also help with pet custody and support during the divorce process.

What is the difference detween divorce collaborative divorce and mediation?

Collaborate divorce and mediation are both methods that can be used in place of a traditional litigated divorce. Each methods helps couples come to a mutual agreement and avoid court. There are a few key differences between the 2 alternatives. Collaborative Divorce: Is a process where each spouse hires their own “collaboratively” trained attorney to work with them and a team of professionals, attorneys and therapists, for example. Mediation: this is the process where a neutral 3rd party (the mediator), works with both spouses to facilitate discussions and ultimately reach a final agreement. Mediators do not represent either party, they help couples identify the issues and generate options for a peaceful resolution. Key Difference: In a collaborative divorce, both parties may have their own team of professionals who work with them to find resolutions. Whereas, a trained mediator doesn’t have a team of professionals and can handle all of the aspects of the divorce.

How is child support determined in a divorce case?

Within the State of California, child support is based on a statewide guideline formulate that takes in a few different factors. Each Spouses Income: the formulate considers each parent’s income from all sources, including salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, and investments. Custody Agreement: this is the amount of time that the child or children spends with each parent (timeshare). In general, the more a parent spends with the child or children the less support they are required to pay. Childcare Expenses: if either parent pays for childcare expenses, such as daycare, those expenses are factored in to the child support calculations. Health Insurance: if 1 parent provides health insurance coverage for the child, the cost of that is factored in to the support calculation. Miscellaneous Expenses: other expenses that may be considered in the calculation include educational needs or special needs, transportation costs, or any other expenses.

What are the benefits of divorce mediation?

There are a variety of benefits to divorce mediation as opposed to litigation, here are just a few. Overall Costs: in comparison to litigation, mediation is much less expensive. The average cost of a mediated divorce is around $3500 - $7,000, the cost of a litigated divorce can easily exceed $25,000+ with lawyer fees and court costs. Less Stress: divorce mediation is designed to provide a peaceful environment to work out the issues, minimizing the level of conflict between the parties. More Control: with divorce mediation couples have control over the outcome of the divorce. They work together to come to an agreeable settlement that meets the unique needs and circumstances of their situation as opposed to a judge making the final decision. Quicker Process: the average time for divorce mediation from start to finish is around 3-8 weeks depending on the complexity of the case and the couples ability to communication.

Do we have to meet in person or can we mediate online or phone?

No. You do not have to meet in person. Discussions can be done over the phone or via online video chats such as Zoom or Skype.

How do I start the divorce process?

With divorce mediation, since mediators act as a neutral 3rd party and does not represent either spouse, it’s recommended to discuss with your spouse before exploring options. We offer a free 30 minute consultation to answer any questions you may have while also gathering information as to how we can help!

What is pet mediation and How does this work in a divorce?

While it may seem odd to many, pets are members of the family, and just like any other issues that need to be discussed, pet mediation in a divorce discusses custody and visitation of the pets. Learn More About Pet Mediation

Why Choose Divorce Mediation Over Litigation?

Divorce is a complex and emotionally taxing process, often intensified by adversarial legal battles in court. Choosing divorce mediation over litigation offers numerous advantages that prioritize an amicable resolution. Mediation creates a cooperative environment where both parties collaborate with a neutral mediator to reach mutually agreeable solutions. Unlike the confrontational nature of litigation, mediation encourages open communication, allowing spouses to express their concerns and needs while working towards a fair settlement. This process not only saves time and money but also helps maintain a more respectful relationship between divorcing partners, especially important when children are involved. By allowing individuals to actively participate in decision-making, divorce mediation leads to more customized agreements that suit the unique circumstances of the couple, providing a smoother transition into post-divorce life.

Divorce mediation typically results in a quicker resolution compared to the lengthy court proceedings involved in litigation. The flexibility of mediation allows couples to schedule sessions at their convenience, expediting the process and reducing the backlog often experienced in the overloaded court systems. The confidentiality of mediation also offers a level of privacy not afforded in courtroom battles, protecting sensitive details from becoming public record. With a focus on collaboration rather than contention, mediation promotes a sense of empowerment and control for both parties, allowing them to craft their own solutions rather than having decisions imposed by a judge. Choosing divorce mediation over litigation facilitates a more peaceful and respectful transition, laying the groundwork for a more cooperative relationship in the post-divorce phase.

Providing Affordable and Peaceful Divorce Solutions for Couples Throughout San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside, Temecula and Orange County