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La Quinta Divorce Mediator

If you and your spouse have come to this point and are looking to start the process of a divorce and don't know where to begin, pleases call A Fair Way Mediation today! For over 30 years we've helpd La Quinta and Southern California couples to get a peaceful and affordable divorce. Unlike traditional lawyers, WE DO NOT TAKE SIDES. We represent each party to help navigate the issues involved in your divorce to come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

For a free consultation, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!

619-702-9174

Explain Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is the process to help resolved divorce disputes and family law disputes in which both parties will control the outcome. If both parties act in good faith, this can be one of the most cost-effective ways to get a divorce finalized. The divorce mediator will act as a netural 3rd party, guiding the communication between the couples on how to settle complex cases, and allowing each side their chance to talk. This is opposed to a traditional divorce lawyer who will act in the best interests of their client. We are highly knowledgeable on divorce and the complex issues that come with it, such as child support, property division, spousal support, debt consolidation and much more. With over 30 years experience, we have seen it all and can help you get through this to the finsh line.

Guiding Clients through Difficult Situations

A vast majority of disputes are resolved through the mediation process, helping to avoid stressful, costly, and very time consuming litigation. We fully understand how difficult and stressful a divorce can be, and we strive to make this a peaceful process for both individuals. We also want to make sure that you have the power to avoid the courts as much as possible. Mediation will give you the means to settle things on your own terms, without having to wait months for a judge to determine the outcome. No matter if its child support, alimony, property division, or even pet mediation, we can help! This is why we strive to be the best La Quinta divorce mediator in the area.

Realistic

When you choose the divorce mediator to help you with your situation, the parties will be given advice on the likelihood of their positions in a court case if it proceeds to trial.

Safe

Contrary to litigation, mediation does not take an adversarial process. An effective mediator will ensure balance of power between the parties involved and maintain communication and a respectul environment. Each side is given the opportunity to state their position and offer ideas and proposals without facing threats or interruption.

Affordable

In our experience as a La Quinta divorce mediator, most family related disputes are resolved within 3-4 mediation sessions. We make sure to ask the parties to agree how they will share the costs prior to the first session, this will create transparency for each party when it comes to costs. Lawyer fees can easily exceed $30,000 or more (per person). With mediation, overall costs range from $3,000 - $7,000 depending on the complexity of the case. This is split between the couple and will save thousands of dollars from using a traditional lawyer.

Fast

Divorce mediation offers a timeline to complete the disputes in a fraction of the time it would take to finalize through the legal system. If you both are committed to resolving the divorce, you can expect to finish everything within 3-4 weeks. If the parties are still unable to come to an agreement and decide to go through litigation, the time to completion can now become 8+ months.

Simplifying the Process Through Direct Communication

Mediation simplifies the divorce process by facilitating direct communication between the parties involved. Unlike courtroom divorces where communication often occurs through attorneys, mediation allows couples to discuss and negotiate directly with each other. This direct dialogue, guided by a neutral mediator, can significantly expedite the process, leading to quicker resolutions.

Avoiding the Delays of Court Schedules

Courtroom divorces are subject to the court's schedule, which can often lead to delays. Mediation, conducted at A Fair Way Mediation, operates on a more flexible schedule determined by the parties involved. This flexibility allows for more frequent and convenient meetings, accelerating the overall process and avoiding the prolonged timelines typical of court cases.

Reducing Paperwork and Legal Formalities

Another aspect that makes mediation quicker and easier is the reduction in paperwork and legal formalities. Mediation involves fewer legal procedures and less documentation compared to the traditional legal process, which not only speeds up the process but also makes it more manageable for the individuals involved.

Promoting Cooperation for Faster Resolutions

Mediation is grounded in the principle of cooperation. At A Fair Way Mediation, the focus is on helping couples work together to find mutually acceptable solutions. This cooperative approach often leads to faster resolutions, as agreements are reached without the adversarial battles common in courtrooms.

Reducing Emotional and Financial Stress

The mediation process is generally less emotionally and financially taxing than courtroom divorces. A Fair Way Mediation helps reduce the emotional strain often associated with divorce by providing a more amicable and respectful environment. Additionally, the quicker resolution and fewer legal fees involved in mediation ease the financial burden on both parties.

MediatOR Questions

How confidential is the mediation process?

Mediation proceedings are inherently private and confidential, safeguarding the discussions, negotiations, and any information shared within the sessions. The mediator, participants, and any other involved parties, like legal representatives or experts, are bound by confidentiality agreements or rules, making sure that what is discussed during mediation remains privileged and cannot be disclosed outside the sessions.

Who typically participates in divorce mediation sessions?

Divorce mediation sessions generally involve the divorcing spouses and a neutral third-party mediator trained in conflict resolution and negotiation techniques. Both parties actively participate in these sessions, seeking to resolve issues related to the dissolution of their marriage, such as property division, child custody, visitation rights, and financial arrangements.

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.

How much does divorce mediation cost?

Some mediators may charge a flat fee for the entire process, which could fall between $1,000 to $5,000 or more, while others might require payment on an hourly basis.

Is mediation suitable for cases involving child custody and support?

Through mediation, parents have the opportunity to craft mutually agreeable solutions tailored to their unique family dynamics and the best interests of their children. This process allows for greater flexibility and encourages the fostering of an amicable relationship between parties, which can be crucial in co-parenting scenarios.

Is mediation suitable for all types of divorces?

Generally, mediation works well when both parties are willing to collaborate, communicate, and negotiate effectively. It can be particularly effective for divorces involving fewer complexities, such as those without significant conflicts over child custody, complex financial assets, or instances of abuse. However, in cases where there's a significant power imbalance, lack of willingness to compromise, or concerns about safety, such as in cases of domestic violence, mediation might not be the most appropriate option.

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

Education Corner

STREAMLINING DIVORCE WITH MEDIATION

Divorce is often perceived as a lengthy and complex process, but it doesn’t always have to be. A Fair Way Mediation, a leading mediation center, offers an approach to divorce that is markedly quicker and easier compared to traditional courtroom proceedings. This article delves into how mediation facilitates a more streamlined, less stressful divorce process, offering an efficient alternative for couples seeking to part ways amicably.

FROM DISCORD TO ACCORD: THE POWER OF DIVORCE MEDIATION

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.

About A Fair Way Mediation

As one of Southern California's top divorce mediators, A Fair Way Mediation has helped 100s of couples to obtain an affordable and peaceful divorce without going to court. We save our clients thousands of dollars in litigation fees and specialize in all forms of divorce mediation including military divorce and same sex divorce mediation. Our divorce mediators are skilled in all the facets of mediation and will guide you through the process. We provide divorce mediation services for couples throughout San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside County and Rancho Mirage, Temecula, and Cathedral City.