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Menifee Divorce Mediation

A Fair Way Mediation has been providing Menifee divorce mediation services for over 4 decades! We have the experience you and your spouse need to navigate the various complex issues that come with a divorce. Our goal is to provide you with a peaceful and affordable divorce process WITHOUT going to court. We understand how stressful divorce can be which is why we keep the communication calm with an understanding that you both are ready to move on with your lives and would like a fair outcome. Over the years many couples have turned to divorce mediation as an alternative to each spouse hiring a lawyer and taking the litigation route which can be expensive and take months, if not years to finalize.

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

619-702-9174

Divorce Mediation Services

A Fair Way Mediation prides itself in being considered one of the top divorce mediation centers in the Menifee and surrounding regions. We understand there is no cookie-cutter approach to a divorce, every situation is different, some are very complex with shared businesses, shared properties, assets, children and more. At the end of the day these issues can be sorted out without having a judge make the final decision. And remember when you go to court, the final outcome and the details become public record, with Menifee divorce mediation the entire process and the completion are fully private and confidential. We have 1 goal to be the best Menifee divorce mediation provider in the area!

Divorce Mediation Issues We Help Navigate

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

In order to go the mediation route, each of you needs to be in agreement to use a Menifee divorce mediator for the process. The reason for this being that divorce mediators do not act like lawyers, which means WE DO NOT TAKE SIDES. The goal is to provide an informal environment to help you both discuss the key issues at hand in a civil manner.

While you may have already chosen to go the litigation route and decided that maybe the mediation route is the right way to proceed, you can also changed to a divorce mediation specialist at any time. You don't have to feel trapped, things can change. When you switch to a divorce mediator you will end up saving money, time, and emotional stress in the end. If you are looking for an affordable Menifee divorce mediator, we are here to help!

Advantages of Divorce Mediation

Cost-Effectiveness

Mediation is typically more cost-effective than litigation. In mediation, a neutral third party helps the couple reach agreements, avoiding lengthy court battles that can accumulate substantial legal fees. The expenses involved in mediation are often lower because it involves fewer formal procedures and less time spent in court.

Control and Flexibility

Mediation allows the couple to have more control and flexibility over the outcome. Instead of a judge making decisions for them, the couple actively participates in negotiating their own agreements on issues like child custody, asset division, and support. This process encourages compromise and creative solutions tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Mediation proceedings are private and confidential. Unlike litigation, which takes place in a public courtroom setting, mediation discussions occur in a more confidential and informal setting. This confidentiality can create a safer space for open communication and encourages honest discussions without the fear of public disclosure.

Reduced Emotional Stress

Divorce is emotionally taxing, and litigation can exacerbate the stress and conflict between parties. Mediation, on the other hand, tends to be less adversarial. It promotes communication and cooperation, which can help reduce hostility and preserve a more amicable relationship, especially if the divorcing couple needs to co-parent in the future.

The Divorce Mediation Process

Initial Meeting: Couples meet the mediator to discuss the process, establish goals, and agree on the mediator's role.

Information Gathering: Both parties share financial information, child-related concerns, and other relevant details.

Negotiation and Discussion: The mediator facilitates discussions, helping couples find mutually acceptable solutions.

Agreement Drafting: Once agreements are reached, a written document outlining the terms is prepared for review.

Finalizing the Agreement: The final agreement is reviewed by individual attorneys (if chosen) before being submitted to the court for approval.

The Significance of Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation prioritizes cooperation, reducing the emotional toll and animosity often associated with divorce. Its significance lies in preserving relationships, especially when children are involved, and fostering a sense of empowerment and control over the outcome.

Mediation Articles

THE HUMAN APPROACH TO DIVORCE: INSIGHTS INTO MEDIATION

Divorce is a difficult and emotionally challenging process that marks the end of a significant chapter in one's life. The traditional approach to divorce often involves lengthy court battles, escalating tensions, and significant emotional and financial strain on both parties involved. But that approach is a thing of the past, there is an alternative, more human-centered method of navigating this tumultuous period: mediation.

A NEW BEGINNING: THE BENEFITS OF DIVORCE MEDIATION

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

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.

We offer a no cost consultation, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!

619-985-2357

Divorce Mediation 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