For over 4 decades, A Fair Way has been providing divorce mediation services to couples throughout San Diego too obtain a peaceful and affordable divorce. We understand how stressful divorce can be on couples, our goal is to minimize the stress and create a comfortable environment to work out the issues at hand so you both can move on with your lives. Many couples aren't sure where to start to begin the divorce proceedings, while most assume that each couple has to get a divorce lawyer and "battle it out", this simply isn't the case. This is why many couples turn to mediation as an alternative to litigation as it not only can save thousands of dollars for each individual, couples also do not go to court. All proceedings are held outside of the judicial system to allow couples to determine their future and not have a judge decide what the final outcome will be. We understand that every situation is different and never take a one size fits all approach, our team will take the time to listen to your needs.
For a free consultation, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!
Understanding Divorce Mediation
Divorce can be a complex and challenging process, often leaving couples overwhelmed by the legal proceedings and potential disputes with each other. San Diego divorce mediation offers peaceful and cost-effective solution to dissolve a marriage. As opposed to litigation where each party gets their own lawyer, with mediation, you both work together with A Fair Way Divorce to sort through the issues at hand with the goal to reach a mutually beneficial agreement for each side. t's a terrific cost-effective solution in comparison to litigation as it saves couples thousands of dollars while putting the outcome back in your hands, not a judge.
Why Couples Turn to Mediation
Encourages Communication
Unlike traditional divorce proceedings that can create further conflict, mediation encourages open dialogue between the spouses. By providing a supportive environment, the San Diego divorce mediation team at A Fair Way Mediation promotes effective communication allowing both parties to express their concerns and needs in a positive manner. This approach helps couples maintain a peaceful relationship, even more so when children are involved. Your San Diego divorce mediator will act as a neutral 3rd part to help sort through the issues that need to be discussed and agreed upon, giving plenty of time for each side to express their goals and work to a solution. Oftentimes with litigation, couples end up having to communicate directly with their respective lawyers which can increase the amount of time to complete the divorce and lose the ability to convey their thoughts and needs accurately to the other spouse.
Preserves Decision-Making Power
Mediation also gives couples more control over the decisions that will impact their futures. Rather than having to rely on a judge to make a final determination that will dictate your future, mediation allows couples to participate in negotiations to reach mutually agreed upon solutions. This level of control reduces the feeling of helplessnes and leads to greater satisfaction with the final settlement. Most marriages have issues that couples specifically understand for themselves, and it's difficult to have to present a case in front of a judge who does not fully understand the intricacies of your marriage and that will ultimately decide your fate based information that is provided by the respective lawyers.
Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient
Compared to a traditional litigated divorce, mediation is cost-effective alternative. The streamlined process that mediation provides can significantly reduce the legal fees. While litigation costs for a divorce can easily exceed $25,000+ per person, the average cost of a mediated divorce ranges from $3500 - $7000 (depending on the complexity of the case and the couple's ability to communicate). Mediation also provides a time-efficient solution as the average time to mediate a divorce can range from 3 weeks to 3 months, on average. With litigation, it can take up to 8 months to simply get your first hearing in front of the judge depending on the court's backlog. Couples are looking to move on and don't want the process to last longer than it needs to be which is why most couples turn to mediation.
Privacy and Confidentiality
When couples choose to go the litigation route and have their case seen by a judge, it becomes public record. In general, couples want to remain private throughout their divorce, there is no reason to have personal issues, finances, and discussions available for others to see. Mediation is the private way to get a divorce because all discussions and sensiive matters are kept out of public exposure. For mediation cases, couples do not go to court, all matters are settled out of the judicial system and once the agreement has been made, the final court papers (marital settlement agreement), are submitted to the courts to be finalized, keeping your personal matters private.
Promotes Post-Divorce Cooperation
Because mediation is the cooperative approach to a divorce, it leads to improved post-divorce relationships, even more so for those who have children. Mediation allows couples to work together to find common ground and resolve their disputes which lays the foundation for a healthier co-parenting dynamic. With a peaceful approach to the divorce, couples are able to have an agreement without anger that will lead to a better future for both.
Divorce Issues We Can Help With
With over 3 decades in divorce mediation services, we've helped 100s of couples to finalize their divorce and move on with their lives. This has given us extensive experience in a variety of issues that can come with a divorce including:
Child Support
Property Division
Retirement Distribution
Spousal Support
And even Pet Mediation!
Popular Mediation Articles
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.
COLLABORATE OR MEDIATE.. THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Most people who want a divorce would like it to be easy and affordable. Couples, especially those with children, want a divorce that is acceptable to them, their children, and their family members as well. Litigation can drag on and on and is expensive. When there is children involved, couples most likely put their children’s needs first and choose the type of divorce that leads to a reasonable and acceptable resolution without any time-wasting theatrics. Collaborative or Mediation divorce are often successful for families that want a straightforward and kind divorce that keeps a couple, with or without children, on good terms.
Why Mediation vs Litigation?
Divorce mediation and litigation represent two distinct approaches to resolving marital disputes, each carrying its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Mediation is often favored for its collaborative and non-adversarial nature. In a mediation setting, A Fair Way Median's principal mediator facilitates communication between divorcing spouses, helping them reach mutually agreeable solutions regarding issues such as asset division, child custody, and support. This process encourages open dialogue, promotes compromise, and allows couples to maintain a level of control over their decisions. Mediation tends to be more time-efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional litigation, as it avoids the lengthy court battles and legal fees associated with courtroom proceedings.
On the other side, divorce litigation involves spouses resorting to the court system to settle their disputes. While litigation may be necessary in high-conflict cases or when a power imbalance exists, it often intensifies hostilities and places the final outcome in the hands of a judge. The adversarial nature of litigation can strain relationships further, making it emotionally challenging for both parties involved. The litigation process is typically more time-consuming and expensive due to court fees, attorney costs, and potential appeals. While litigation may be appropriate in certain situations, many couples choose mediation as a more cooperative alternative that prioritizes agreeable resolutions over contentious legal battles.
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.
For a free consultation, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!