Mediation is the process of resolving conflict between opposing parties, who need the assistance of an expert to sort out their issues and expectations, and create a solution which everyone can agree upon.

Initial consultation for divorce mediation in los angeles – free.

Hourly rate – hourly rate – this fee applies to my time in divorce mediation, going over legal documents, financial statements, writing up parenting plans and court filings.

Compare the cost of divorce meditation in los angeles to a courtroom – it is not uncommon for a divorce that goes to court, where each spouse has an attorney representing them, to cost between $50,000. And $80,000. Certainly thousands of divorces each year, cost much more. The average divorce that is mediated, ranges from $ 3,000., to $ 8,000. Certainly, there are mediated divorces that cost more. Especially if there is a business and numerous properties involved. But one thing is certain, quite literally….

The average mediated divorce is 1/10 the cost of a litigated divorce.

You have control over the cost of divorce mediation in los angeles – how long divorce mediation takes, and therefore , what it costs, is up to you. You will be made aware of where you stand with your bill: how many hours of mediation we have had, and what funds will be needed in order to schedule more time in divorce mediation. Along with clear communication, you will receive monthly statements. My job, as a divorce mediator, is to assist you in moving carefully, yet efficiently through the divorce mediation process. You are in control of how much money you want to spend. You are in control of how much time you need for moving through the necessary and important issues with your divorce.

If you so choose, you are encouraged to consult with your attorney. It may not be necessary to consult with an attorney. Most couples in divorce mediation do not necessarily feel compelled to consult with an outside attorney. But we do not discourage this option. We can direct you to one, who would be willing to advise you, any step of the way.

1. Divorce mediation is a process which saves you a ‘SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT of MONEY’.

The whole intent is to avoid the extreme costs of depositions and discovery. Litigation involves significant legal fees and trial fees.

Temporary Spousal Support can be established in the first session. Issues such as child support and future spousal support, are all resolved in divorce mediation . Research shows that divorce mediation is often one –tenth the cost of a litigious divorce. You are in control of how many times you desire to meet for mediation with your divorce mediator. This puts you in charge of the cost of your divorce.

2. Divorce mediation keeps the ‘ DECISION MAKING POWER’ in your hands.

The decisions which are made through divorce mediation are solely in the hands of the parties involved. Whereas, arbitration is a judicial process in which decisions are made with less regard to the feelings and needs of those parties involved in the conflict. Many decisions are taken out of your hands.

This especially applies to decisions about spousal and child support. An expert divorce mediator helps you navigate through your financial responsibilities. Together we examine your assets and liabilities, and determine which ones belong to whom.

3. Divorce mediation is ‘NOT COUNSELING’.

The focus is not on the past. The emphasis is on the present and the future. With regards to the present: it is about what can be done to alleviate the immediate stressors, such as temporary child support and temporary spousal support. Divorce mediation with a competent divorce mediator is about resolving the issues in the most expedient and efficient way.

With regards to the future, divorce mediation is concerned with moving forward into the healing process and taking on the challenge of starting a new life.

4. Divorce mediation ‘CREATES THE POTENTIAL’ for sustaining the relationship.

There is never a guarantee that the relationships will be mended, and I am fully aware that in some cases, that is not even a consideration. But when it comes to family members, or employee relationships, if there is the potential for healing and sustaining the connection that these two parties once had, then divorce mediation is the only process which allows for that possibility.

The length of time to mediate your divorce is in your hands. It is common for a mediated divorce to take 3 to 6 months. A more conflicted and adversarial divorce can take 5 to 8 months. It is up to you.

5. Divorce mediation is ‘FAR MORE EXPEDITIOUS’.

The California Court System has lost 10 million dollars a year in its annual budget. Over 200 court rooms have already closed, with more to come. If one pursues a litigious law suit, it can take up to 3 years or more to resolve.

Quit literally, thousands of cases are being pushed forward on the calendars. The result of this crisis, means loss of sleep, anxiety, anger and frustration for you, over a much longer period of time, had you not chosen divorce mediation.

The process of mediation is explained in our initial interview. Many of your questions are answered at that time. Once we begin with mediation, we will go over the most pressing issues that you are facing. You will be kept informed – of what to expect and – what is our next step. Each time we meet, we establish a new agenda, and begin dealing with the topics that you deem most important.

At the end of each session, what we have discussed and the proposals that have been presented are recorded by me. You will be informed and encouraged along the entire way! ~ as we move through the mediation process, the solutions that we have created and established become a part of the final marital settlement agreement.

After all of the issues have been discussed and mediation is coming to an end, the solutions are put together in a contractual – legal form. At any time, in mediation, you are able to change and re-think the decisions you have made. You have the power in this process.

Once all of the issues have been agreed upon by you and your spouse, ( such as spousal support, custody issues, property , businesses, and retirement plans), i compile the final contact and agreement. You are encouraged at that time to take this agreement to another expert, a third party or an attorney, and have them look it over, if you deem it necessary.

You have the power to make decisions when you mediate. In a “ litigious court room divorce”, many people are not on your side. In a court room, the child custody evaluator, the judge, opposing counsel, your soon to be ex-spouse and other “experts”, will all be able to significantly influence the outcome of your divorce and make `life altering decisions’… on your behalf .

Your concerns and desires have far less influence, compared to the three of us working and negotiating these crucial decisions. Here, in mediation, you do have authority. I make sure that we follow the ground rules of which we agreed upon in the beginning. No one is berated nor controlled by the other spouse, when you are working with me.

No, you do not need an attorney if you mediate. All of the paper work , the legal documentation, and the final marital settlement agreement, is handled by our office.

You can enter meditation at any time, or leave meditation at any time. Many of my clients were already in the courts, having retained opposing counsel. Even if you have spent thousands in divorce court, you can enter mediation at any time.

Judges would prefer this process. If you have been in the court system, and have retained an attorney, then you can simply place your attorney ‘on hold’. You can ask them to hold off on further discovery, until you request them to proceed. You are encouraged to keep your attorney, if you have attained one, for the possibility of a third party review.