San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyer

San Diego Mediation Lawyer

If you are beginning the divorce process in California, there is a good chance the state’s courts will require you and your spouse to participate in mediation, and that’s why you’ll need the help of a San Diego divorce mediation lawyer. In fact, courts often do not allow you to take your case to trial unless you have attempted to settle it through mediation. This is a good thing. Mediation has various benefits, from giving you greater control over your case’s outcome to expediting divorces.

To ensure mediation goes smoothly, turn to our San Diego mediation attorney. They have decades of experience and an unparalleled level of know-how. They can serve as your mediator, helping you and your spouse reach a fair divorce settlement. Or our team can counsel you through mediation as your personal representative.

Andy Cook Law — Not Just Another Family Law Attorney

Andy Cook is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS), an invaluable advocate to have on your side during your divorce mediation. Unlike a general family law attorney, a CFLS is recognized by the State Bar of California as demonstrating a higher level of experience and knowledge when it comes to family law.

A CFLS attorney can provide important guidance when it comes to making sure both parties understand their rights and obligations and by helping to create fair and realistic settlement suggestions. We can also offer practical advice on how to structure agreements so that they come in line with your long-term financial and emotional goals.

Andy Cook Law is not just another team of San Diego divorce mediation lawyers — Andy Cook is a specialist in his field, so let us protect your interests while preserving a united approach as we mediate toward a resolution.

This page offers important information about divorce mediation in California. Reach out should you have questions while reading or want to find out how we can serve you.

Schedule a free consultation with our San Diego divorce mediation lawyer by connecting with us online or calling .

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is exactly what it sounds like — it’s an amicable way for couples to talk about and work out their divorce outside of court. Instead of a judge making decisions, a neutral third party called a mediator can help the couple talk through their issues and concerns and reach an agreement.

To make everything fair for all parties, the mediator doesn’t take sides, but instead, they guide the conversation to make sure both people are — and feel — heard, and the goal is to find solutions when it comes to things like child custody, child support, the division of property, and spousal support that both spouses can agree on.

In California, mediation is often required before taking the divorce proceedings to court, as it shows each party’s willingness to communicate on the most important matters, like child visitation agreements, spousal support, and the amicable division of property.

This process is often faster and less expensive than going to court, and it can also be less stressful because both spouses have control over the final decisions — as opposed to leaving it up to a judge. Mediation is especially helpful for couples who want to work together and avoid a messy, long legal battle. Plus, it’s a private process, so what’s discussed stays between the couple and the mediator.

How Divorce Mediation Works

During mediation, you will meet with a neutral mediator who facilitates conversations and negotiations. Your mediator will not make decisions for you. Instead, they will facilitate your decision-making and help you achieve a fair resolution.

The general steps of divorce mediation include:

1. Choosing a mediator with your spouse
2. Attending several mediation sessions to work out key items in a divorce agreement
3. Consulting financial advisors, child specialists, and other professionals to assist with specific issues
4. Reviewing and signing a divorce agreement draft, which your mediator will submit to the court for final approval

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation

You, your spouse, and your family can benefit greatly from divorce mediation. First and foremost, it allows you to have total control over the outcome of your case. You will not have to leave decisions about child custody, spousal support, property division, and others up to a judge.

Below are other benefits of divorce mediation:

• Conflict reduction: Mediation is collaborative by design. This can lead to fewer conflicts and help preserve relationships, which is especially important if you need to handle co-parenting responsibilities.
• Privacy: Court proceedings are typically public, while mediation sessions are private. Many are comforted knowing what goes on in mediation is confidential.
• Faster resolutions: Because it does not require extensive court processes, mediation can allow you to move ahead with your life sooner.
• Cost efficiency: Mediation is generally more cost effective than traditional litigation. This is because it requires fewer legal procedures and often takes less time.

When Is Divorce Mediation Not Recommended?

Divorce mediation isn’t the right choice for every couple and can be risky if there’s any history of abuse or domestic violence. In these situations, it’s important to get legal protection and consider other divorce options, like going straight to court.

Mediation also doesn’t work when one person isn’t willing to cooperate or is trying to control the process. In order for mediation to work, both spouses need to be open to talking and finding solutions together, so if one person refuses to participate or is being manipulative, it’s important to think about other options.

Why Hire a San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyer?

Even though mediation allows you to settle a divorce outside of court, you still should consider retaining an attorney. Doing so is crucial for protecting your rights and interests.

During mediation, an attorney can:

• Give advice concerning complex legal issues
• Offer guidance that ensures you know what impacts any decisions may have
• Level the playing field, especially if another party has more resources or a legal representative
• Review potential agreements before you sign them
• Provide emotional support and a sense of stability during stressful times

Our CFLS San Diego divorce mediation lawyer has helped numerous clients settle divorces fairly. They know the ins and outs of mediation and can be an invaluable resource for you.

Considering Divorce Mediation? Consult Our Attorneys First.

If can be hard to face your ex-spouse, especially when you’re in the process of divorcing, but whether you are considering divorce mediation or have already started it, do not hesitate to turn to our skilled divorce mediation lawyer in San Diego — a Certified Family Law Specialist — for the direction and support you need. You don’t have to face them alone — we’re here every step of the way. Find out how we can assist you in a free consultation.

Schedule your free consultation with our San Diego divorce mediation attorney by calling or getting in touch online.