Divorce Mediation
Please contact Family Law Center to learn more about our divorce mediation services.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which your mediator acts as a neutral third party. The mediator will help you reach a settlement in your legal issues. The role of the mediator is to guide your discussion, explore settlement alternatives and resolve difficult conflicts.
What happens in mediation?
Together you and your spouse will meet with a mediator in private mediation sessions. You will exchange necessary information and ideas about various ways to settle your differences. The mediator will inform you of the law as it pertains to your situation, including property division and the calculation of child and spousal support. This process allows you and your spouse to make the decisions together, rather than attorneys arguing your case in court before a judge.
What are the advantages of mediation?
- Mediation allows the parties to obtain legal information from a neutral, non-adversarial attorney.
- Mediation is typically less expensive than traditional litigation, making it economically feasible for most couples.
- Mediation reduces the fears associated with divorce or legal separation.
- Mediation does not require any court appearances.
- Mediation avoids the polarization and hostility that often result from court proceedings.
- Mediation allows the parties direct involvement in the decision making process.
- Mediation allows the parties to move at a mutually agreeable pace, usually taking a fraction of the time compared to court proceedings.
- Mediation establishes a level of communication and cooperation between the parties that is certain to pay dividends long into the future.
- Mediation assists the parties with children in transitioning from marital partners to parenting partners.
- Mediation allows for the development of a parenting plan in everyone’s best interest, especially the children.
Is the mediator my attorney?
A mediator is a licensed California attorney, however in the role of mediator he/she is not acting as an attorney for either party nor is he/she acting as an attorney for both parties. Instead, it is his/her role as mediator to provide each party, in the presence of the other, with the information necessary to allow them to make informed decisions regarding legal issues and Sacramento family law.
Do I need an attorney?
We prepare all the court documents you will need, including but not limited to: Petition, Summons, Settlement Agreement, Qualified Domestic Relations Order and Stipulated Court Order. You will be encouraged to seek an independent attorney for consultation, advice or further information if there are complex issues, such as tax considerations, valuation problems, conflict impasse or for review of legal agreements.
What is it going to cost?
There is no retainer required in mediation. Mediation fees are charged at the mediator’s hourly rate. Legal documents are charged on a flat fee basis. Unlike paying a retainer to an attorney, mediation fees are charged as services are used. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation at a reduced fee, to find out if mediation is right for you.
Please contact Family Law Center to learn more about our Divorce Mediation services.
Family Law Center represents clients throughout California including, but not limited to: Sacramento, Antelope, Auburn, Cameron Park, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Placerville, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville, West Sacramento, Woodland and the counties of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo and more.