San Diego Divorce Mediation Attorneys

Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that lets couples work with a neutral mediator to negotiate and resolve their divorce-related issues. Unlike traditional litigation, divorce mediation allows you to maintain control over the decision-making process and encourages open communication, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Mediation keeps the process confidential and private, without the public scrutiny of court cases. Agreements crafted in mediation can address the unique needs of each couple, including detailed parenting plans and financial arrangements, which a courtroom might not consider in detail.

The divorce mediation process typically involves several stages:

Initial Consultation

• The process usually begins with an initial consultation with a mediator. During this meeting, the mediator explains the mediation process, discusses your goals and concerns, and assesses whether mediation is suitable for your situation.

Setting Ground Rules

• Once both parties agree to proceed with mediation, the mediator establishes ground rules for the sessions. These rules often include guidelines for communication, confidentiality, and respecting each other's perspectives.

Information Gathering

• Each spouse provides relevant financial and legal documents, such as income statements, tax returns, asset inventories, and liabilities. This information helps the mediator and both parties understand the financial situation and make informed decisions during the negotiation process.

Identifying Issues

• The mediator helps identify the key issues that need to be resolved, such as property division, child custody, visitation schedules, child support, and spousal support. Both spouses have the opportunity to express their concerns and priorities regarding these issues.

Negotiation and Problem-Solving

• The mediator facilitates discussions between the spouses to explore potential solutions and compromises. The goal is to reach agreements that are acceptable to both parties. The mediator may employ various techniques, such as brainstorming, reality-testing, and exploring alternatives, to help resolve conflicts and find common ground.

Drafting the Agreement

• Once agreements are reached on all the issues, the mediator drafts a formal agreement outlining the terms of the divorce settlement. Both spouses review the document to ensure that it accurately reflects their agreements and addresses their concerns.

Legal Review

• It's common for each spouse to have the agreement reviewed by their respective attorneys to ensure that their rights are protected and that the agreement complies with relevant laws. Once any necessary revisions are made, the final agreement is signed by both parties and submitted to the court for approval.

Court Approval and Finalization

• After reviewing the agreement, a judge typically approves the divorce settlement and issues a final divorce decree. Once the court approves the agreement, the divorce is finalized, and the terms of the settlement become legally binding on both parties.

To speak with our experienced San Diego divorce mediation lawyers, call us at (858) 492-7968 or contact us online today.