Divorce Mediation Attorney in Newport Beach

Divorce Mediation Guidance from a Certified Family Law Specialist

When ending a marriage, any couple may find it difficult to reach workable decisions related to property division, children, and spousal support. Although you and your spouse may be on otherwise friendly terms, varying points of view on these important topics can cause considerable stress and strife.

A contested, courtroom divorce is not your only option. Family law mediation can offer a less stressful method of resolving disputes, while also saving you time and money. It may also allow you to reach more flexible, individualized agreements that align with your family’s needs.

Thomas Law Offices provides comprehensive divorce mediation services for clients in Newport Beach, Woodland Hills, CA, and across Southern California. Attorney Kendra Thomas is certified in Mediation, Arbitration, and Negotiation by the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University. She is certified as a Family Law Specialist by The State Board of California. She is specially trained and has experience in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to help divorcing spouses make agreements about any contested issues. Our team stands ready to help you begin building a better and brighter future.

Contact our Newport Beach firm today at (949) 799-3357 to see how we can protect your interests during mediation.

What Steps Can I Take to Prepare for the Divorce Mediation Process?

Divorce mediation is becoming more popular due to its cost and time effectiveness. Couples are finding success through reasonable discussion and negotiation. Coming prepared for your session is the first step in doing your due diligence.

Here are a few suggestions that will help you be better prepared:

1. Create a list of comments, questions, or concerns for either your mediator or spouse.
2. Educate yourself on the laws and statutes of the issues that will be discussed.
3. If applicable, talk with your attorney.
4. Think about what topics will trigger reactions from you. Then, practice healthy ways to react to them.
5. Practice normalization and mindfulness. Try not to look too far ahead and focus on the issues within the current discussion.
6. Take care of your body and mind. Mediation sessions are usually long and exhausting. Getting a good nights rest is the first step.
7. Be prepared to be open-minded to what your spouse may bring up.
8. If applicable, create a proposed parenting plan for you and your spouse to review.

Benefits to Mediation

There are several key benefits to mediation, especially when pertaining to divorce:

• Confidentiality: The public will not be aware of your divorce proceedings and your mediation sessions are never tape-recorded or transcribed.
• Greater Control: Both parties will have more control over the outcome of their dispute since there is equal say in negotiations.
• Fast & Affordable: Compared to divorce, mediation is much more cost and time-effective.

How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Mediation is a collaborative approach to divorce, wherein spouses work with a neutral third party (mediator) to resolve any issues that they cannot agree upon, such as:

• Child support
• Spousal support
• Child custody and visitation
• Property, asset, and debt division

Divorce mediation is a way to resolve disputes without leaving it in the hands of a judge. It gives them flexibility and control over their own outcomes. This level of control is what makes mediation so attractive. Although most people will want to resolve their differences right away, it's not uncommon for mediation sessions to carry over several times.

Is Mediation Required for Divorce in California?

You are not required to go through mediation prior to filing for divorce. Working out issues such as the division of property, finances, assets, and any debts can be settled outside of mediation. However, according to California Family Code § 3170, if you have a contested temporary custody or visitation matter, it may require mediation.

• "If it appears on the face of a petition, application, or other pleading to obtain or modify a temporary or permanent custody or visitation order that custody, visitation, or both are contested, the court shall set the contested issues for mediation."

What is the Role of the Mediator?

A divorce mediator helps spouses work through disagreements but does not make any decisions and will not force either party to agree on an issue. The mediator helps spouses talk about contested issues in such a way as to facilitate a mutually beneficial agreement. Even if every dispute is not resolved, remaining issues can be taken to court and ruled upon by a judge.

What is mediation and how does it differ from a contested divorce?

Why Choose Thomas Law Offices for Your Divorce Mediation Needs?

At Thomas Law Offices, our team of experienced divorce mediation attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the divorce process with minimal stress and conflict. We understand that divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience, and we are committed to providing personalized guidance and support every step of the way.

Here are just a few reasons why you should choose our Woodland Hills divorce mediation services:

• Expertise: Our certified family law specialists have extensive experience in divorce mediation and can help you reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement.
• Compassion: We understand the emotional toll of divorce and are committed to providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the process.
• Efficiency: Divorce mediation can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional divorce proceedings, and our team can help you reach a settlement in a timely manner.
• Flexibility: We understand that every divorce is unique, and we work with you to develop a personalized mediation plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Contact Thomas Law Offices today to learn more about our divorce mediation services and how we can help you achieve a peaceful and amicable divorce.

Find out how you can save time and money and limit the stress associated with your divorce. Contact our Newport Beach divorce mediation attorneys at (949) 799-3357.

Helpful Resources

• California Courts - Self-Help Divorce Resources
• California Courts - Mediation Information and Resources