DIVORCE MEDIATION ORANGE COUNTY, CA

The end of a marriage isn’t fun for anyone. It often involves issues of child custody, property division, child support, and a variety of other family issues. When these are decided in court, things oftentimes get messy and expensive. This is why more and more parties going through an Orange County divorce are choosing to avoid the confrontation, costs, and confusion of battling it out in court by taking their case to a qualified mediator. If you’re in this situation, a divorce mediator in Orange County, CA may be able to help.

Don’t spend thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees along with months or even years in courtrooms arguing. The divorce process can often be simplified by working with a neutral attorney who knows the legalities involved in marriage dissolution. At the Law Office of Patrick O’Kennedy, you’ll have access to a mediator that can help you reach a reasonable solution for most or all issues that need to be addressed. Contact us today for a consultation with a certified family law specialist to learn more.

WHAT IS DIVORCE MEDIATION?

Mediation is a confidential dispute resolution process that can be less time-consuming and less costly than litigation. It allows the parties to resolve their differences privately—filing only the documents that are necessary with the court. In the mediation process, the parties work with a single, neutral mediator to discuss a divorce settlement agreement in a private, confidential forum.

The Orange County divorce mediators do not represent either party and do not make any final decision in the matter (unlike arbitration, where the arbitrator makes a decision). The role of the divorce mediator in a mediation session is to facilitate discussion and assist the parties in coming to a resolution by proposing settlement options to both parties. A family law specialist is often an ideal mediator, thanks to their knowledge of relevant law.

CAN DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS ALWAYS BE HANDLED IN MEDIATION?

Many divorcing couples often wonder if divorce mediation is appropriate in all cases. For instance, what if there are past claims of domestic violence or a former spouse is adamant against paying spousal support? Even in these situations, the divorce mediation process can prove helpful. Since there is no attorney-client relationship established between parties, each individual will know that mediators are doing nothing more than explaining relevant law and helping reach a decision.

If abuse is ongoing, a spouse is untrustworthy, or someone plans to contest the divorce process, it may be best to go the traditional route of filing for divorce. In such a situation, it would still be helpful to have a family law attorney on your side. If you do go the mediation route, however, don’t forget that they do not make binding decisions. The law is the law, and it has methods for addressing every issue that can arise in a divorce case. The parties may not agree on the facts of their case, though, and that is where things get difficult.

If mediation services don’t work out, you still have the option to follow other avenues of conflict resolution—including going to court. Still, a qualified neutral attorney can present a range of options that can offer a solution to even some of the most difficult cases.

HOW DOES DIVORCE MEDIATION WORK?

Whether you get the help of divorce mediation lawyers or another professional mediator, the process typically plays out the same. You’ll usually meet with the mediator along with your soon-to-be-former spouse in a neutral space. This impartial third party may initially speak with each of you privately, but this is just to get an idea of what all parties hope to accomplish. Even when divorce mediation is handled by an attorney, the neutral third party doesn’t represent either you or your spouse.

Mediators often allow an opportunity for each party to make a sort of “opening statement” after setting an agenda. The mediator will likely then ask questions to get a better understanding of your unique situation. They’ll discuss the legal realities while also trying to identify areas where the two of you can reach agreements.

Divorce mediation doesn’t have to end in a complete agreement to have been successful. The mediator can write an agreement specifying specific areas where the two parties reached an arrangement. This often includes visitation plans between parents, child support, and property division. The agreement can then be submitted to the court along with other divorce documents. Some mediators may not handle document submission, so attorneys are often ideal mediators since they know how to submit such documents.

GET HELP FROM A DIVORCE MEDIATOR IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA TODAY

Divorce mediation is a unique alternative dispute resolution process that can remove many of the difficulties faced in a traditional divorce. A single, qualified mediation attorney with extensive experience can handle everything—including filing the necessary paperwork, the discovery of relevant facts, settlement negotiation, and entering a final judgment on the legal matter.

If you’re hoping to avoid divorce litigation, contact the Law Office of Patrick O’Kennedy today by calling (714) 919-1855. You can speak to a qualified family law attorney from Orange County who’s experienced in the divorce mediation process. Even if you’re unsure that mediation services are the way to go, you can figure out your options with an initial consultation. Let our family law firm help you understand your rights.