Family law mediation in California

Mediation of family law disputes is becoming increasingly popular in California as couples look for alternatives to court proceedings to resolve potentially contentious issues. While many spouses hope to work out mutually acceptable arrangements to deal with such matters as child custody and visitation, property division and spousal support, amicable agreements often remain elusive. If you are looking for a way to resolve these matters without the uncertainty and expense of a court case, mediation may be a strategy worth considering.

Mediation could offer you a number of benefits compared to litigation. Mediation usually takes far less time than court proceedings, and the costs of mediation are usually lower. You may also find that the more amicable atmosphere of mediation proceedings allows you and your spouse to reach a compromise even when dealing with emotionally charged issues. Another benefit of mediation is privacy, and your personal affairs will not become part of the public record as they would if they were settled in open court.

While mediation offers many potential benefits, the success of the process is highly reliant on the experience and tact of the mediator. If you are considering mediation, you may wish to consult with an attorney with experience in this area who may suggest creative solutions to difficult problems.

Family law mediation may not be an appropriate path to take if you are involved in a particularly acrimonious dispute. This is because the success of mediation is based on a certain degree of flexibility. However, if you feel that a negotiated settlement is still attainable, the process could be effective for you. If you would like to learn more about this subject, please visit our page dealing with mediation.

Source: The Law Offices of Paula D. Kleinman, “Oceanside Divorce Mediation Attorney“, November 26, 2014