How Divorce Mediation Works

Parties work with a professional neutral to develop a parenting plan, negotiate division of their property and debts, and establish child and/or spousal support.  Parties who are able to reach settlement may never even have to set foot in a courtroom.

Getting Started - Gathering Information

Financial disclosures are required in all divorce cases, so all cases begin with both parties providing information about their income, expenses, assets, and debts. 
You mediator will help you determine your date of separation and who will be the Petitioner / Respondent, then prepare and file the initial paperwork that gets your divorce started.

Session 1 - Property Identification

Your mediator will develop a joint list of assets and debts and help you characterize and value your property.

Session 2 - Property Division

Parties review various reimbursements and credits that might apply in your situation, divide their assets and debts using creative techniques only available through divorce mediation, and determine whether an equalization payment is warranted.

Session 3 - Custody and Visitation

Parties with children work together to create a parenting plan, including schedules, notifications, visitation exchanges, and travel agreements that help them avoid conflict in the future.

Session 4 - Child and/or Spousal Support

California uses a statewide child support "guideline" calculated by specialized software.  Based on your specific situation, your mediator will determine the guideline child support a judge would likely establish in your case.  
The same software provides suggested spousal support. Parties can use this figure, determine spousal support based on their own situation, or waive spousal support altogether.

Session 5 - Finalization

If more time to decide or additional research was needed during the mediation process, parties can meet for one more session to  finalize their decisions.

Final Step - Marital Settlement Agreement

Once divorce mediation concludes, a licensed family attorney will prepare your judgment and marital settlement agreement for your review and submit all the required paperwork to the court.

Client Testimonials

From Our Blog
"It seems to have been karmic... You were the perfect attorney / mediator for our circumstances at that moment. I truly thank you for your support and care.."   ~ H.E.

“Lisa is the epitome of a great mediator.”  ~ R.A.
9 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Divorce  Divorce is never an easy or pleasant process.  However, these tips can help you minimize the time, conflict and cost associated with the divorce process.