Simplify Your Divorce Through Mediation.

Is mediation for you? Of course it is:

With my mediation services, I will guide you and your spouse through the divorce process in a fraction of the time, at a fraction of the cost and without all of the emotional headaches. And, we will do this all over the phone.

Do you consider yourself a reasonable person? If so, then mediation is perfect for you. Even if you feel too angry to be reasonable or you think your spouse is unreasonable, can you and your spouse put aside those emotions in order to save money? Would you rather duke it out in court at inconceivable costs, spending thousands of dollars? Or, would you rather use that money for your children’s education, your vacations, or retirement?

Family Law in California is often very straight forward for the average couple. People can spend so much time and money fighting, when the outcome is relatively predictable. Child and spousal support are determined by mathematical equation and community property is divided equally. Inheritance and income earned prior to marriage or after separation, are separate property.

How the mediation process works:

I am straightforward, proactive and work quickly. In our initial session, each of you will have the opportunity to tell me what you feel the significant issues might be. We might discuss some of those issues generally. I will walk you through the paperwork for dissolution. We all participate together, so that there are no surprises. If there are some immediate issues that need to be resolved we will discuss those as well. For example, one spouse may have immediate financial needs that must be addressed.  Sometimes, an agreement about these preliminary issues can be drafted right away. All of the documents will be prepared in your name, as a person representing themselves. I will advise you regarding how to prepare and file your documents with the court. I will discuss the financial forms that must be completed before a final divorce settlement will be accepted by the courts.

Usually, by the second conference we are completing the disclosure documents, which list all of your income, assets and debts. At that time, we are often discussing the final settlement of your assets and a judgment of dissolution. This is just an example of how the mediation might flow, but we will tackle issues and forms in a way that works for you and your spouse.

There will be no pressure to sign documents and no time constraints.  You may have any agreements reviewed by independent attorneys of your choosing before signing and submitting them to the court. Also, you may end mediation at any time, and you will only be charged for the time you have spent.

I can certainly meet with you in person as well if you wish to visit my office in Contra Costa County.