The Mediation Process Compassionate in Our Approach, Decisive in Our Strategy

The Mediation Process

How to Prepare for Mediation in San Diego County

At Griffith, Young & Lass, our goal is to provide our clients with the legal tools they need to resolve their family matters peacefully—and mediation is often a great way to do so for those whose situations allow for it.

Whether you are trying to establish a child custody arrangement, divide assets and property, or you simply want to divorce without having to step into a courtroom, the mediation process may be for you.

Below, we address common questions we get about the mediation process. We encourage you to read through our answers to better familiarize yourself with the process and what to expect from it. Then, when you’re ready, give us a call at (858) 371-5569 to schedule a consultation about your own mediation.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process that allows you to divorce your spouse with the help of a specially trained and completely neutral third party. During the mediation sessions, you will be able to discuss and resolve common divorce-related issues.

Many couples prefer divorce mediation because the process is typically less stressful and less costly than your average divorce trial. The process is also typically faster, which suits most divorcing couples.

How Do You Choose the Right Mediator?

To experience the best outcome, you should look for a mediator who is trained to handle the various issues that can quickly complicate a divorce proceeding, such as child custody, visitation, and support.

Your mediator should be trained to resolve conflicts and possess extensive knowledge of your state’s divorce laws. Your mediator should also be willing to work with you to help you and your spouse facilitate a meaningful conversation about all pertinent issues.

Above all, look for a mediator you and your spouse can both work with. The process of searching for a mediator should be done together to ensure you are both comfortable with the person who will be moderating the negotiations in your divorce. You can hire a divorce mediation attorney to represent your specific interests in these matters.

Meet Our Team

Honest. Fearless. Bold.

John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS
Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS
Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS
Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS
Eric Cowdery, Esq.
Jeffrey Wittliff, Esq.
Joshua Yee, Esq.
Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.
Lea Trojanowski. Esq.
Greyson Sharp, Esq.

Meet our team

How Does the Mediation Process Work?

The mediator you choose to guide your divorce is responsible for helping both parties prepare. Adequate preparation involves the necessary paperwork and education about the process. Here is what you can expect in the mediation setting.

How a Mediator Guides the Divorce Proceedings

The first goal of your mediator is to resolve matters without lengthy court proceedings. For this to happen, your divorce mediator must dig down into the details of your case. By doing so, he or she can present possible solutions that can bring both you and your spouse into the agreement.
With vast experience and training, a family law mediator is able to weigh the benefits and risks that pertain to situations like child custody, child support, and alimony. Once all options are on the table, you and your spouse will be able to discuss the merits of each and what’s in the best interest of all parties, including any children the two of you may share.

What Can You Expect During Your Mediation Session?

On the day of the meeting, your family law mediator will invite you and your spouse to engage in a joint session. Unlike court, where parties typically communicate through their lawyers, during mediation you are free to talk with your spouse about the issues on the table. In fact, meditation is designed to be a venue for open communication. So, feel free to state your unique position in a free and open atmosphere, and be ready to listen in kind to your spouse’s concerns as you move toward a satisfactory compromise.

Is Privacy Guaranteed During the Mediation Setting?

Privacy is one of the biggest perks of divorce mediation. When you sit down with your spouse and the mediator, you can be sure that all documents and matters of interest will be kept confidential. This includes all documents and information used during the mediation process that are not included in the public record.

How to Get a Peaceful Resolution to Your Divorce

The divorce mediation process exists to save you time, money, and loads of frustration as you move toward a peaceful divorce with your spouse. As long as you are prepared, maintain patience, and remain willing to find a middle ground to settle your divorce quickly, mediation can work for you.

Interested in mediation? Talk to our Carlsbad mediation attorneys at GYL to learn more. We can be reached at (858) 371-5569 or via our online contact form.

Our Results Speak for Themselves

Over 100 5-Star Reviews Throughout Our Social Media Platforms

The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.
“We were referred to John Griffith at GYL by our former attorney. I specifically was looking for an aggressive attorney that would yield results. John, Josh, and the firm performed flawlessly, and did ...”
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I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers.
“I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers (I would stress these are actually rare qualities within the legal industry and ...”
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You cannot find a better law firm.
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It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.
“She doesn’t back down from anyone. It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.”
- Ian R.
Understanding, accessible, and I was very happy with the outcome of my case. If I could give a higher rating I would!
“Easy to work with, forthcoming about the process, set realistic expectations, and always kept cost in mind.”
- Jennifer P.
All three lawyers worked together on the issues surrounding my case, which helped greatly when I was in need of answers or support.
“The GYL team is always prompt at returning calls & emails. From personal experience, I can tell you that they will not step away from your case until it's finished.”
- Kelsey L.
I couldn’t have made it without them! I highly recommend them!
“GYL has been an extraordinary support and backing in my divorce. Being a male in the military, the process for divorce and custody is difficult. GYL was extremely helpful, and I was able to full custody of my children. That alone is such a monumental feat.”
- Frankie S.
Worth every penny! My custody case went as stress-free as it could possibly be.
“I hate seeing anyone go through custody battles but if you’re in that situation and need someone who is trustworthy and great at what they do, then I swear this is the place to get the help!”
- Emily B.
I highly recommend GYL if you are ever in need of a family law attorney.
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Highly professional and supportive in a very uncertain time in my life.
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Always willing to listen to your concerns. I would highly recommend.
“Compassionate and kind, however, he will fight for you and your best interests. He is calm and calculated and extremely smart.”
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Extremely helpful, responsive, and reasonable and got the job done amidst tenuous circumstances.
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- Jeremy R.
I felt like she was practical and knowledgeable and most importantly, she listened.
“The professional and succinct assistance was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the maze of hurdles and complications with our family law case.”
- David R.

Why GYL?

Turn to a Team that Does It Best

We're Leaders in Our Field
From case planning to preparation, to superior courtroom presence, our clients can be sure that they will walk into the Courtroom prepared and with the best chance of success.
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We believe in a responsible and ethical practice and stick to our values regardless of the situation. We're transparent and don't just tell our clients what they want to hear, unless it's what we believe, even if it may deter them from moving forward. We stand by our team's expertise and will always be upfront and honest with our clients.

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