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.

MEDIATION MENU

PLATINUM MEDIATION: $5,000 PER PARTY
From initial filing to submission of judgment this package provides up to 10 hours of mediation with the mediator, unlimited email and phone access to mediator during the mediation process (defined as filing of the Petition to judgment, or one year in duration, whichever occurs first)
GOLD MEDIATION: $4,000 PER PARTY
From initial filing to submission of judgment this package provides up to 4 hours of mediation with the mediator, unlimited email and phone access to mediator during the mediation process (defined as filing of the Petition to judgment, or one year in duration, whichever occurs first)
SILVER MEDIATION: $3,000 PER PARTY
From initial filing to submission of judgment this package includes one 3 hour mediation session mediation with the mediator, unlimited email and phone access to mediator during the mediation process (defined as filing of the Petition to judgment, or one year in duration, whichever occurs first)
BRONZE MEDIATION: $2,000 PER PARTY
From initial filing to submission of judgment this package provides up to 10 hours of mediation with the mediator, unlimited email and phone access to mediator during the mediation process (defined as filing of the Petition to judgment, or one year in duration, whichever occurs first)
A LA CARTE ITEMS
Post Judgment Modifications on a flat fee basis, cost varies depending on issues

ALL MENU ITEM PRICES INCLUDE THE INITIAL $435 FILING FEE FOR PETITION ONLY. SHOULD EXPERTS (FINANCIAL, REAL ESTATE, DIVISION OF RETIREMENT) BE NECESSARY, THOSE COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE QUOTES HEREIN

ALL PRICES HEREIN SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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.
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.

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The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.
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Worth every penny! My custody case went as stress-free as it could possibly be.
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