Finding Common Ground Through Divorce Mediation
Utilizing the Court System to resolve family law issues through adversarial litigation is a recipe for making a difficult situation unbearable. My mantra for many years has been:
"Family Court is no place for a Family."
At Shearer Law and Mediation, APC we advocate Divorce Mediation as a superior alternative to traditional family law litigation. Mediation enables the parties to negotiate settlement of the issues presented in a confidential manner and focus on what is best for the family for the longer term. Mediation is also a more cost-effective way to resolve your issues than traditional litigation. Mediation is an entirely voluntary, confidential process, and requires the mutual consent of both parties to participate.
In Divorce Mediation, we work together to ensure that all important documents and information are disclosed and exchanged to comply the the laws for a California Divorce. We then review the documents and information disclosed to brainstorm options for settlement together, in joint sessions, to reach agreements regarding division of assets/property and debts, issues of spousal support and child support, and work out a parenting plan if minor children are present. We may incorporate other neutral professionals into the Mediation process, as needed, to assist with evaluation of complex financial issues and child specialist, when desired and/or neccessary.
Our firm can guide you carefully through your Mediation process. We offer Virtual Mediation which allows us to reach parties wherever they are, and offer evening and Saturday appoinments to enable the parties to participate without interruption of their work schedules.
How Long Does The Process Take?
Most divorcing couples require between 2 to 8 sessions, depending upon the number of issues present and the areas of disagreement. The more areas of agreement reached prior to coming to Mediation, the less sessions required to resolve the remaining issues. For example, if you and your spouse already have "tentative" agreements regarding how you want to divide property and debts, fewer sessions should be necessary. However, I encourage you to delay making any final agreements, and taking actions regarding those agreements, until full disclosure of all important and relevant documentation has been achieved, to ensure you both are making fully informed decisions, to ensure those agreements are legally binding, and to understand any tax consequences that may arise as a result.
To arrange a no-cost 30-minute "introductory meeting" for Mediation, you may set an appointment directly on my calendar using the Calendly link on this website.