According to the American Institute of Stress, a divorce is the second most stressful life event topped only by the death of a spouse. This is true even if both parties agree that divorce is in their best interest. The stress is compounded when one person does not want the divorce or there are children involved. Life-changing decisions have to be made about dividing assets, child and spousal support as well as child custody and visitation.
The process is often adversarial and contentious. To minimize dissension and stress, many attorneys are now encouraging their divorcing clients to participate in mediation, a process designed to help the spouses resolve their issues between themselves without turning the decision-making process over to the family law court. If the couple is able to do this, attorney Katz can prepare all of the documents necessary to obtain your divorce and file them with the court. The Judgement then becomes the court’s final order and a legally binding agreement.
Mediation Overview
The couple selects a neutral mediator. They then meet with the mediator, either with or without attorneys present, to negotiate resolutions to their issues.
- Role of the mediator: Mediators guide the parties to a resolution of each issue. Mediators are not advocates for either party, but may make suggestions and facilitate discussions. They point out pros and cons of various possible decisions but do not take sides.
- Confidentiality: Mediation discussions are confidential. If the process is not successful and the parties end up going to court, the mediator may not be called as a witness. There are very few exceptions to this, such as if there had been evidence of domestic violence or child abuse.
Contact Attorney Michelle Katz for Mediation Services
At the Law & Mediation Offices of Michelle Katz, Mickey is dedicated to helping families resolve disputes with compassion. She is experienced in guiding clients through mediation and the divorce process. She helps them navigate their way through the family law court in the most economical and sensitive way. Her office is in West Los Angeles but she serves clients throughout the entire Los Angeles area as well as statewide and nationally. Call her at 310-472-3825 for a consultation.