What is divorce mediation?

Professional Divorce Mediation in Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Foothill Ranch, or Coto de Caza, CA

Mediation is a voluntary negotiating process that gives the parties total control over the outcome of their dispute. Mediation has a structure and timetable that traditional negotiation and litigation lacks. During mediation, couples participate with a neutral mediator who assists the parties in resolving their divorce issues and reaching a legally binding agreement. Mediation has significant benefits over litigation.

If you work directly with O'Connor & Martin you also save the headache of having to hire other third parties to get involved in the mediation process. Many individuals claim to be mediators but since they are not licensed attorneys they are not able to provide full services for the mediation process. With our ability to keep it internal we make the the process much more easier for our clients!

Why is divorce mediation the right choice?

  • Cost Effective - With mediation, the parties control the costs. Attorney feeds are dramatically reduced. The parties are paying only one mediator as opposed to two attorneys. Wasted time at court is eliminated. Costs are generally reduced by 60% or more. Attorney fees are dramatically reduced.
  • Confidential - What is told to a mediator by a party is held in strict confidence.
  • Cooperative - The parties work together to find a common agreement, the process encourages and develops better communication between the parties.
  • Convenient - There is no need to wait for court dates. Mediation sessions are scheduled at times convenient to the parties, not a court or judge.
  • Creative - When faced with polarized positions, the mediator helps the parties think "out of the box" to reach creative and effective solutions specifically designed for the couples circumstances and needs.
  • Less stressful - The fear of appearing before a judge is for many a terrifying ordeal, which adds stress to an already stressful situation. Mediation is informal and conducted in private offices.
  • Positive effects on children - Mediation is less stressful than litigation, which generally means a more peaceful home environment during the divorce. Children benefit from seeing parents cooperate even when they disagree.
  • Private - Unlike litigated cases, which are held in public courtrooms with no privacy, Mediation is conducted in private offices. Your personal matters are not exposed to the public.
  • High compliance - Mediation is mutual and voluntary so it fosters understanding between the parties and has high party compliance.

A skilled family law mediator brings years of experience and training in working with difficult divorce issues. Our mediations are conducted in private sessions in our offices, scheduled at your convenience. Your success in reaching a win-win agreement is our goal. Mediation can help to eliminate stress in a divorce, significantly reduces your fees and costs, and most importantly, allows you, rather than a judge, to make the decisions that will affect you and your family in the future.

Is mediation for you?

Despite the many benefits of mediation, some divorces and some people are simply not cut out for mediation. Although the parties can have significant disputes and disagree on major issues, they should be respectful towards each other. When one or both of the parties are not willing to work together, litigation may be the only option. Our attorneys will evaluate your situation and explain your options. If you need mediation in or near Ladera Ranch, Alisa Viejo, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Orange, Tustin, Alisa Viejo, call us today.