Divorce Mediation Attorneys
Rocklin – Granite Bay – Folsom – Sacramento
1/2 Hour FREE Consultation
Call us at
916-677-4971
Divorce Mediation: Saving Time, Money And Reducing Stress
The divorce process is a time of transition, where the decisions that you make have a profound impact on the lives of those involved, especially if you have children. Traditional divorce litigation, by design, can be contentious. With busy California family court dockets and state budget cuts, litigation is also costly and takes a long time to resolve.
At Miller & Associates, Attorneys LLP, we believe it is best for all parties involved to reduce or even avoid a bitter, emotional divorce and post-divorce disputes altogether. From our main office in Rocklin, our experienced attorneys have been providing divorce litigation, mediation and collaborative law services to families in the greater Sacramento area since 2008. We put the power in your hands by giving you the information, resources and guidance you need to get through this stressful period with minimal negative impact.
Understanding Divorce Mediation
The mediator is not a judge and does not decide any issues. Instead, the mediator is a neutral party who explains the law to both parties, facilitates agreements and helps to brainstorm options. The mediator educates both parties and manages the process of reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties. In addition, the mediator does all the paperwork for both parties.
During mediation, parties can discuss anything they need to decide. Instead of allowing a judge to determine the terms of divorce, a couple works together with help from their impartial divorce mediator. From deciding custody and drafting parenting time agreements to establishing child support and property division, both parties can share ideas to reach a mutually acceptable solution to all issues of their divorce. Furthermore, your lawyer can advise you throughout the process to make sure you are comfortable and confident with the process.
What Are The Advantages Of Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation (and other forms of alternative dispute resolution) offers couples and families a healthier alternative. Mediation can:
- Save time
- Reduce the costs
- Alleviate stress
- Preserve legal rights
- Protect privacy
- Preserve relationships
Instead of accepting the emotional and financial turmoil of divorce, families have the power to determine the terms of their legal separation or divorce. Divorce mediation also helps couples find closure. In addition, when both parties have the opportunity to articulate their goals, they can walk away feeling better about the experience. This is especially helpful for parents who have to co-parent a child after a separation or divorce.
What are the differences between litigation and divorce mediation?
No Need to Lawyer Up
With mediation, there’s no need to suffer the slow game of “Divorce Lawyer Telephone.” Divorce mediation allows couples to communicate directly with their mediator, who is trained to help the parties reach an agreement while keeping costs to a minimum.
Mediation is 80% - 90% Less Expensive!
Divorce mediation is about 80% to 90% less expensive than litigation and gets you better results.
Eliminate Uncertainty
Litigation puts decision-making power in the hands of a judge who is bound by the law. In mediation, both parties are empowered because they are reaching agreements together, with many possible solutions on the table.
Confidentiality
Many couples and families prefer to keep the details of their divorce confidential. Litigation is held in the public forum of the courts. Divorce mediation, by comparison, is private and confidential.
Protect Children
Emotional and traumatic divorce litigation adversely affects children. The emotional trauma can last a lifetime. Divorce mediation provides a structured atmosphere where peaceful agreements can be reached.
Save Significant Time
Litigation takes time – a lot of time. Depending on the complexity of your issues and your ability to work together with your spouse, mediation cases can be resolved quickly.
If mediation sounds like an appealing alternative, contact Miller & Associates, Attorneys LLP, to speak with our certified mediation attorneys about how to get started.
How Long Does Mediation Take?
If the parties are willing to work together, most separating couples can reach full agreements on all of their issues in one to two sessions. It’s common for mediation to end with a signed agreement on all issues within two to three months after the process begins.
Can Complex Issues Be Resolved In Mediation?
How Is Mediation Different Than Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce and divorce mediation share many similarities. For example, both offer a nonadversarial space where the parties involved can negotiate freely to protect their own interests. In addition, both processes give you and your spouse more control over the outcome of your separation or divorce.
However, both methods of dispute resolution follow a different process. In mediation, a neutral third party facilitates the discussions. This allows the parties to reach a satisfactory decision on their own terms. However, it is important to note that the mediator does not have binding authority. On the other hand, collaborative law involves you, your spouse and your respective attorneys. Any agreement made through a collaborative approach tends to hold more legal merit.
Is Mediation Right For You? Talk To A Rocklin Mediation Attorney Today.
Mediation provides a less stressful forum and more affordable process to resolve your divorce. Our mediation lawyers, including our certified family law attorneys, offer free initial consultations and case evaluations. To schedule your free appointment, call our office at 916-677-4971. You can also reach out to us online by sending a message. We look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you expedite your separation or divorce through mediation.