530/676-8041
3420 Coach Lane
Suite 8
Cameron Park
CA 95682
     
Mediation
     
  How does mediation work?
The parties meet together with the mediator to discuss their situation
and the goals they wish to achieve. The couple may explore the areas of
agreement and disagreement and determine what is needed to move
forward. The parties exchange information on the community property
assets and debts as well as their respective earnings and expenses. The
parties discuss how to minimize stress during the separation period
and how to co­parent the children effectively.

What is required in mediation?
Mediation requires trust, respect, and an honest desire to work toward
a common goal. While it is helpful for the parties to be able to communicate effectively, the mediator will help each party identify and express their individual needs and interests. It is not necessary to have considered any settlement options prior to meeting in mediation.

Will mediation save money?
Absolutely. If you compare the cost of mediation with the alternative adversarial divorce, in which each party hired an attorney (at the average cost of $275 per hour) and the matters were addressed through the court system, you may expect to pay between $5,000 and $50,000 each for a divorce. In mediation, you will share the cost of one professional.

Will the mediator prepare court papers?
Yes. The mediator will prepare all of the preliminary court documents, review them with the parties and file them with the court. After the parties have reached an agreement, the mediator will prepare the Marital Settlement Agreement and it will be filed with the court along with additional required court documents.

Will I need to hire an attorney to consult with while I am in mediation?
You may choose to consult with an attorney prior to the mediation process and it is recommended that you have an attorney review the Marital Settlement Agreement before it is finalized. It is not necessary to hire an attorney. Usually attorneys will consult with you on an as-needed basis, for which they will charge their hourly fee. You are free to retain an attorney and may wish for your attorney to draft the court papers after the agreements have been reached in mediation.

Will I need to pay a retainer fee for Mediation?
No. The mediation process is pay-as-you-go, meaning that the parties pay at the end of each session for the time they spend with the mediator. The parties will be required to pay filing fees to the court when their court documents are filed.

How much will it cost to get divorced if we use a mediator?
Most couples are able to reach a total agreement in three to five I to 2 hour sessions. It is not possible to quote an actual fee for any divorcing couple, since some couples reach agreements more quickly than others and some cases have fewer issues than others.

Do we split the cost equally?
The mediation agreement suggests that the parties equally pay the fees. In some situations that is not possible, as one person has no income or resources with which to pay the fees.

How will we know if the mediation process will work for us?
The only way to know for sure is to set up a time to meet together with the mediator to discuss your situation. At this appointment, you will each be able to ask all of your questions of the mediator and of the other party. If you are concerned that it might not work. this first meeting is an opportunity to get a feel for the process.
 
     
  How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, just call us at 530/676-8041