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Cathedral City Divorce Mediation

Every divorce case is unique in its own way! Some couples have very complex cases when it comes to children and family, multiple properties, or even business ownership between the two, while others are very cut and dry with little assets to sort out. No matter what the case, divorce mediation is an affordable process to lead the divorce to completion.

For a free consultation or to get more information, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!

619-702-9174

A Fair Way Mediation Can Help

We are highly experenced in handling all types of divorce cases, whether its high-conflict, high-asset, or even just a basic divorce, there is no divorce that is too complex for us to handle. Our team will guide you through the mediation process to reduce conflict which will lead to a positive resolution.

When a marriage becomes irreparable, the divorce doesn't have to be an all-out battle. Many spouses do not want to expose themselves to the emotional stress and time required to complete a litigated divorce. If you and your partner are looking for an alternative to divorce litigation, A Fair Way Mediation is here to help! We will guide you peacefully from the starting point to submitting the papers to the courts for finalization.

Why Choose A Fair Way?

We give clients the personal attention and respect they deserve.
We make it a point to be available to and remain in constant contact with our clients.
Our firm has more than four decades of combined legal experience advocating for spouses and their families.

Why Mediation vs Litigation?

Divorce mediation and litigation are 2 very different approaches to resolving issues that arise during a divorce. There are a few reasons why couples are increasingly choosing mediation as opposed to a traditional divorce.

Less Adversarial

The goal of divorce mediation is to create a cooperative and non-adversarial approach to resolving issues between divorcing couples. Mediation works towards open communications and negotiations between divorcing parties with the assistance of a neutral 3rd party. Litigation involves each side hiring their own lawyer which can make things contentious and continue to prolong the communication that is required to bring the divorce to a close.

Overall Costs

In most cases, mediation is less expensive than litigation. Litigation involves court fees, attorney fees, and any other related expenses that can quickly add up. It’s not uncommon for a litigated divorce to exceed $25,000+ (per person). With mediation, the costs are a fraction of the price of a litigated divorce as the average cost of a mediated divorce is between $3500 - $7500 depending on the complexity of the case. The mediation fees are also split between the couple.

Faster Resolution

Litigation can be a lengthy process, often taking months or even years to finally reach a resolution. Depending on the court’s backlog it can take up to 8 months to be seen for the first time in front of a judge. On the other hand, mediation is a much faster solution to bring the divorce to a close. Mediated divorces take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the case and the couples’ ability to communicate and reach an agreement. Since couples work directly with the mediator, they can focus on the issues that matter most which results in a quicker resolution and allows for individuals to move on with their lives faster.

Experienced with All Divorce Issues

With over 3 decades in divorce mediation services, we've helped 100s of couples to finalize their divorce and move on with their lives. This has given us extensive experience in a variety of issues that can come with a divorce including:

Child Support
Property Division
Retirement Distribution
Spousal Support
And even Pet Mediation!

Trusted Divorce Mediator Services

We have been helping couples in Cathedral City and throughout Southern California for over 30 years! We like to say, "Experience Matters!" There are no issues we haven't seen and helped people through. It is an ideal form for couples with good comunication and are willing to compromise with issues to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. If the proceedings are still highly contested, then the mediator will act as the go between to help continue the communication process.

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Mediation FAQs

How does divorce mediation work?

Divorce mediation is a collaborative approach to a divorce aimed at helping couples resolve their marital disputes and reach a mutually beneficial agreement without going to court. The mediation process involves a neutral 3rd party known as a “mediator”, who facilitates communication between the divorcing spouses. During the mediation sessions, each person will have the opportunity to express their concerns, needs, and interest to various aspects of the divorce such as spousal support, child custody, division of assets, and even pets. The goal of mediation is to identify a common ground by exploring potential solutions and guiding couples toward reaching a fair and agreeable settlement.

Is divorce mediation legally binding?

Divorce mediation itself does not have the legal authority to bind parties to an agreement. The mediation process encourages open dialogue and negotiations, allowing couples to develop a settlement that address their specific issues and needs. After the agreement is reached, it is drafted into a legal document submitted to a court for review. At this stage, after court approval, that the mediated agreement becomes legally binding and enforceable.

Do both parties have to agree to participate in divorce mediation?

Yes, divorce mediation requires the agreement and consent of both parties. Divorce mediation is a voluntary process with the goal to assist couples in resolving their divorce-related issues peacefully. The voluntary nature of mediation prioritizes the importance of both parties willing to participate and being committed to the process in order to achieve a successful outcome.

How much does divorce mediation cost?

Depending on the complexity of the case, the location, and the mediator’s fees, the average divorce mediation costs between $3500 to $7500. It’s important to note this is just an estimate as the actual price can be higher or lower depending on circumstances.

Can children be involved in divorce mediation?

Yes, children can be involved in the divorce mediation process. Divorce mediation primarily focuses on resolving issues between the couple, the well-being and best interests of the children are also extremely important consideration. In most cases, mediators encourage children to be involved to express their feelings, concerns, and preferences, giving them the opportunity to have a say in decisions that directly affect their lives. NOTE: This is also dependent on the child’s age and the parent’s preferences.

Can the agreements reached in divorce mediation be modified in the future?

Yes, the agreement reached in a divorce mediation CAN be modified in the future under certain circumstances. Life circumstances can change over time, requiring the need to modify the original agreement. Modifications may be requested if there are substantial changes in financial situations, employment, or significant changes in the needs of the parties involved. Any modifications to the agreement would require the consent of both parties or approved from the court, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of modifications being sought.

Are attorneys involved in divorce mediation?

Yes, attorneys can be involved in divorce mediation. While divorce mediation is a collaborative process with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement, attorneys can play a role in guiding and advising their clients throughout the mediation process. Attorneys can provide legal counsel, explain the rights of each party, and help to prepare the legal documents after the agreement has been reached.

What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of divorce mediation?

There are a few limitations to the mediation process. To start, mediation relies on the willingness of both parties to cooperate and negotiate in good faith. If one or both individuals are unwilling to compromise, the mediation process may become unproductive. Power imbalances between spouses such as differences in financial resources can hinder the fairness of mediation. If there is a history of domestic violence or significant conflict between the spouses, mediation may not be appropriate or safe because it relies on open communication.

Is divorce mediation suitable for same-sex couples?

Yes, divorce mediation is suitable for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples face the same challenges as opposite-sex couples when it comes to divorce, such as child custody, property division, and financial matters. When it comes to the divorce mediation process, it’s the same approach as a “traditional” marriage.

Can divorce mediation be used in cases involving domestic violence or abuse?

In cases involving domestic violence or abuse, divorce mediation may not be a suitable or appropriate option because safety concerns associated with such situations can make it difficult for the victim to express their concerns without fear. If couples wish to continue to proceed with the mediation process, it is recommended that virtual meetings be held, or the mediator works as the go-between to facilitate communication.

For a free consultation, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!

619-702-9174

About A Fair Way Mediation

A Fair Way Mediation has helped couples to mediate a successful and positive divorce for over 30 years. Our experience includes success with domestic partnerships, traditional, military, same sex, and alternative relationships. Our mediators are skilled in all the technologies of virtual mediation and will guide you through the process. Mediation also works non-criminal disputes such as landlord tenant, family, and HOA issues. We mediate issues throughout Palm Springs, Riverside County and San Diego.