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A Fair Way
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San Diego County Divorce Mediation

A Fair Way Mediation has been helping couples in San Diego County with divorce mediation services for over 30 years! We've helped thousands of couples get an affordable divorce, without having to go to court. Our team specializes in creating an environment for a peaceful divorce, we don't want you to spend thousands of dollars on lawyer fees that will most likely have the same outcome as using a divorce mediator.

We offer a free consultation, simply fill out our Start Evaluation form or give us a call!

619-985-2357

We understand how stressful a divorce can be on a couple. There are a wide array of issues to discuss and the uncertainty of the futrue can be daunting. But we strive to help relieve the stress so that each individual can feel good about the outcome and move on with their lives, without having to fret over the details!

Divorce Help


When the divorce process begins, there are a lot of questions you and yoru spouse may have, and a lot of answers that need to be worked out. This is precisely why we offer a free 30 minute consultation to allow you and your spouse to not only interview us, but also ask any pressing questions that you may have. This consultation will also allow us to learn more about your situation and see how we can help.While many individuals are looking for the cheapest option, finding the right mediator is very important to closing out the process.

If you go the litigation route, lawyer fees will add up quickly and leave you with an exorbitant bill that will reach the same conclusions as mediation. Not only that, you will have to go to court to have a judge ultimately make the final decision on things. With mediation, you don't have to go to court!

Common Divorce Issues to Discuss


Property Division
Child Custody
Pets
And even grandparents rights!

5 Star Google Review!

“Thinking about how Counselor Gordon saved my marriage five years ago and wanted to say thank you.”

With being in practice for over 30 years, we have the most experience in the divorce mediation process as anyone in San Diego County. We can help you get the divorce quickly and at an affordable manner. No one is out to "win" at all costs situation, it is about each individual feeling confident in the outcome.

Divorce Mediation Questions

How Much is Divorce Mediation Compared to Divorce Lawyers?down-arrow

Many couples turn to divorce mediation as opposed to litigation because of costs. Generally, the average cost of a mediated divorce is $3500 - $7000 (depending on the complexity of the case). With lawyers, the costs can easily exceed $25,000+ (per person).

How Long After Mediation is Divorce Final in California?down-arrow

On average, the divorce is finalized within a few months with the courts. The timeline is based on a variety of factors including the complexity of the issues involved in the divorce, the court’s caseload, and whether it’s contested or uncontested. Once the agreement has been reached, the divorce mediator will prepare the final paperwork to be filed with the court.

Do I Have to Go to Court?down-arrow

No. This is another primary reason couples choose mediation over litigation. All discussions will be settled out of court, once the agreement has been made you will simply submit the final paperwork to the courts which your divorce mediator will prepare. Discussions in mediation are kept private, when the case ends up in court it becomes a public record.

In a California Divorce, What Issues Can Divorce Mediation Cover?down-arrow

An experienced divorce mediation firm can cover a wide range of issues related to a divorce including: Division of Property: mediation helps couples divide their marital property, including debts and assets that have been acquired during the marriage. Child Support: through discussions, mediation can assist in determining the amount of spousal support to be paid to one spouse or the other. Spousal Support: can help determine the amount and duration of spousal support payments (if any). Retirement Accounts: mediation also helps couples divide their retirement accounts and pensions. Debt: divorce mediation can assist couples in resolving issues related to marital debt (credit cards, loans, mortgages). Business Partnerships: mediation can also help divide any business interests that have been acquired during the marriage. Pet Mediation: while not as known, mediation can also help with pet custody and support during the divorce process.

What is the Difference Between Collaborative Divorce and Mediation?down-arrow

Collaborate divorce and mediation are both methods that can be used in place of a traditional litigated divorce. Each methods helps couples come to a mutual agreement and avoid court. There are a few key differences between the 2 alternatives. Collaborative Divorce: Is a process where each spouse hires their own “collaboratively” trained attorney to work with them and a team of professionals, attorneys and therapists, for example. Mediation: this is the process where a neutral 3rd party (the mediator), works with both spouses to facilitate discussions and ultimately reach a final agreement. Mediators do not represent either party, they help couples identify the issues and generate options for a peaceful resolution. Key Difference: In a collaborative divorce, both parties may have their own team of professionals who work with them to find resolutions. Whereas, a trained mediator doesn’t have a team of professionals and can handle all of the aspects of the divorce.

How is Child Support Determined in a Divorce Case?down-arrow

Within the State of California, child support is based on a statewide guideline formulate that takes in a few different factors. Each Spouses Income: the formulate considers each parent’s income from all sources, including salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, and investments. Custody Agreement: this is the amount of time that the child or children spends with each parent (timeshare). In general, the more a parent spends with the child or children the less support they are required to pay. Childcare Expenses: if either parent pays for childcare expenses, such as daycare, those expenses are factored in to the child support calculations. Health Insurance: if 1 parent provides health insurance coverage for the child, the cost of that is factored in to the support calculation. Miscellaneous Expenses: other expenses that may be considered in the calculation include educational needs or special needs, transportation costs, or any other expenses.

Benefits Divorce Mediation Provides


Cost-Effective Resolution


Divorce mediation offers a cost-effective resolution by significantly reducing the expenses associated with traditional litigation. Instead of paying for lengthy court proceedings and multiple attorney appearances, couples work collaboratively with a neutral mediator to reach agreements on key issues such as property division, child custody, and support. This streamlined process not only shortens the timeline for finalizing the divorce but also minimizes legal fees, court costs, and emotional strain—making it a financially sensible option for those seeking an amicable and efficient separation.

Greater Control and Flexibility


Divorce mediation offers couples greater control and flexibility over the outcome of their separation by allowing them to make decisions collaboratively, rather than having a judge impose rulings in court. This process allows both parties to tailor agreements around child custody, finances, and property division to fit their unique circumstances and priorities. Unlike litigation, which follows rigid legal procedures and timelines, mediation provides a more adaptable setting where spouses can work at their own pace, explore creative solutions, and preserve more amicable communication for the future—especially important when children are involved.

Reduced Conflict and Stress


One of the key benefits of divorce mediation is its ability to significantly reduce conflict and stress compared to traditional litigation. Mediation encourages open communication in a neutral setting, helping both parties reach mutual agreements without the hostility often found in court battles. This collaborative approach promotes emotional well-being, minimizes tension, and allows for a more respectful separation—particularly important when children are involved or ongoing co-parenting is required.

Trending Mediation Articles


Retirement Accounts & Divorce: Why Mediation Makes Sense

Dividing retirement accounts during a divorce is one of the most complex and emotionally charged financial tasks couples face. Whether it's a 401(k), IRA, pension, or military retirement, these accounts often represent years of hard work and a couple’s shared future. When divorce enters the picture, along with this comes the difficult question of how to divide these long-term assets equitably, and with as little conflict as possible.

How Mediation Protects Your Privacy During Divorce

Divorce is often one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences in a person’s life. Amid the upheaval, privacy becomes an increasingly precious commodity. Many individuals are surprised to discover just how public traditional divorce proceedings can be. Courtrooms are open to the public, filings become part of public record, and intimate details of a couple’s life can be laid bare.

About A Fair Way Mediation


A Fair Way Mediation Center offers a relaxed, compassionate atmosphere in an informal setting that encourages a calm and objective approach. This is a safe space that avoids the stress and embarrassment that courtroom procedures can inject into any divorce or separation. All couples are welcome, including traditional or same sex families.

  1. At our mediation center we offer a relaxed compassionate atmosphere in an informal setting that encourages a calm and objective approach. It’s a safe space without the stress and embarrassment of a courtroom. All couples are welcome, whether traditional or same sex families. We’ve mediated hundreds of successful divorces and disputes. Rich Gordon, B.A., M.A., J.D., is our principal mediator in both Palm Springs, Riverside County and San Diego.


  2. As one of Southern California's top divorce mediators, A Fair Way Mediation has helped 100s of couples to obtain an affordable and peaceful divorce without going to court. We save our clients thousands of dollars in litigation fees and specialize in all forms of divorce mediation including military divorce and same sex divorce mediation. Our divorce mediators are skilled in all the facets of mediation and will guide you through the process. We provide divorce mediation services for couples throughout San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside County and Rancho Mirage, Temecula.

Please; fill out our Start Evaluation form for a free consultation, or give us a call!

619-985-2357

2 Locations - San Diego and Palm Springs

San Diego

Coachella Valley