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.
Our Principal Mediator is Richard Gordon, B.A., M.A. & J.D. An experienced Mediator, Mr. Gordon has worked in all facets of alternate dispute resolution (ADR), with both individuals and organizations. He brings a friendly approach that is conducive to cooperation.
We offer a complete slate of mediation services, including Adoption, Civil, Commercial, Divorce (parenting), Employment, Family (other), General Mediation, Landlord-Tenant, Land Use, Probate, Religious/Church, Torts, and Workplace, as well as additional professional services such as Arbitration, Child Custody, Communication Skills Training, Consensus Building, Counselling Services, Divorce Seminars, Fact Finding, and Prenuptial Agreements, among others.
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Our Mission
At A Fair Way, our mission is simple yet powerful: to help individuals and families reach fair, lasting resolutions outside of court. We believe that mediation can:
Save considerable time and cost, often resolving matters in weeks or months rather than months or years
Reduce emotional stress, to promote communication and calm rather than confrontation
Protect privacy, since mediation is confidential and not part of the public record
Our clients leave mediation not only with practical solutions, but with a sense of understanding and closure that a courtroom rarely provides.
Meet Richard Gordon: Principal Mediator
Richard Gordon brings professionalism and warmth to every mediation. He creates an informal, respectful environment, allowing people to feel heard and valued
Whether a case involves parents navigating custody, couples handling asset division, or families resolving estate conflicts, Richard is there guiding all sides toward equitable solutions.
A Multi-Faceted Service Suite
From divorce and parenting mediation to employment disputes, landlord‑tenant misunderstandings, and HOA disagreements, A Fair Way offers an extensive range of conflict resolution services
Divorce & Parenting Agreement Mediation
Legal Separation & Annulment Guidance
Domestic Partnership & Same‑Sex Mediation
Military Divorce & High‑Asset Cases
Child Custody & Support Planning
Estate & Probate Dispute Resolution
Landlord/Tenant & HOA Mediation
Adoption and Prenuptial Agreement Assistance
In addition, we offer Arbitration, Counselling, Consensus-building, allowing parties to reach comprehensible agreements.
Serving Two Convenient Locations
To best serve Southern California, A Fair Way operates out of two well‑positioned offices:
San Diego – 600 W. Broadway, 7th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
Coachella Valley / Rancho Mirage – 121 Lake Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
These locations connect us with families and businesses from San Diego through Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and beyond.
The Mediation Process
Our process is designed to ease you through climate of conflict toward a cooperative resolution:
Free, 30‑Minute Evaluation
Begin with an online form or phone call. We meet with both parties, together or separately, to understand the dispute context and needs
Agree on Mediation Terms
Together, we define the scope, fees, ground rules, confidentiality, and meeting structure.
Define Issues & Gather Information
Sessions document every issue, finances, property, kids, business, and each participant’s perspective.
Explore Options
Richard leads respectful dialogue and brainstorming to help uncover realistic paths forward.
Draft Settlement Agreements
Once consensus is reached, we create a written agreement, equitable, complete, and thorough.
Finalize & File Legally
The mediated agreement is submitted to relevant courts to become legally binding, without any courtroom hearings.
Real Results, Real People
Our practice has helped hundreds of families and businesses leave mediation ready for the next chapter, often intact as co-parents, partners, or neighbors. We’ve successfully mediated:
Same‑sex divorces
Military family separations
High‑asset divorces
Landlord/tenant conflicts
Family disputes, probate, HOA disagreements
We often receive referrals from legal professionals and family law attorneys, praising our results-oriented, client-first approach.
FAQs, Quick Answers You Need
Is mediation binding?
Not until the signed agreement is submitted and approved by a court .
Can children be involved?
Yes, when appropriate, children can express their views during the mediation process
What about domestic violence?
Mediation may still be an option in some cases, especially via virtual or managed communication .
What kind of issues can mediation resolve?
Everything from child support, spousal support, rolling assets, pet custody, retirement distribution, debt division, business interests, HOA disputes, you name it!
Fill out the online evaluation form for a free 30-minute intro session
Call or email us, we respond promptly to all inquiries.
Schedule convenient sessions, either in-person or virtually, to begin the mediation journey.