Explore Divorce Mediation Before Litigation in Los Angeles
If the divorcing parties are both reasonable in their expectations in resolving their family law issue, and if they don’t think involving lawyers early on would be an efficient and cost-effective way of going about their divorce, mediation might be the way to go. Mediation can be less costly than litigation for resolving your family law issue.
In some situations, involving the wrong type of lawyers for either side can turn the case into a circus, costing the parties unnecessary legal fees times two (legal fees for each party). Remember, legal fees for both parties can rapidly escalate in litigation. Those fees will be coming out of the same pie.
Our seasoned divorce mediators provide high-quality mediation services in Los Angeles. Schedule a consultation by calling us at (213) 798-4854 or contacting us onlinetoday.
What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
If both you and your spouse are open to a fair and amicable settlement and neither of you is interested in playing games or weaponizing the judicial process against the other spouse, you could benefit from retaining the services of a Los Angeles divorce mediation lawyer.
Benefits of divorce mediation include:
Mediation can result in a less stressful process and preserve the size of the pie you are trying to divide in your divorce.
When you hire us as a mediator, we will serve as a neutral party in your case.
We have over 46 years of family law trial experience to draw upon and can advise you on a myriad of possible solutions to key issues that are fair to both parties under the California Family Code and case law.
Further, with mediation, both parties can share the cost of the services instead of each paying for their own attorney to fight in court.
Mediation for Child Custody & Support Matters in Los Angeles
If you have young children, taking a scorched-earth position in litigation might not be a good idea. Remember, you will co-parent your children even after the divorce. Through mediation, you might be able to avoid burning bridges with your ex-spouse.
Assisting with Preparing & Submitting Your Paperwork
As part of our Los Angeles divorce mediation services, our office will also assist both parties in drafting the pleadings necessary to successfully complete the case.
The service may include:
Filing the divorce petition,
Preparing the required financial disclosures, and
Drafting a settlement agreement and stipulated judgment should the parties settle the case.
Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be able to come to an agreement, but we will try our best.
What to Do If Mediation Fails to Reach an Agreement
The good thing about family law is that each issue in a case is divisible. That means it is not an all-or-nothing situation like in civil law cases. You do not have to settle all the matters. You can settle the ones you are able to agree upon and litigate those you have an impasse on later in court. For the issues you can’t settle in mediation, you would still have a chance to litigate them in court and hire lawyers to represent you.
Local Insights for Divorce Mediation Services in Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles, we understand the unique challenges that come with navigating a divorce in such a bustling and diverse city. Our team is deeply familiar with the local family law courts, and we stay updated on the latest regulations and resources provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services. This local knowledge allows us to offer mediation services that are not only effective but also tailored to the specific needs of our community.
Personalized Legal Guidance
One of the common pain points for Los Angeles residents is the high cost of living, which can make the financial strain of a divorce even more daunting. Mediation offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation, helping you save money that can be better spent on your family's future. Additionally, the traffic and busy schedules typical of LA life can make frequent court appearances a logistical nightmare. Mediation sessions can be scheduled at times that are convenient for both parties, reducing the stress and time commitment involved.
We also recognize the importance of maintaining amicable relationships, especially when children are involved. Los Angeles is a city where co-parenting is often necessary due to the high number of dual-income households. Our mediation services aim to foster a cooperative environment, helping you and your spouse reach agreements that are in the best interest of your children. By avoiding the adversarial nature of court battles, you can focus on creating a stable and supportive co-parenting arrangement.
Whether you're residing in the heart of downtown Los Angeles or in the surrounding neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Pasadena, our mediation services are designed to meet your needs. We are committed to helping you navigate this challenging time with as little disruption to your daily life as possible.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I still go to court if mediation does not result in an agreement?
Yes, if mediation does not lead to a complete agreement, you still have the option to take unresolved issues to court. In family law, each issue is divisible, meaning you can settle some matters through mediation while litigating others. This flexibility allows you to focus on reaching agreements on the issues you can agree upon, while still having the opportunity to seek judicial resolution for those that remain contentious. This approach can save time and resources, as you only engage in litigation for the most challenging aspects of your case.
What should I expect during my first mediation session in Los Angeles?
During your first mediation session in Los Angeles, you can expect a structured yet flexible environment where both parties can express their concerns and desires regarding the divorce. The mediator will outline the process, establish ground rules, and encourage open communication. You will discuss key issues such as asset division, child custody, and support arrangements. The mediator will guide the conversation, helping to keep it productive and focused on finding mutually agreeable solutions. It's important to come prepared with any relevant documents and a willingness to collaborate for the best outcomes.
Practical Insights from an Experienced Los Angeles Divorce Mediator
Before practicing law for 46+ years, Attorney Kenneth Reyes formerly served as a CPA for 9 years. With this background, he can provide superior insides into the financial matters in your divorce.
If you own a business and need it appraised, you may jointly retain an expert for an appraisal during the mediation process to arrive at a fair and equitable division of community property.
If you owned a property before marriage, but the mortgage was paid using community income during the marriage, you might need to involve a forensic accounting expert to calculate and apportion the community interest in the property during the mediation process.
Privileged & Confidential Mediation Sessions in Los Angeles
Most statements during mediation are privileged and confidential. The settlement agreement reached is the only statement or writing made that can be disclosed without the express consent of both parties.
With limited exceptions created by the courts, nothing else said or written during or in the course of mediation, or for the purpose of mediation, can be:
Received in evidence,
Compelled in discovery, or
Compelled as testimony.
(California Evidence Code § 1119, 1121, and 1123)
If you think that divorce mediation in Los Angeles is the right process for your situation, please call us at (213) 798-4854 or contact us online. You and your spouse must agree to give mediation a chance and will be jointly retaining our services as a neutral party.
“This law firm is really very dedicated to a fast result of whatever needs to be done in the right way and indeed at the very right time.”
“This law firm is really very dedicated to a fast result of whatever needs to be done in the right way and indeed at the very right time.”
J.I.
“Professional, compassionate, and trustworthy.”
The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC are the most professional, knowledgeable legal practitioners of family law and personal injury cases. They played an integral role in protecting my children and me, offering not just legal expertise but honest advice. Highly recommend.
S.M.
“He also worked with my budget since I was on my own and had no financial support from anyone I only counted with my income.”
“He also worked with my budget since I was on my own and had no financial support from anyone I only counted with my income.”
J.M.
“I would highly recommend the services of Kenneth Reyes Law Firm.”
Being in a tough situation, I did not know where to begin to file for divorce when my marriage was dissolving. I didn't know where to file either since I live in Texas and respondent in California. Kenneth Reyes Law Firm was the first listing when I went to Google search. Mr. Reyes was willing to assist me in my long-distance divorce. A member of his staff, Gabriella Castro, was very instrumental in handling our back and forth communications and I was always able to speak to a live person when I needed help. Mr. Reyes and his staff are always caring, compassionate and professional. They explained each process that would happen and each step to be taken so I understood what was happening at all times. I knew payment was going to be an obstacle but the firm made allowances until my house was sold. Mr. Reyes was able to win on my behalf in unexpected challenges, e.g. respondent didn't want to pay me for community property but Mr. Reyes firm took legal action and was able to find and win those funds for me. I would highly recommend the services of Kenneth Reyes Law Firm to anyone. Mr. Reyes and his staff will definitely handle your case with the greatest of care.
Martha R.
“He also helped me with my petition for my wife and my youngest son. They are now here in California with me.”
“He also helped me with my petition for my wife and my youngest son. They are now here in California with me.”
R.L.
“level-headed and professional”
Thank you to Ken Reyes and his colleague Gabriella Castro for their exceptional service, hard work and unwavering dedication to my case. Divorce settlements are never easy or clear cut and both Ken and Gabriella spent time to explain every detail and remained strong, level-headed and professional during the heated back and forth with the opposing law firm. I was very satisfied with the overall outcome of my case and highly recommend Ken and team for all legal issues. Thank you Ken. Keep up the great work and I look forward to working with you again in the future.
J.C.
“Day or night, he was available to offer not just his legal expertise, but practical and honest advice as well. ”
“Day or night, he was available to offer not just his legal expertise, but practical and honest advice as well. ”
S.M.
“Handled my case competently and professionally.”
The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC has represented me since 2012 and has handled my case competently and professionally. They successfully assisted me towards my permanent residency despite the complications. Their expertise and care yielded the desired results.
