I’ve said time and time again how mediation is FAR more beneficial to most families than divorce litigation (through the courts).

To be honest, I will continue to push it until I’m blue in the face because (if it is a situation where mediation is an option – most are, sometimes it’s not), it is far less stressful for the families and individuals involved.

ALL we want for our families is peace and a path forward!

Here is a simple breakdown to compare the two:

Divorce Litigation

Timetable: Typically 6-12 months (can be longer with COVID-related delays or if the parties can’t come to an agreement, there will be a lot of back and forth expanding through multiple court dates)

Cost: The average cost of divorce in California is $17,500

Privacy: Not much. It’s all public record. (Even the celebrities can’t hide it.)

Control of Decision: The judge (who knows very little about the families involved – they don’t know what they don’t know)

Mediation

Timetable: This is completely up to the families (no waiting unnecessarily for available court dates and filings)

Cost: The average cost of an amicable mediation in California is around $5,000 (no unnecessary time spent on filings, hearings, etc)

Privacy: Completely confidential process

Control of Decision: The families (who know themselves better than anyone else and can make decisions accordingly)

Mediation is outside of the norm of what we think needs to happen to end a marriage but it’s becoming the norm because of how much it makes sense for families and how beneficial it is for everyone involved.

If you’d like to chat in more detail about it, we’re happy to help.

Give us a call at 818-212-0010 or email me at carol@sflg.us