There are any number of reasons why California couples decide to divorce. For some, time has passed, children have grown and spouses have discovered that they no longer have anything in common; hence, they decide to go their separate ways. Others sever marital ties following a particular incident or string of events, such as an extramarital affair or a serious medical condition.
Regardless of the details of an individual situation, if both spouses are able to communicate amicably, divorce mediation may be an option to keep things out of court. When two people enter mediation, they must both agree to cooperate and compromise in the hope of attaining certain goals. Such goals often include matters pertaining to child custody and visitation or property division.
It won’t work if someone is being dishonest or is merely looking for an argument every time differences of opinion arise. Most family law attorneys are also skilled negotiators, and each spouse typically participates in mediation alongside his or her own representation. The mediator acts as a facilitator to help both sides meet in the middle and design a post-divorce plan that protects personal rights and keeps the best interests of children at heart.
The Law Office of Edward S. Matisoff is experienced in providing divorce mediation assistance throughout California. It is often possible to obtain fair and agreeable outcomes without ever having to step inside a courtroom. Any plans developed, however, would of course need the court’s approval. If you have questions regarding the mediation process, you can request a meeting to discuss the topic.