MEDIATION

Mediation allows parties to negotiate a resolution to their divorce or family law dispute without going in front of a judge to have a decision made for them. These disputes can be related to custody, support, division of assets and debts, or any other matter that would be handled in the family courts.

Mediation involves the following three components:

Mediation is a confidential process. Anything said in mediation is confidential under California Evidence Code Section 1119(c). Any offers of settlement made in mediation, as well as documents prepared specifically for mediation, cannot be used as evidence in court, not can they be disclosed through the discovery process.

Mediation is not binding. Any agreement that parties reach in mediation is only binding if they reduce it to a formal written agreement and sign the agreement. If the parties do not reach an agreement, they can still go to court to resolve the dispute.

Mediators are neutral. The mediator is a third-party professional, usually an attorney or retired Judge, who will listen to each party and help the parties reach an agreement. The mediator will not take sides and cannot later represent either party in court.

Attorney Moriel Cohen has over 17 years of experience working with families in California. You can trust that she will put her negotiation skills to use as she helps you and your spouse reach an agreement on even the most complex issues. Learn more about how our firm can help you in mediation today. Call (858) 250-0700 or reach out to us online.