Should You Hire a Mediator or Divorce Attorney?
As you learn more about the divorce process and your options, you may be wondering if you should hire a mediator or a divorce attorney.
Mediation is a process by which divorcing spouses negotiate a settlement agreement with the help of a neutral third party. There are several benefits and advantages of hiring a mediator. Mediators tend to be more affordable than attorneys and are flexible towards allowing both parties to draft an agreement regarding the distribution of their marital estate.
We invite you to contact our mediators for more information about the mediation process. Read on to learn more about whether you should hiring a mediator or divorce attorney is right for you.
Time
Most courts throughout California have suffered immense budget cuts which have impacted the delivery of legal services. This has resulted in family law cases being litigated for unusually lengthy periods of time.
One of the many benefits of mediation is that it tends to take less time for parties to reach an agreement in comparison to litigation. Mediation allows parties to come together in a calm environment and discuss their issues one-on-one, outside the presence of attorneys (unless requested) and the court. The average time couples spend mediating issues ranges from 3 to 6 months, but can be even shorter depending on the needs of the couple and the mediator’s experience.
Costs
The average hourly cost for mediation is $300 and the fee is usually split between the parties. The average cost of an experienced divorce attorney in Los Angeles is $300/hour and each party pays their separate attorney fee. People tend to spend on average $2,000 – $5,000 for mediation and $15,000 – $20,000 in legal fees for a divorce in the Los Angeles area.
Mediation is Family Oriented
If you have children, mediating your marital issues will help preserve the relationship you have with them. Most mediators help couples focus on the needs of their children when making decisions regarding custody and visitation. During litigation, children may suffer from the exposure to the adverse nature of the action and children more likely tend to become pawns in battles between spouses.
Confidentiality
Mediation sessions are held in confidence between the parties and mediator. There is a great amount of latitude as to what can be disclosed during mediation in comparison to a divorce hearing or trial (which are open to the public).
Mediation is Best for Your Health
Hiring a mediator will help both parties reach an agreement in an amicable fashion and can help avoid some of the severe stress that comes with the divorce process. Experienced mediators know how to create an environment in which the couple can discuss their diverse views and emotions regarding important issues without offending each other. Overall, mediation promotes improved communication and sets the stage for mutual decision making as opposed to the adversarial litigation process.
How A Divorce Mediation Attorney Can Help
Contact the attorneys at The Law Offices of Atousa Saei to speak with our experienced mediators regarding your divorce. We welcome you to schedule an appointment with our office to see if mediation is right for your particular situation in comparison to litigation. We provide legal services to residents of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach and the entire greater Los Angeles area. Dial (310) 855-3386 today.