San Diego Mediation Attorney

WHAT IS A DIVORCE MEDIATOR?

San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyer, Scott Levin, knows the prospect of ending your marriage can be devastating, but divorce proceedings don’t have to be traumatic. Divorce mediation is an affordable alternative to litigating in court to resolve family law issues before, during, and after the divorce or legal separation. Both parties meet with a trained, impartial family law mediator to resolve the problems in a confidential setting.

Scott is an expert in the Alternative Dispute Resolution process that strives to preserve the emotional and financial resources of the family while achieving an agreement that considers and respects the welfare of everyone in the family. The divorce mediation model provides divorcing parties the opportunity to problem solve in a private, confidential setting with the help of their experts, to reach a creative settlement that meets the needs of their family.

As an experienced San Diego divorce mediation lawyer and trained neutral mediator, Scott can help divorcing spouses file the necessary paperwork to start the divorce action, mediate contested issues, and prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement to finalize the divorce. If the divorce is already in progress, or if the parties have already retained counsel, parties can still save time and money by turning to mediation to complete the job.

Advantages of Mediation Over Litigation:

  • No court appearances
  • Process is informal
  • Mutually convenient times because they are set by the parties (not the Court)

  • Minimizes the emotional costs by working cooperatively

  • Teaches skills to resolve problems more easily going forward

The Mediator’s Role:

Mediator creates a cooperative environment where both parties feel safe to discuss issues openly and honestly.

The mediator stays neutral, listens, helps both parties stay focused, and explores the underlying interests while maintaining a balance of power.

For help in deciding how you wish to proceed in your own matter, call us (858) 255-1321,or email us to schedule your personal consultation.

This consultation is for informational purposes only; no legal advice will be given.

Mediation Costs

  • 90% of our mediation clients finish the work of the divorce process within 2 months for less than $9,000.
  • We offer a flat fee divorce service, so that clients know at the beginning our fees and how much the divorce will cost.
  • In the end, the cost of divorce mediation is often a worthwhile investment. It can lead to a fair settlement and preserve a respectful relationship between the parties.

HOW TO FIND A DIVORCE MEDIATOR NEAR ME

1. Start with Research

If you’re wondering, “How do I find a mediator,” begin by searching online for “divorce mediators near me” or “divorce mediation San Diego.” Make a list of potential mediators in your area. Don’t limit yourself to just the closest options – the best divorce mediator for you might be worth a bit of travel.

2. Check Qualifications and Experience

2. Check Qualifications and Experience

After you have a list of possible mediators, it’s time to look into their credentials and certifications in addition to the mediator’s experience.

  • Education and Training: Look for mediators who have specific training in divorce mediation. This is typically a 40-hour course, but more extensive training is even better.

  • Professional Background: Many mediators come from law, finance, or mental health backgrounds. Each brings a different perspective to the process. At San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law, Scott Levin offers a unique combination as both a skilled California divorce lawyer and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™.

  • Experience: How long has the mediator been practicing? How many cases have they handled? Experience matters, especially for complex cases.

  • Specializations: If you have specific concerns (like complex financial assets or child custody issues), look for a mediator with experience in these areas.

  • Continuing Education: The best mediators stay updated on changes in divorce law and mediation techniques. Ask about their commitment to ongoing learning.

3. Read Review and Testimonials

3. Read Review and Testimonials

Client experiences can provide valuable insights into a mediator’s style and effectiveness. Look for the lawyer client reviews on:

  • Google

  • Yelp

Keep in mind that due to the confidential nature of mediation, some clients may not feel comfortable leaving public reviews. If testimonials are sparse, don’t let this be your only criterion.

4. Schedule Initial Consultations

4. Schedule Initial Consultations

Many mediators, including our team at San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law, offer an initial free divorce consultation. This is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for the mediator’s style.

Some key questions to ask include:

  • What is your approach to mediation?

  • How do you handle power imbalances between spouses?

  • How do you ensure both parties’ interests are protected?

  • What’s your success rate in helping couples reach agreements?

  • What’s your fee structure, and what does it include?

  • How long does the mediation process typically take?

  • Do you draft the legal documents, or will we need to hire an attorney for that?

5. Understand Different Mediation Styles

5. Understand Different Mediation Styles

Mediators may use different styles, and understanding mediation styles can help you choose the right fit for your situation:

  • Facilitative: The mediator facilitates communication between parties but doesn’t provide suggestions or opinions.

  • Evaluative: The mediator may offer opinions and suggestions based on their experience.

  • Transformative: Focuses on empowering the parties and fostering mutual recognition.

Many mediators, like Scott Levin, use a blend of styles depending on the needs of each case.

6. Evaluate Communication Skills

6. Evaluate Communication Skills

A good mediator should be an excellent communicator. During your initial consultation, assess:

  • How well do they explain the process?

  • Do they listen attentively to your concerns

  • Can they explain complex concepts in understandable terms?

  • Do they seem patient and empathetic?

7. Understand the Mediation Process

7. Understand the Mediation Process

A reputable mediator should be able to clearly explain their process. At San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law, we believe in transparency. Our San Diego mediation process typically includes:

  • Initial consultation

  • Information gathering

  • Mediation sessions (number varies based on complexity)

  • Drafting of agreements

  • Review and finalization

Understanding the process helps you know what to expect and can make you feel more comfortable with your choice.

8. Discuss Fees and Services

8. Discuss Fees and Services

Understand the fee structure and what services are included. Some mediators charge by the hour, while others offer package deals. Be clear on what you’re getting for your money. Questions to ask a divorce mediator include:

  • Hourly rates or flat fees

  • Retainer requirements

  • Additional costs (document preparation, filing fees, etc.)

  • Payment plans or options

9. Check Availability and Location

9. Check Availability and Location

Make sure the mediator you choose has the availability to handle your case in a timely manner. Delays can add stress to an already difficult process. Also, consider the location of their office and whether they offer virtual mediation options.