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.

ATTORNEY MEDIATED DIVORCES WITH SAN DIEGO FAMILY MEDIATION LAWYER

Scott is an expert family mediation specialist in the Alternative Dispute Resolution process who strives to preserve the emotional and financial resources of the family while helping reach an agreement that is fair and meets the needs 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, help with child custody mediation and reach agreements on property division, splitting of retirement assets, spousal support and child support, 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.

What is the Role of a Mediator in a San Diego Divorce:

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.

Divorce mediation

Frequently Asked Questions

Our family law mediator has more than two decades of experience as a certified financial family law attorney and mediation expert. As a neutral third-party professional committed to assisting couples divorce amicably through collaborative open negotiations. Our separation and divorce clients utilize our divorce mediator to resolve the issues of divorce in California, including child custody, child support, support, alimony, and division of assets and debts.

Litigation for divorce means a couple goes to court with lawyers representing each party. Mediation for divorce is an alternative process that allows couples to work together to reach mutually beneficial settlements with the help of a impartial mediator. Navigating divorce with mediation is about problem-solving with a team-oriented approach to resolving conflict which benefits families by preserving relationships and prioritizes emotional well-being.

Our divorce mediation process in San Diego on average takes about two months to complete. During this time, we meet with our clients for mediation sessions that last one to two hours and we meet every week to two weeks. We reach settlements during these mediation sessions and our San Diego mediator then drafts a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) for both parties to review and sign.

Yes, the outcome of our mediation for divorce services is a legally binding and enforceable judgment. Our family mediation lawyer handles all of your legal and court filings which means the court will finalize your divorce without you every needing to go to court.

Advantages of Mediation Over Litigation:

  • Outcome is tailored to the individual clients

  • Ample opportunity for discussion and resolution

  • Confidential – nothing discussed during mediation can be released. No public record.

  • You make the final decisions rather than a judge
  • Private information is not discussed in a public setting
  • 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

San Diego Divorce Mediation Cost

  • 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.
hand stopping falling blocks
La Jolla divorce mediation 9820 Willow Creek Rd Ste 410 San Diego, CA 92131

“My Goal Is to Help You Move On Quickly and Peacefully”

An Inside Look at the Philosophy Behind Our Flat-Fee Mediation Model

“My goal as a mediator for divorce and legal separation is simple: to help couples navigate the divorce process as efficiently and affordably as possible. Without sounding too blunt, I want to see my clients as little as necessary to get them through this challenging time. Ideally, we’ll work together for just a few sessions, and then you’ll never need my services again.

That’s why my practice is built on a flat fee structure for five mediation sessions—90% of my clients successfully reach agreements within this time frame, paying no more than the flat fee. This approach not only saves time but also helps you avoid the financial strain of extended legal battles.

Unlike traditional divorce attorneys, my focus is on creating a cost-effective, solutions-driven process. In fact, there are only one or two other firms in San Diego that specialize exclusively in mediation with the same commitment to saving you money. My goal is to help you move forward, quickly and peacefully, without unnecessary expense or stress.”
Scott F. Levin Founder San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law

HOW TO FIND A DIVORCE MEDIATOR NEAR ME?

9 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST MEDIATOR FOR YOUR DIVORCE

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

Why Choose San Diego Mediation Attorney Scott Levin?

If you’re seeking a peaceful and cost-effective resolution to your divorce in San Diego, consider the expert mediation services of Scott Levin at San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law. If you’re seeking a peaceful and cost-effective resolution to your divorce in San Diego, consider the expert mediation services of Scott Levin at San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law. If you’re seeking a peaceful and cost-effective resolution to your divorce in San Diego, consider the expert mediation services of Scott Levin at San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law. As the driving force behind peaceful resolutions and the Chief PeaceKeeper™, Scott helps individuals and families navigate divorce and family law matters with compassion, dignity, and mutual respect.

As a highly experienced mediator, Scott Levin provides a collaborative approach that empowers couples to resolve disputes amicably, avoiding the stress and expense of courtroom battles.

Contact Us:

Take the first step towards a harmonious resolution by scheduling a free consultation with Scott Levin. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how mediation can benefit your family.

Phone: (858) 255-1321

Email: scottlevinmediation@gmail.com

Address: 9820 Willow Creek Rd Ste 410, San Diego, CA 92131

Serving clients throughout Southern California, including San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Chula Vista, and surrounding areas.

Testimonials

Scott is an incredible mediator who is not only skilled at providing you with information about your legal rights, but is equally a patient and caring human. Scott will help guide you from the initial steps to the very end. Having him as our mediator really helped us sift through every part of the divorce agreement in a way that was easy to understand and digest. If you’re in this unfortunate position, Scott’s knowledge and guidance will help make it a little easier.
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Suzanne B.
Scott ia an amazing mediator, he works with compassion, responds quickly, and keeps you updated on your case. He explains everything in detail and listens to what you have to say. He works with you with a high level of professionalism.
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Cristina
Scott Levin helped my husband and I go through the divorce mediation process without ending up with attorneys. He helped change around our Marital settlement agreement several times to fit our needs. The process with Scott was quick and efficient. I would definitely recommend Scott Levin for divorce mediation services.
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Freda B.
Thank you so much for helping to navigate us through a very difficult time. Your generosity and guidance ultimately made it possible for me to put aside my concerns and move forward with my divorce …You made all the difference.
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Laura S.
Scott is a Professional in all aspects of how he conducts his business. He is kind and Ethical and connects very well with all personalities. I highly recommend Scott.
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Rodrigo B.
Scott is truly dedicated to the best outcome for the family of his clients. He really does a great job of helping set up a successful life after marriage for all parties involved. Highly recommend.
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Chad H.
Scott is compassionate and informative. I trusted his calm disposition to take me through the highs and lows and mediation. He is customer service centered and intelligent. Thank you Scott!
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Madelyn H.
I was told repeatedly it would be absolutely impossible to mediate in my highly contentious divorce with decades together, a # of children, lots of accounts and properties- it was overwhelming and typically is the kind of divorce that takes many many years and many 100s of 1000s of dollars. But then we found Scott. He was fair and respectful to both parties and most of all ensured that our kids would have the best outcome in this very sad breakup of our family. He kept it fair, affordable and quick. He is personable and he really cares. The mediators my friends have used in their own situations PALE in comparison to Scott Levin. My family has always been the most important thing in the world to me and our choice of mediator helped to keep us sane, calm and hopeful throughout this devastating situation in the middle of a pandemic. He allowed us to stagger visits so we did not need to be present together bc of the high conflict circumstances. Very grateful Scott Levin made the impossible possible, by guiding us through from start to finish!
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The B.
I highly recommend working with Scott as your mediator. It's a very challenging time anyway and using Scott for the dissolution of my marriage helped make a difficult life experience a lot less stressful and challenging. The cost of working with Scott was minimal compared to the cost of us hiring individual attorneys AND a lot less stressful. Scott is very understanding, knowledgeable and caring for both sides. I'm thankful we found Scott. I'm especially thankful that my husband and I were amicable from the start of this process which made a very sad and difficult situation less so. Do yourself a favor and hire San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law and work with Scott.
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Stephanie O.