San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyer

San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyer Means A Healthy Divorce

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 for resolving all family law issues before, during, and after the divorce or legal separation. Both parties meet with a trained, impartial family law mediator to resolve issues 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:

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

The Mediator’s Role:

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

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

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

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

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

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 the following which Scott Levin answers on our behalf for your benefit:

What is your approach to mediation?
Scott Levin Answers: My approach to mediation is collaborative and focused on solutions. I aim to help both parties communicate openly. This way, they can reach an agreement that benefits everyone.
How do you handle power imbalances between spouses?
I handle power imbalances by creating a safe space for both people. I make sure each voice is heard and respected. I also use techniques to empower the partner who has less power.
What's your success rate in helping couples reach agreements?
My success rate in helping couples reach agreements is over 90%. This success comes from years of experience as a divorce lawyer and mediation specialist. I also have a natural ability to connect with people.
How do you ensure both parties' interests are protected?
I ensure both parties' interests are protected by actively listening to their concerns, clarifying their needs, and working towards solutions that address the interests of both sides. I also ensure that each side hears each other and profoundly listens and understands each of their perspectives.
What's your fee structure, and what does it include?
My fee structure is a flat fee and my clients pay only this flat fee divorce for the entire process from beginning to end. The flat rate includes all mediation sessions, preparation time, communications, drafting of court forms, court filings and agreement drafting.
How long does the mediation process typically take?
90% of our mediation clients finish the work of the mediation process in less than two months. Between 2 to 5 sessions are needed on average, of course this depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to cooperate.
Do you draft the legal documents, or will we need to hire an attorney for that?
- I draft all your necessary legal agreements and court documents and complete all the filings for you.
- You do not have to hire a lawyer. However, you can choose to consult one. This can help you feel more confident in making settlement decisions.

5. Understand Different Mediation Styles

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

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

6. Evaluate Communication Skills

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

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:

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

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:

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.