Divorce mediation is an out-of-court, confidential process designed to resolve your case in a manner that is less adversarial than a traditional litigated divorce. Through meetings with an impartial and neutral mediator, the couple will negotiate issues of their case with the goal of reaching a settlement that is satisfactory to each side.
Once thought of as the “cheaper” (and somehow “lesser”) way to get divorced, mediation is now considered a preferred method if the couple is a good fit for the process. More and more high-net-worth couples and those with financially complex estates are choosing mediation over litigation. Many find mediation to be less acrimonious, stressful, and time consuming. In addition, couples also retain greater control over the outcome of their case – as opposed to leaving it up to the courts to decide.
What Is Online Divorce Mediation?
Traditionally, mediation sessions were held in-person with a mediator and both parties present. Thanks primarily to virtual platforms such as Zoom, mediations are now routinely conducted online. The added convenience of being able to conduct mediation sessions virtually further helps reduce stress and save time. If you have high speed internet and a webcam, you can participate in online mediation.
How Does Online Divorce Mediation Work?
The process of online divorce mediation only differs from in-person mediation in that the sessions are conducted remotely. You and your spouse will both have to agree upon mediation as the method by which you handle your divorce. Next, you will need to select a mediator. When choosing the person who will mediate your case, it is important to select someone whom you both feel comfortable with and has extensive experience mediating cases similar to yours.
In California, there are no requirements to becoming a mediator so be cautious about working with a mediator who is not a practicing family law attorney as well. While your mediator is not allowed to offer legal advice or to take one party’s side over the other, they should be well-versed in California family law and be able to explain it to you.
If you reside in the state of California and are considering online divorce mediation as the method to resolve your case, you can work with a licensed family law attorney throughout the state. For example, if you and your spouse reside in San Diego County but find an attorney/mediator whose practice is in Los Angeles County, conducting online mediation sessions allows you the ability to easily work with them. At Zonder Family Law Group, we have served as the mediator for scores of online divorce mediations throughout the entire state.
Once you and your spouse select a mediator, you will schedule a series of meetings to begin negotiating your case. Typically, one or two meetings will be held for each issue – such as spousal support, property division, and child custody. However, the process is tailor-made to each couple and their specific issues. For example, perhaps you and your spouse have already agreed on custody arrangements but are having difficulty reaching a settlement on spousal support. In that case, most of your mediation could be spent on that particular issue.
After you and your spouse come to an agreed upon settlement, your mediator will draft a settlement agreement and – once signed by both parties – submit it to the court for approval. As discussed above, the entire process remains confidential, and no terms of your settlement will become public record.
Am I a Good Fit for Online Divorce Mediation?
While most couples are good candidates for mediation, there are situations where the process will not be a good fit. While the following list is not exhaustive, it should be used as a guideline for relationship dynamics which could preclude a couple from being successful in a mediation.
- Power imbalances including domestic violence, financial and/or emotional abuse
- Inability to communicate without escalation
- Severe mental health issues and/or addictions
- Potential hiding or falsifying of assets and/or debts
- Inability to consider the other spouse’s point of view
- Intending to prevent the other spouse from hiring legal counsel and asserting their rights
- Fear of voicing opinions and goals
Mediation is typically successful when both parties come to the table ready, willing, and able to work together to reach a settlement. At Zonder Family Law Group, we have found that most couples who sign up for mediation with the right intentions will resolve their cases.
Contact Our Online Divorce Mediators Today
It is important to consult a knowledgeable online divorce mediator to help make a decision that works for you and your divorce case. Finding a family law attorney who has extensive experience in online divorce mediation is critical. If you would like to learn how our office can provide guidance on any California family law issue you are facing in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, contact the Zonder Family Law Group office today at 805-777-7740. Don’t wait to start the next chapter of your life.
Helpful Links:
https://www.zonderfamilylaw.com/california-state-wide-online-mediation-family-law-cases/
https://www.courts.ca.gov/1226.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-mediation-cost/
Disclaimer: Our attorneys are licensed in the State of California. We do not handle any matter outside of California. Testimonials or case results do not guarantee you will get the same or similar result. None of the information, testimonials, case results, or information is a guarantee, warranty, prediction, or assurance regarding the results that may be obtained in your case. Every case is dependent on its own facts. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.