Mediation Attorneys in Livermore, California

Divorcing is usually an emotional and overwhelming experience for all parties involved. Thankfully, divorce mediation allows a couple to gather information, identify issues, negotiate divorce terms, and possibly reach a feasible agreement. A neutral third party or mediator will help negotiate divorce agreement terms with both parties and facilitate a possible compromise. If you’re considering a divorce or are already in the process, consulting with experienced California family law attorneys is imperative for proper guidance.

At Crumpley & Crumpley PC, we have the experience, diligence, and resources to advise and guide individuals and families in divorce-related matters. Our trusted mediation attorneys are available to discuss your unique circumstances and enlighten you about your possible resolution options. Using our extensive experience, our team will work diligently with you and your spouse to settle common divorce-related issues – child custody, child support, parenting time, and alimony – amicably and help you move forward quickly.

Crumpley & Crumpley PC proudly serves clients across Livermore, California, and the surrounding areas of Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Hayward, and Castro Valley, as well as Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

What Is Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process that allows spouses going through a divorce to gather information, identify and resolve pending issues, negotiate divorce terms, and hopefully reach a settlement agreement. It involves the couple meeting with a neutral third party (mediation attorney or mediator) who will attempt to resolve their divorce issues and establish a feasible agreement.

How Is Mediation Different From Arbitration?

In mediation, a neutral third party will assist with the negotiation process and help facilitate a possible compromise. All agreed-upon terms during the mediation must be put into writing, properly documented, and signed by the parties. A competent mediator or mediation attorney can help settle disputes and achieve a fair settlement agreement. If the couple can reach an agreement through mediation, there won’t be any need to go to trial.

Conversely, resolving divorce-related issues through arbitration requires both spouses to make their case by submitting evidence and testimonies to one or more arbitrators. The arbitrators will review all the submitted evidence and decide the best way to resolve the divorce issues. Arbitration is quite similar to a divorce trial, though less formal. The arbitrator will be responsible for making the final decision.

What Is Med-Arb?

Med-Arb is a dispute resolution process for divorces that involves combining both mediation and arbitration. Initially, the divorcing spouses will reach a settlement agreement through mediation. However, if they reach an impasse – a state where no progress is possible – on certain divorce-related issues, an arbitrator will be called upon to make a decision for them.

How Does Mediation Work?

Although processes often change, here is how typical divorce mediation works:

• The divorcing spouses will first meet together with the mediator.

• The mediator will explain the divorce mediation process to both parties and make them feel comfortable.

• The mediator will encourage both spouses to be civil, professional, and avoid interruptions whenever one spouse is talking.

• The mediator will allow each spouse to explain the marital dispute from their perspective and state their position.

• The mediator will ask the parties to make a divorce settlement offer, counteroffer, and take the other party’s position into consideration.

An experienced mediation attorney can help get both parties talking, attempt to settle relationship differences, and keep the conversations focused.

The Benefits of Mediation

Mediation aims to help the divorcing couple manage the divorce settlement process fairly and amicably. Here are some benefits of mediation:

• It is less expensive and faster than going to trial.

• It helps keep things private.

• It allows the settlement of all divorce-related issues.

• It helps get the spouse talking and keeps the interactions positive.

• It helps both parties fairly.

• It gives you and your estranged spouse complete control over the process as well as the outcome.

• It can improve communication between you and your spouse.

• It helps prevent possible conflicts and grudges.

A knowledgeable lawyer can help you prepare for mediation, guide you through the entire divorce mediation process, and increase your prospects of a successful mediation.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Going through a divorce in California often involves a lot of complicated procedures. Trying to negotiate a divorce settlement, division of marital property, establishing alimony arrangements, and agreeing on a parenting plan with your ex-spouse can make the whole process even more stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, mediation offers an efficient and economical way to file for divorce while mitigating potential conflicts. A skilled mediation attorney can enlighten you about the divorce mediation process and help you navigate important decisions.

At Crumpley & Crumpley PC, we are committed to offering experienced legal guidance and reliable advocacy to individuals and families going through difficult transitions in their lives. As your legal counsel, we can evaluate your unique situation, enlighten you about the benefits of divorce mediation, and tell you how it works. Using our in-depth knowledge of California laws addressing mediation in a divorce, our attorneys can guide you through every phase of the mediation process. We will work meticulously with all parties involved to settle divorce issues and relationship differences peacefully and quickly.