How can you end your marriage outside the courtroom?

By |2022-04-04T19:15:50+00:0001 Oct 2014|Categories: Child Custody, Divorce, Divorce Legal Issues, Property Division|

How can you end your marriage outside the courtroom?

When Californians think about divorce, they usually imagine a case of two spouses battling it out in court. This is a traditional divorce, where both parties settle divorce legal issues through the litigation process. However other, less combative, options are available, such as divorce mediation.

Divorce mediation is a non-traditional process to end a marriage in California. Many couples are turning to mediation to resolve divorce legal issues and negotiate a divorce on their own terms. Divorce mediation requires that spouses meet with a mediator, a professional who helps both parties resolve issues concerning child custody, property division and financial support.

The mediator’s goal is to have the spouses reach a mutual agreement regarding their divorce. Aside from facilitating financial and legal issues, a divorce mediator can also help both spouses communicate effectively. A mediator also allows both parties to explore different settlement options and reach decisions best for all those involved.

During the mediation process, both parties, together with the neutral mediator, make decisions in a private setting, not in court. Divorcing couples who choose mediation usually save money by eliminating some court costs and fees. In traditional litigation, every court appearance increases a person’s divorce expenses. Mediation can also reduce the stress attributed to divorce. Because the mediator helps both parties to communicate, the personal issues that usually arise during the process can be reduced.

The main goal of a mediated divorce is to create an equitable and mutually acceptable divorce agreement. Aside from a neutral mediator, it is also recommended that spouses using this process consult with an attorney, at a minimum for review of the final agreement. Any outstanding legal can be addressed by this review before the document is signed.

Source: Calbar.ca.gov, “What should I know about divorce and custody” Accessed Sept. 25, 2014

About the Author:

Dorie Anne Rogers - The Law Offices of Dorie A. Rogers, APC
Dorie A. Rogers, a Family Law Specialist, Certified by the State Bar of California, has been an attorney since 1981 with an exclusive family law practice located in Orange County. She is accepting dissolution cases with support and property issues including the use of forensics to ascertain business value, community interests and to establish monthly case flow analysis. Ms. Rogers has substantial experience in high conflict custody litigation involving sophisticated psychological issues. She drafts premarital and postmarital agreement designed to define and establish parties' separate and community property interests. Paternity cases and domestic violence matters are considered part of her practice. Ms. Rogers is a court-approved and court-appointed to represent minor children.Ms. Rogers consults with individuals concerned about entering or exiting a relationship. She advises effective strategies for dissolution or premarital planning. Knowledge is power and good planning affords better results.Specialties: Family Law Specialist, Certified by the State Bar of California
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