A more compassionate, affordable alternative to litigation
Divorce mediation is a process in which you and your spouse work together with a neutral third party, a mediator, to navigate through your concerns and complete all required legal paperwork involved in a divorce. Throughout your sessions, your mediator will assist in getting your assets evaluated before discussing the division of your assets and debts. They will facilitate each of you in creating separate household budgets. And they will provide various options for time-sharing with the children that can be tested and modified throughout the mediation before agreeing on a long-term parenting plan (the courts refer to this as custody and visitation). Finally, if there is a need for child or spousal support, your mediator will assist in coming to an amount that will work for both parties. Your mediator will guide conversations to prevent conflict, and will ensure that you and your spouse are fully informed every step of the way. Everything you do or say in mediation in California is 100% confidential and can not be shared without both parties’ express written permission.
As part of your divorce mediation process, your mediator will file all of the legal documents that are required by the courts. This includes a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), which becomes your final divorce judgment (ie., decree). This document is fully enforceable by law, but you will never have to set foot inside a courtroom. Everything needed from start to finish can be done through our office.
A more compassionate, affordable alternative to litigation
Divorce mediation is a process in which you and your spouse work together with a neutral third party, a mediator, to navigate through your concerns and complete all required legal paperwork involved in a divorce. Throughout your sessions, your mediator will assist in getting your assets evaluated before discussing the division of your assets and debts. They will facilitate each of you in creating separate household budgets. And they will provide various options for time-sharing with the children that can be tested and modified throughout the mediation before agreeing on a long-term parenting plan (the courts refer to this as custody and visitation). Finally, if there is a need for child or spousal support, your mediator will assist in coming to an amount that will work for both parties. Your mediator will guide conversations to prevent conflict, and will ensure that you and your spouse are fully informed every step of the way. Everything you do or say in mediation in California is 100% confidential and can not be shared without both parties’ express written permission.
As part of your divorce mediation process, your mediator will file all of the legal documents that are required by the courts. This includes a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), which becomes your final divorce judgment (ie., decree). This document is fully enforceable by law, but you will never have to set foot inside a courtroom. Everything needed from start to finish can be done through our office in San Diego.
Benefits of divorce mediation over litigation
Unlike litigation, which is designed to put spouses at odds with each other, mediation can actually help reduce the conflict and stress surrounding your divorce for everyone involved. A mediator is trained to help couples minimize conflict and construct mutually favorable solutions. And if you have children, mediation can be far more beneficial than litigation in easing through this big transition in the family, as it involves creating a parenting plan with input from both parents, keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront of every decision, and establishing a positive co-parenting relationship moving forward.
Many couples choose mediation because it is a much more affordable option when it comes to divorce. Mediation is a fraction of the cost of litigation. If you and your spouse choose to hire attorneys and conduct your divorce through litigation, you will be forced to communicate only through expensive hourly-rate attorneys instead of speaking directly to each other. This leads to misunderstandings, frustrations, and very high legal bills. We offer flat-rate mediation packages which average a fraction of the cost of litigation.
Generally speaking, the goal of litigation is for either of the parties to “win in battle.” In contrast, the goal of divorce mediation is to create a final agreement that encourages cooperation and respect between both parties. If you are seeking a more compassionate, less stressful, affordable path to divorce, mediation is right for you.
What is the mediation process like?
While your mediation may extend anywhere from two to six sessions based on the flat-fee package that best fits your circumstances, you can expect to discuss the following:
- Necessary information regarding you and your current spouse
- Your financial information, such as bank accounts, retirement, savings, investments, business interests, debts, etc.
- Tax filing, deductions, and credits
- Timeshare with your child(ren), including day-to-day and holiday schedules
- Other items related to your child(ren) including their financial, educational and, medical needs
- Spousal support
- Communication methods between you and your spouse
Online Divorce Mediation
We also offer online divorce mediation. All you need is a computer or phone with Internet access and a web camera. Our mediators can navigate you through the entire divorce process without you ever having to leave your home. This is a great option for those who have filed for divorce locally but often travel or are too far from our in-person office locations.
Related Articles
San Diego Online Divorce: How to Begin
Divorce can feel overwhelming (emotionally, financially, and logistically!) For many couples, the idea of court appearances, attorney fees, and prolonged conflict only adds to the stress. That’s why more families are exploring San Diego online divorce options that offer flexibility, … Read More
How You (and your Mediator) Can Use AI in your Mediation
AI has become a major topic in every industry, but how does it apply to mediation? Is it truly safe? At West Coast Family Mediation (WCFM), we see recent advances in AI as just the beginning of its potential. We … Read More
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Divorce Mediation
What is divorce mediation, and how does it work?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party helps couples resolve issues related to their separation without going to court. The mediator guides productive conversations, clarifies priorities, and supports both parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements. Instead of a judge making decisions, you and your spouse remain in control of the outcome.
What issues can be resolved through divorce mediation?
Mediation can address nearly all aspects of divorce, including property division, child custody and parenting plans, child support, spousal support, and other financial matters. Couples can also work through communication challenges and future decision-making arrangements. The goal is to create practical, customised agreements that reflect your family’s specific needs.
How much does divorce mediation cost compared to traditional litigation?
Divorce mediation is typically much more cost-effective than traditional litigation. By avoiding prolonged court proceedings, extensive attorney fees, and drawn-out disputes, couples often save significant time and money. The streamlined process also reduces emotional stress and conflict.
Is divorce mediation legally binding?
Yes. Once both parties reach an agreement in mediation, the terms are put into writing and can be submitted to the court for approval. After approval, the agreement becomes legally binding and enforceable, just like a court-ordered judgment.
If we decide to move to litigation, are mediation discussions still confidential?
Yes. Mediation discussions are 100% confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court without permission from both parties. This confidentiality allows both parties to speak openly and explore solutions without fear that their words will be used against them later.
"I want to thank you so much for helping us out with this whole thing. You have helped make smooth a time in our lives that could have been much more crazy and messy – I can’t thank you enough for your help. You do a noble thing."
"I feel like we made such good progress. You made everything so easy and you were very helpful and knowledgeable. When we were walking out my husband literally called you “a God-send.”"
"Thank you for making everything convenient and thanks for helping me out! Especially, thank you for showing my ex respect and not making him feel small like many lawyers would have done."
"My husband said the money we paid you was the best we have ever spent. I agree."
"Thank you for all of your help! I don’t know how you do what you do, but I am glad you do!"
"Thank you for sharing with me some of your own personal experiences, that information changed my life. I am so happy now. I never believed I would get over this and now I truly have. I cannot thank you enough."
"I really feel so much better about everything! I have told many people about your words of wisdom and how you helped make a hard situation feel less hopeless."
"Thank you for your professionalism and neutrality for helping us solve our issue Amanda. It is a huge relief to have it settled. I still hope in the end my ex and I will be friends again."
