Irvine Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Irvine Divorce Mediation Attorney

Going through a divorce is difficult, no matter your circumstances. It is emotionally, financially, and logistically challenging to disentangle your life from someone else’s. You must also begin a new one without the support and structure that you have previously relied on. Despite this, divorce is the right choice for many couples.

If you are beginning the divorce process, it is important to understand your options. Although the media commonly portrays heated courtroom litigation as a necessary part of divorce, the reality is much less dramatic. Divorce mediation is a valid option for many couples who are seeking a divorce, and this choice can save you time, money, and stress. With the help of one of our expert divorce mediation attorneys, you can achieve a divorce process full of respect, communication, and collaboration.

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP: Your Irvine Divorce Mediation Attorneys

When it comes to divorce and all the topics that accompany it, our team leads the legal industry in Orange County. For many years, we have been providing high-quality divorce litigation and mediation services to our clients. This experience has given us a thorough understanding of the process. Our expertise gives you a distinct advantage, whether you choose mediation or litigation. It ensures that you have the best possible legal support throughout your divorce.

Although divorce is a main focus of the family law industry, we understand that the process is likely unfamiliar to you. We take the time to make sure you know what is happening and to be sensitive to your feelings and concerns. This is a rough time for most families, so we aim to provide high-quality legal services that take your humanity into account. You can rely on us to protect the assets and the people that are most important to you.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

In traditional divorce litigation, both spouses hire an attorney who will represent them. These attorneys negotiate with one another to determine the terms of the couple’s divorce. In these situations, the couple does not have to speak to one another and trusts their attorneys to advocate for their best interests. These negotiations often take place in a courtroom or similar legal setting.

Divorce mediation is much more casual. In these scenarios, the couple hires one divorce mediator between them. This individual has a deep understanding of divorce law and helps to facilitate a dialogue between the spouses. During this conversation, the couple will decide who gets which assets, a proposed child custody schedule, a proposed child custody schedule, and all other important details of a divorce. The mediator moves the discussion along, ensures that the terms are legal and fair, and helps to resolve any disputes between the couple. Once the terms are met, the couple brings them before the court for approval.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation significantly reduces the amount of time a couple must spend in court and usually shortens the divorce process as a whole. This reduces expenses and attorney fees, especially since there is only one mediator rather than two divorce attorneys. Divorce mediation services work well for couples who can maintain a respectful line of communication. They must be committed to collaborating and compromising throughout the process.

Some issues may be too complicated for mediation. If there has been domestic violence in your relationship, if you or one of your children is physically or cognitively disabled, or if there is a question about whether one of you is fit to be a parent to your children, you may need to opt for traditional divorce litigation.

Mediation Process FAQs

Q: How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in California?

A: Most mediation divorces cost between $4,000 and $8,000 in total. In traditional divorces, each individual has to pay for an attorney, which costs between $3,000 and $5,000 for the retainer plus $215 to $250 per hour. Mediation is often much more economical for divorcing couples, though it does have its limitations and is not right for everyone.

Q: What Is the Downside to Divorce Mediation?

A: Certain issues, such as domestic violence or high asset division, cannot be properly negotiated during mediation. You must also be prepared to communicate directly with your spouse during mediation. If the two of you cannot be respectful or have reasonable conversations, it will be extremely difficult for you to use divorce mediation as a tool. Similarly, if you believe that working directly with your spouse could be too emotionally painful, mediation may not be right for you.

Q: What Should You Not Say in Meditation?

A: Mediation requires that you be respectful and reasonable during your negotiations. You should avoid saying anything derogatory or hurtful during this process and stick to the task at hand. Name-calling, arguing, or yelling is unwelcome in a mediation process. If you believe that you are too emotional or will get into a fight with your spouse, you should each hire your own attorney to represent you in traditional divorce litigation.

Q: What Is the Hardest Part of Mediation?

A: Communication is a challenge for many people, especially those who are going through a divorce. It can be difficult to get your point across or feel heard during mediation, but the mediator’s job is to help with this. It can also be difficult for individuals to accept that mediation is a legally binding process that is just as effective as courtroom litigation. Some people want to go through the court process because it is most familiar to them.

Contact Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP

Although mediation is not for everyone, it can be extremely helpful in many situations. It saves time, money, and effort, especially compared to many traditional divorce litigation scenarios. If you and your spouse are divorcing somewhat amicably, mediation may be a good choice for your divorce process.

Our team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, is here to help you with your Orange County divorce. Whether you need a mediator or advice on how to proceed, we are here to serve you. If you would like to learn more about our firm, our experience, or our services, you can reach Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, online.