Preparing for Family Law Mediation?

San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyers Resolve Issues Peacefully

Photo of a lawyer in dark suit helping with mediationDivorce proceedings can be lengthy, emotional, stressful and, sometimes, petty. Furthermore, if you have children, then there may be a risk of creating an unstable and hostile environment. Thankfully, almost 90 percent of couples who participate in divorce mediation reach an agreement. By working together, our divorce lawyers may be able to use family law mediation to resolve concerns. Our San Diego divorce mediation lawyer, Steve Gnau, can help administer a peaceful separation through divorce mediation.

If you are worried about the negative side effects of going through a divorce, then our attorneys can help. More and more divorcing couples are turning to mediation for help in negotiating a settlement that both spouses can live with. Mediation allows you and your spouse to find areas of agreement and build from there. In most cases, divorce mediation can avoid lengthy proceedings and trial appearances. Through genuine respect for your best interests, we can draft and administer a workable settlement that saves you money.

Should I Get a Lawyer for Divorce Mediation?

If you are preparing for divorce, you should seek the counsel of a divorce attorney to learn about mediation. Concerning the division of assets and debts, mediating can move the couple to an agreed upon resolution. Divorce mediation moves quicker than drawn-out negotiations through counsel. It is important to work with an attorney who can review the settlement details. A reliable divorce lawyer can make sure you do not agree to something that is not in your best interests. Our experienced lawyers can effectively guide you through mediation and help you finalize your divorce.

Family Court Services (FCS) provides child custody counseling in family law cases. This happens when separating or divorcing parents cannot agree on a child custody plan. Child custody recommending counseling is provided in a private counseling office with a court counselor. The FCS allows both parents to work together toward a mutually acceptable agreement for the best interest of the children. The FCS sessions are usually short, lasting an approximately one and a half to two and a half hours. If you have children, then our divorce attorneys Daniel Tamez and Steven Gnau can help you protect their best interests.

What Is Mandatory Child Custody Counseling?

Family Code Section §3170 mandates that the case be set for child custody counseling prior to the court hearing. This happens in any dissolution matter regarding child custody and visitation where there is a dispute. If an agreement is reached, then it is reported to the court through the attorneys. As a result, the court hearing may be canceled, and the family makes its own decision. If no agreement is reached, a recommendation will be made by the court counselor and the court hearing will proceed. The purpose of family court services is to:

  • Settle Disputes: Assist families in the settlement of domestic controversies. Usually, these involve the welfare of children where there is an action in Family Court.
  • Define Parental Contact: We know you want to mitigate the effects divorce will have on the relationship you have with your children. The family court can ensure children get frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the dissolution of marriage.
  • Encourage Cooperation: It can be difficult to come to terms with the sharing of rights and responsibilities. The family court defines terms during and following a dissolution.
  • Guardianship: Investigate guardianship cases scheduled for the Probate Court when the prospective guardian is a relative of the child. The investigation will help try to ensure the needs of the child will be met. (Probate Code §1513 & Family Code §3110).

Preparing for Divorce or Separation? Call Our San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyers

Concerned that your divorce may end up being costly and time-consuming? Worried about the well-being of your children? Looking for peaceful options that benefit all parties? We know how important family is to you. That is why our divorce mediation lawyers genuinely care about you reaching a quick and favorable resolution. We can help you prepare for FCS sessions, assist with interpreting FCS reports, project how the report will be utilized by the judge, and help you and your spouse come to agreements on custody. Family law mediation can help resolve vacation and holiday schedules, parenting time and decisions regarding health care, education and religious disputes.

The most important benefit of these mediation sessions is that it will help you and your spouse learn to compromise. This allows your children to see you working together on parenting decisions instead of arguing. Whether in court-ordered or private mediation, our divorce mediation lawyers can represent you. We make sure that you and your children’s best interests are protected and use every resource to mitigate your stress. Contact us today at (619) 269-8000 to schedule a consultation.