California Divorce Mediation Attorney
Experienced family law attorney can mediate divorce in Los Angeles and Orange County
Under the best of circumstances, divorce is a stressful process. When couples litigate issues before a judge, the emotional toll and the expense increases dramatically. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify your divorce and reduce costs, while still achieving your goals. For many couples, mediation is a useful tool for removing impediments to a settlement on important issues, such as child custody, child support, spousal support and the division of marital property. Galen Gentry has the knowledge and skill to mediate divorce cases in the Los Angeles area and in Orange County. process so they can achieve a mutually acceptable, cost-effective resolution of their divorce issues.
If a couple hires Mr. Gentry to mediate their divorce mediated divorce, The parties would pay a flat fee. Both parties are responsible for paying their court filing fees which are $435.00 each.
This approach is much less expensive and much less emotionally taxing. However, both parties need to be committed to reaching a fair agreement and neither party can have ulterior goals such as using the divorce process to punish the other spouse, trying to keep the custody of your child solely in one parent’s control.
The parties are in the best position to gauge if mediation is for you. In mediation Mr. Gentry’s job is to advise both of you on your obligations and rights, help you reach an agreement and ultimately prepare and file your paperwork with the court.
Traditional lawyers are in adversarial roles. You can imagine that if one company sues another over trademark infringement for example, the case begins as a zero-sum game with a winner and a loser. This can be the case in divorce as well, but it’s not an ideal approach in family law.
Responsive California advocate assists in the divorce mediation process when a third-party mediator is used
Courts may require divorcing couples who are represented by counsel to engage in mediation or formal settlement negotiations. Mediation involves an impartial third-party mediator who meets with the parties and their counsel to work out a voluntary agreement. The mediator does not represent either party or advocate for their concerns. The mediator listens to the parties and their counsel, assesses the issues before them, and tries to guide the parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Third party mediation cases often arise out of sophisticated issues such as complex child custody matters and complex community property characterization and division matters.
Having experienced counsel in such a situation ensures that your best interests are discussed with you. Since the mediator cannot impose an agreement on the parties an agreement is reached only once both parties with advice of counsel come to terms.
We represent clients in mediation in the context of the divorce matter by gathering and producing information to be used, advocating for our clients during the process, and preparing and reviewing the settlement agreement that emerges. If mediation fails, we will continue to represent you in litigation of any unresolved issues.
Dedicated divorce attorney explains the benefits of mediation
A divorce mediator’s goal is to guide parties toward consensus on issues such as child custody and support, spousal support, and property division, among others. There are many benefits to mediation:
- Reduced costs
- Flexible scheduling
- Less time-consuming process than trial
- Protection from adverse court orders
- Privacy
Perhaps foremost, mediation allows you to control how your divorce proceeds rather than leaving decisions up to a judge. As an experienced divorce attorney, I can offer the advice and counsel you deserve when you choose this alternative method of resolution.
Skilled representation protects your interests
Galen Gentry helps to ensure that you are fully prepared for your mediation sessions. Advise you on proposed agreements and protect your rights.
Contact a trustworthy California attorney for divorce mediation representation
Mediation can speed your divorce process, reduce your stress and control costs. Galen Gentry helps clients in the Los Angeles area and Orange County realize the full benefits of mediation. To schedule a free virtual consultation, Call (310) 282-7521 or contact my Woodland Hills office online.