THE AURIT CENTER Mediation offers a more peaceful approach to divorce and saves you from the emotional damage and financial hardships of going to court. Instead of working with divorce lawyers and the court system, mediation allows you to build a positive foundation for both of your futures.
In this article, we’ll discuss this gentler way of going through divorce. We’ll build out a complete California divorce mediation checklist that covers:
Imagine a path forward that doesn’t feel like a battle — a path forward that is built on mutual respect.
That’s divorce mediation.
Let’s say two people who have been married for many years decide to divorce.
Their priority is doing what is right by their children, so they choose mediation for an amicable negotiation process and fair outcome. With the guidance of a mediator, they are able to:
A compassionate, skilled mediator makes the divorce process a conversation. You can shape your future with care — and mediation is your opportunity to do so.
Divorce mediation has many benefits over hiring divorce attorneys and litigating. A few of the benefits are:
In California, divorce mediation is a structured yet flexible process. It helps spouses reach a divorce settlement without going to court.
California mediation has the following three characteristics:
The divorce mediation process is built on voluntary participation. That means that both spouses have chosen mediation to navigate their divorce process.
Willingness to work together sets the stage for respectful mediation.
What’s discussed during mediation remains confidential. This is a safe space for both spouses to openly express themselves.
The mutual agreements reached during mediation can be made legal. Once both spouses agree, the mediator drafts a settlement agreement. Once signed by both spouses and approved by a judge, the mediated divorce has the same legal standing as a litigated divorce.
A divorce mediator’s role as a neutral third party is to help spouses with their process. They create a safe and respectful space for conversations to occur.
Mediators don’t make decisions for the divorcing spouses. Instead, they:
There aren’t state license requirements for mediating in California. But there are generally accepted standards.
Mediators in California come from diverse professional backgrounds, including:
They’re well-trained in the mediation process and bring a wealth of experience and skill.
Now, let’s take a look at our detailed checklists for divorce mediation in California. We’ll start with what to gather beforehand, follow with goals and objectives to have, and finish up with what to look for in a professional mediator.
Gathering divorce paperwork is your first step to ensuring an honest process and financially secure future.
Here’s what you’ll need for your first mediation meeting:
The following records will help paint a clear picture of your finances:
Gather the following information to help ensure you, your spouse, and your professional mediator are on the same page about any personal property and marital assets:
For parents, you’ll want to consider the following information:
The second checklist to help you prepare for mediation refers to your goals and objectives. Be honest with what you want to achieve with the mediation process.
Many people find it helpful to have their goals well-thought-out and written down for reference throughout their process.
Think about what you hope to achieve, or your priorities related to financial issues such as:
Consider what you hope to achieve, or your priorities related to spousal support such as:
For parents, be honest with each other about your priorities and goals regarding:
Now, we’ll share insights on finding an experienced mediator — one who you can trust to support you both every step of the way. We will take a close look at qualifications, questions to ask, and key qualities to look for.
Important qualities of a California divorce mediator include:
To gain further insight, you may want to verify that the mediator has legal knowledge with cases similar to yours. Look for a mediator who is experienced in working with all types of divorce cases — even the more complex ones!
The mediator should also understand the divorce landscape in California in terms of:
Advanced degrees in law or psychology can indicate the ability to more deeply understand your case.
Lastly, look for other specific training, such as conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, or negotiation. A background in family law is also a good indicator of mediator knowledge.
You don’t need to ask your mediator all of the questions below. You can look over the list to find which questions are most relevant to your situation.
The ideal mediator offers a blend of professional expertise and positive personal attributes. Those two come together to create a respectful and compassionate environment.
Make sure the person you trust to walk you through mediation is:
Divorce can be tricky. Know that you’re not alone as you walk this path.
Use this California divorce mediation checklist whenever you need. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have. We’d be honored to support you throughout this journey.
At The Aurit Center, mediation is what we do. We help spouses have healthy, collaborative divorces. We believe in the power of mediation to help and heal.
You can have a less expensive, more respectful path to divorce. Let’s take the first step together. Schedule your free mediation consultation today.
