Mediation is a process where a third party helps the parties to voluntarily reach a mutually acceptable settlement. We offer family law mediation and document preparation services for southern California.
     First, you will meet individually with the mediator, Shelly Jean John, for a short session to discuss the family law mediation process. Then you are encouraged to meet individually with a pre-selected counselor and then with a lawyer of your own choosing. The purpose of that meeting is to learn about your rights and responsibilities with regard to your family law issues. If you do not know of a lawyer, a list can be provided to you.
     Next, you and the other party will meet with the mediator once or twice to discuss settlement. If there are many issues to be addressed, additional mediation sessions may be necessary. Once an agreement is reached, you will have an opportunity to review the agreement and take it back to a lawyer. If there are any provisions of the agreement that either party is not comfortable with, you are welcome to schedule additional family law mediation sessions.
     When the agreement is acceptable to both parties, each will sign the document. The paralegal will then prepare the documents necessary to have the divorce or legal separation finalized.