Los Angeles Divorce Mediation

A Trained Mediation Attorney Serving Los Angeles Families Since 2013

Mediation is one of the most effective tools available to divorcing couples in California, and it works very differently from courtroom litigation. A neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses reach agreement on contested issues, including property division, spousal support, and parenting plans, without issuing rulings or making decisions for either side. The mediator facilitates the conversation. The parties retain control of the outcome.

California law also requires mediation in one specific circumstance: when divorcing parents dispute child custody or visitation, the court requires mediation before it can make a determination. Beyond that mandatory context, voluntary mediation is available at any stage of a California divorce: before filing, after filing, or during active litigation. At Lavinsky Law, our attorney is trained in mediating conflicts between parents and spouses, and we’ve been serving clients throughout Los Angeles and Southern California since 2013. Contact us for a free consultation to find out whether mediation fits your situation.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

Divorce and child custody disputes involve some of the most personal decisions families ever face. It’s no surprise these conflicts can drag on for months or even years in the California family court system, costing each side thousands of dollars in court costs and attorneys’ fees. A drawn-out courtroom battle often leaves both parties feeling dissatisfied and more worn down by the legal process than by the separation itself. Trials can also take a lasting toll on children, who are left on the sidelines watching their parents in an adversarial fight.

Mediation offers a lower-conflict path to resolving family law disputes, sparing both parties and their children from the drain of prolonged litigation. Our attorney is trained in mediating conflicts between parents and spouses in a way that allows both sides to feel heard and respected. We make every effort to help families pursue satisfying, workable solutions.

Why Choose Mediation?

A growing number of families choose mediation before turning to court, and for good reason.

The advantages often include:

• Flexibility: Family courts must resolve disputes according to California statutes and prior case law. Mediators aren’t bound by those same constraints and can craft more personal, customized solutions suited to your family’s specific needs.
• Privacy: Courtroom proceedings are public, with most decisions entering the public record. Mediation is a confidential process, giving both parties the option to keep the dispute entirely private.
• Customizable Format: Mediation can take whatever format works best for you. If you and your spouse can’t be in the same room, shuttle mediation keeps each party separate, with the mediator acting as a go-between.
• Speed: Mediation can often resolve in days what traditional litigation takes months to determine, producing potential cost savings for both sides.

Your Attorney’s Role During Mediation

One aspect of California mediation that surprises many clients: a neutral mediator generally isn’t permitted under California law to give legal advice to either party. The mediator’s job is to facilitate agreement, not to protect your individual interests. That’s the role of a consulting attorney.

A consulting attorney advises you on how California community property rules, spousal support guidelines, and custody standards apply to the specific terms being proposed before you agree to anything. Having independent legal review of a proposed marital settlement agreement before signing can help you avoid unknowingly waiving rights. It’s a layer of protection the mediation process itself doesn’t provide.

At Lavinsky Law, our attorney is trained in mediation and can serve as your advocate and consulting counsel throughout the process. We assign a personal legal assistant to each client, giving you a consistent point of contact before, during, and after every session. With 16 years of combined experience in California family law, our team understands how the California Family Code applies to real-life mediation scenarios. We maintain the open, constant communication that allows our clients to make informed decisions at every step.