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Can Mediation Help With Your Divorce?

As you and your spouse go through the steps toward divorce, it can feel surreal to see the person who has been your life partner in the role of your legal adversary in divorce maneuvers before a judge. For many people, this dynamic is unacceptable and unnatural.

A better way than costly, public litigation is to work together toward a timely, reasonable and mutually agreed upon divorce through settlement conferences or mediation.

Why You Should Consider Mediation

At the Law Offices of Michael E. Finein in Oakland, I view every client’s divorce in Alameda County or Contra Costa County as an opportunity for employing mediation. As a mediator, I help the couple understand the law, how it applies, and their options. Mediation is more flexible than traditional litigation and you can develop innovative solutions that work for you and your family.

I remind them of the following points:

  • No one else understands your family life, your assets, children, marital dynamics or future goals the way you do.
  • No actions, advice or analysis of an attorney, mediator, judge or jury can take the place of your thoughtful, rational commitment to arrive at realistic property division and child custody arrangements.
  • Without an agreed settlement, you will force a judge to make one for you. Because the judge does not know your situation as well as you do, this order is less likely to fit your family as well as one you help to create.

As your mediator, I won’t impose a decision. I help facilitate your resolution. if your assets are complex or you have difficulty reaching an agreement through simple discussions, mediation may be your ticket to a resolution. It is private, flexible and on your schedule. Mediation allows you to settle your divorce with no need for a trial.

I’m A Good Listener

I pay close attention to my clients’ perspectives no matter how their divorces move forward. In addition to my years of legal experience, I also have a background in marketing and sales. I skillfully apply my powers of persuasion on behalf of my clients in out-of-court contexts. I am confident that I can help you get through the divorce process on your terms through settlement negotiations or mediation. Consider the following:

  • Mediation is confidential. Your discussions will not be part of a court record; only your divorce decree containing the basics of your settlement agreement will be public.
  • You and your spouse can keep control of the mediation process. You – not a judge – will decide on the resolution of your issues.
  • Mediation can often develop an agreement between the parties in a few sessions. This compares with months of waiting for hearings scheduled on crowded court dockets. Divorce is stressful and long delays waiting for a court to decide an issue can greatly increase your stress, so in addition to saving expenses, it can be far less stressful than litigation.

A Focus On Your Goals

I will never lose sight of the goal in your case: to help you and your spouse find mutually agreeable solutions that are obtained efficiently and cost-effectively while minimizing stress.

Contact Me

To speak with me about mediation and how it may help resolve your divorce, call my Oakland office at 510-306-1055 or send an email.