Orange Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Orange Divorce Mediation Attorney

Divorce can be an extremely difficult experience, but it does not need to unfold entirely in the courtroom. While many divorces filed in Orange are resolved in the Lamoreaux Justice Center, many couples are choosing alternative dispute resolution, like mediation, to resolve their divorces in California. An expert Orange divorce mediation lawyer at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, can help you take advantage of this option for resolving your divorce.

Skilled Divorce Mediation Counsel in Orange, CA

The attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, have more than 100 combined years of litigation experience handling family law cases in Orange and throughout Orange County, and we have successfully resolved many divorces. Mediation offers the chance to complete the divorce process more efficiently and with greater control over the outcome than litigation allows, but you need to hire a divorce mediation lawyer to assist you through this process.

According to a 2022 report from US News, California had one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States that year at 5.88 divorces per 1,000 marriages. However, California is the most populated state in the United States, so there are still thousands of divorces filed in family courts each year. Mediation offers the chance to resolve this process with several advantages, and our team can help you determine whether mediation is a viable choice for resolving your divorce.

Understanding Divorce Mediation in Orange

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that unfolds under the supervision of a neutral mediator. Their job is to keep negotiations focused and help the divorcing couple draft a divorce agreement. Mediation sessions can unfold at the convenience of both parties, and these sessions will usually take place in a private place, such as the mediator’s office.

The divorcing couple will need to cover every element of their divorce as they would in litigation. These elements could include property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Mediation is a low-pressure environment, so it may be easier for them to resolve the various aspects of their divorce privately. The mediator can clarify legal statutes and keep conversations productive as they help the couple draft their divorce agreement.

This process offers several potential advantages over litigation:

• Mediation is generally cheaper than litigation. Even after accounting for the cost of hiring the mediator, couples who mediate their divorces are likely to spend less on legal fees than they would in litigation, which takes much longer and requires their respective attorneys to spend more time on the case.
• All mediation sessions are private. Everything discussed in mediation remains confidential, whereas everything discussed during litigation becomes public record. The privacy offered by mediation is sometimes enough to encourage couples to take advantage of this if their divorce requires discussing sensitive personal topics.
• Mediation allows the couple to have more influence over the final terms of their divorce order. They can account for personal dynamics more easily and can customize the divorce order more than they could expect with litigation. For example, instead of liquidating assets to resolve property division under the community property law, they may work out a mutually acceptable exchange of assets to resolve this element of their divorce.
• The divorcing couple may reach an impasse in mediation and may not be able to resolve every element of their divorce, but the mediation process could still reduce the total time they will need to spend in litigation. Your experienced Orange divorce mediation lawyer can help you resolve as much as possible through mediation to streamline subsequent divorce litigation, saving you time and money even if you can’t mediate your entire divorce.

Your Orange divorce mediation lawyer can explain the potential benefits of alternative dispute resolution as they apply to your specific case. Generally, mediation is faster, more efficient, and offers greater control over the divorce process than litigation.

The attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, have the skills, resources, and experience needed to provide comprehensive legal support through your mediation sessions, so reach out to us today to learn more about the legal services we offer.

FAQs

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Orange?

The cost of divorce mediation in Orange will depend on your attorney’s billing policy, filing fees for your divorce, and the cost of hiring the mediator. Generally, divorce mediation works out to be far less expensive than litigating a divorce, but it is still possible for mediation to be a lengthy process.

What Happens if Mediation Fails?

If mediation fails, the case simply proceeds to litigation. You and your spouse may not be able to resolve every element of your divorce through mediation, and you will need to take any remaining issues to the court to complete your divorce. Even if you are unsure whether you and your spouse can reach mutually agreeable terms for all aspects of your divorce, it is almost always worth trying the process for the potential savings it can provide.

Why Should I Hire a Divorce Mediation Lawyer?

You should hire a divorce mediation lawyer because even though mediation is a more relaxed process than litigation, you still need a legal representative to oversee the case and protect your interests. Your attorney can help gather all of the documentation you will need to present for mediation, and they can provide counsel for each phase of negotiations. Remember that the mediator cannot provide legal advice to either you or your spouse during mediation.

What Does It Cost to Hire an Orange Divorce Mediation Lawyer?

The cost to hire an Orange divorce mediation lawyer will typically depend on the overall complexity of your case and how much time your attorney must spend working on it. Most family lawyers throughout California charge their clients an hourly rate. Make sure you understand your attorney’s billing policy, so you know what to expect when it comes to their legal fees.

The team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, has successfully helped many past clients through divorce mediation in Orange, and we are ready to put this experience to work in your case. It’s crucial to hire a divorce mediation lawyer at your first opportunity so you can prepare accordingly for the proceedings ahead. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an Orange divorce mediation lawyer and learn how we can help.

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