 Smart Alternatives to Painful Litigation –
Mediation
Divorce and family law matters are not like other types
of legal disputes. The person on the other side of the courtroom is someone that you know
intimately and, especially if you have children, will be a part of your life for many
years to come. The decisions you make during this difficult time will have a lifelong
impact on you and your children.
The mediation process is specifically designed to create
an environment for healthy, constructive decision-making during this difficult time. In
Mediation, Judith Nesburn will act as a neutral third-party who uses communication skills
and knowledge of the law to help you and your spouse reach agreements which will work best
for both of you now and in the future. As a Mediator, her role is to help both of you
gather whatever information is necessary, to understand your needs and priorities and to
help you consider constructive alternatives in creating your own agreement. After the
agreement is signed by the Judge, it will become enforceable by the court. Mediation is
generally a less stressful, costly, adversarial and time-consuming process.
If you need additional help or information to reach
agreement, you can jointly hire accountants, appraisers, child development specialists or
any other professionals to enhance the Mediation process. In addition, each of you can,
but are not required to, retain consulting attorneys to help you through the process or to
review your final agreement before sending it to the Court. Usually these attorneys do not
attend the sessions with you.
It's important to remember during this difficult time
that divorce is unlike other legal proceedings. Whatever you and your spouse decide will
impact you and your children for years to come. Addressing issues such as child custody, child support,
visitation and parenting arrangements with this in mind helps you reach the best long term
decisions.
What Do I Need to Get Ready?
You will have plenty of time to gather the documents you
need, so don't worry. There is no need to create long lists or extensive summaries of
properties and retirement accounts before starting the Mediation process.
Judith Nesburn can walk you through the Divorce Mediation
process and provide simple documents you can use to gather financial and property
information. Together you need to make some important decisions, including:
- Where will the children live?
- What do our family finances look like?
- How will we share parenting responsibilities?
- Who will pay for our children's health insurance and/or
daycare?
- Who will be responsible for providing extras like piano
lessons and cheerleading outfits?
- Should we share Physical Custody? Legal Custody?
During the Mediation process, Judith can provide
resources to help you start talking to your children about their concerns. If you are
worried about where you will live after the divorce, chances are they are too.
Judith C. Nesburn has many years of experience guiding
divorcing couples through the Mediation process. She welcomes the opportunity to meet with
you and your spouse to discuss whether the Mediation process is right for you. She is also
happy to work as a consulting attorney to parties who are going through Mediation with
another Mediator.
Contact the Law
and Mediation Offices of Judith C. Nesburn, located in Los Angeles, to schedule a
confidential meeting. Judith will be glad to explain how Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce work and talk about next steps.
| At the Law and Mediation Offices of Judith C. Nesburn,
located in Los Angeles, the focus is on alternative dispute resolution in all divorce and
family law matters, including mediation as a means of amicably resolving domestic
disputes. Please contact us to schedule a
confidential meeting to learn how you can resolve your family law matters with
sensitivity, dignity and mutual respect. |
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