Mediation & Collaborative Law

Mediating Divorces in the Los Angeles, California, Area

In California and across the United States, more divorces are being settled through mediation than in the past. A relatively new way of completing divorces, called collaborative law, is also gaining favor. At the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth, A Professional Corporation, we welcome clients who wish to resolve any disputes and obtain a satisfactory divorce settlement via either of these processes. Please contact us to discuss these alternatives.

Our lawyers believe that many people are capable of putting aside anger and bitterness in order to reduce the stress and unfortunate outcomes of divorce. In fact, our experienced family law attorneys have actively pursued training to expand her knowledge of the different ways to amicably resolve disputes in divorce cases. Please note that in most cases, pursuing divorce through mediation or collaborative law has the added advantage of reducing costs for both parties.

What Is Mediation? What Is Collaborative Law?

The essential requirement for pursuing a divorce through either mediation or collaborative law is that the divorcing parties agree to approach their disputes as reasonably and fairly as possible. The basic differences between the two approaches are these:

• In divorce mediation, one attorney or other qualified mediator is assigned to helping the two divorcing parties settle differences and reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both. This neutral, objective mediator cannot give legal advice to either party but is able to suggest alternatives and solutions throughout the process.
• In a collaborative law solution, both parties are represented by legal counsel in discussions intended to resolve differences and reach an agreement. Each attorney attempts to ensure that the negotiating process stays productive by advising their clients on issues of concern.

Willingness to Compromise Can Reduce Stress and Costs

In many contested divorces involving children, child custody is the single greatest issue to be resolved. In other divorces, property division can be the subject of the greatest disagreement, whether regarding what will happen to the family home or agreeing on which party will keep a treasured piece of furniture. Pursuing mediation and collaborative law requires recognizing that compromise may be required in any of these particularly heated areas.

At the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth, A Professional Corporation, we respect our clients' views, priorities and goals. If you would like to pursue a divorce settlement through mediation or collaborative law, please contact us to schedule an informative consultation.