Divorce mediators are becoming increasingly popular for couples seeking divorce help in Pasadena, but it's important to do your homework before hiring a mediator to work with you and your spouse.
The first thing you should keep in mind when selecting a divorce mediator is that there are two basic types of mediators. Some mediators are trained as therapists, while others have a background in the legal aspect of mediation and are either lawyers or work closely with an attorney throughout the process. A therapist is better if you have complicated emotional issues to work through, but an attorney is better if you are more concerned with making sure you can reach a settlement that is within the bounds of California divorce law. If you use a therapist mediator, you will likely need to hire an attorney to prepare the paperwork for your settlement.
Once you've decided what type of mediator you want, you need to pick a mediator who makes you feel comfortable. Mediation only works if you feel like you are able to express your thoughts and opinions during the session. A mediator who makes you feel too intimidated to speak your mind won't be effective regardless of his or her background.
It's a good idea to talk to past clients of a mediator to see if they are satisfied with the outcome of the process. You should also check with the Association for Conflict Resolution to see if your mediator has earned the Advanced Practitioner status from this group. The ACR is a professional organization dedicated to making sure mediators are properly trained to provide useful services to their clients.
How Can We Help?
If you are interested in obtaining legal representation for your divorce, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our experienced Pasadena family law attorneys can handle a variety of concerns, including issues related to spousal support, child support, child custody, and the division of marital property.