Mediation can be a cost effective and less adversarial alternative to litigation during a Pasadena divorce. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps you and your spouse resolve issues without a judge's assistance. Your mediator can work with your attorney to create all of the necessary legal documents once you and your spouse have come to an agreement as to the terms of your divorce settlement.
A successful mediation experience requires that you be able to keep your emotions under control. Mediation is about negotiating, not arguing. Your job is to come up with a suitable solution to issues involving child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and the division of marital assets. This is not accomplished by verbally attacking your spouse. If you need to vent your frustrations, schedule a night out with a trusted friend before your first mediation session.
You should bring all of your financial documents to your first mediation session. This includes statements from your checking account, savings account, retirement funds, stocks, and annuities. You also need information about all of the debts that you have, such as your mortgage, credit cards, auto loans, or student loans. Your mediator needs a complete picture of your financial health in order to provide settlement advice.
To make sure you know what to ask for, make a list of your concerns in writing before your first meeting with the mediator. This includes issues like how you and your spouse will be handling introducing new romantic partners to the kids, or what happens if one of you wants to move out of state to take a new job. It's also a good idea to prepare a written budget with your living expenses, so you'll know how much child support to ask for or how much alimony you can afford to pay.
How Can We Help?
If you're in need of legal representation during your divorce, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our Pasadena divorce law firm is eager to help in any way possible.