Costa Mesa Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Divorce can be a tumultuous event of strong emotions that make mediation a difficult path. Hiring a Costa Mesa divorce mediation lawyer can help the process stay in mediation and reach a peaceful resolution.

Why Choose Us?

The Law Offices of Lisa R. McCall can provide you with over 20 years of combined family law experience, wisdom, and understanding to tackle your divorce mediation case. We take into consideration every aspect of your divorce case, including the finances involved, and determine an approach that works for you.

Divorce Mediation vs Litigation

Divorce mediation and litigation both refer to two distinct types of legal proceedings. Litigation involves the family court system and a judge making the final decisions for divorcing couples. This occurs when both parties are unable to resolve important issues in their divorce, such as custody agreements or the division of marital property.

Mediation is a peaceful alternative to litigation that keeps more of your personal matters private. In divorce mediation, a neutral third party leads the discussion between the divorcing couple. Spouses have more control over the outcome of divorce during mediation, as they are working collaboratively to come to a fair compromise.

Mediation is more cost-effective, faster, and less emotionally taxing than litigation. Family law attorneys typically suggest mediation over litigation whenever possible.

Filing for Divorce in Costa Mesa

To file for divorce in Costa Mesa (legally known as dissolution in California), you must meet specific state residency requirements. You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and lived in Orange County for at least three months.

Once you meet this residency requirement, you can fill out the Petition – Marriage/Domestic Partnership (FL-100) and the Summons (Family Law) (FL-110). If you have minor children with your spouse, you must also fill out form FL-105, the Declaration under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

In Orange County, these forms must be filed at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, located at 341 The City Drive South, Orange, California. Once you fill out and file these forms, you must serve your spouse. You are not allowed to serve your spouse yourself. You must ask a third party (a friend, family member, county sheriff, or professional process server) to be the server.

Once you have your court forms in order, your server can visit your spouse in person and hand them divorce papers. The server must note the address, date, and time they served your spouse to fill out a Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115). Once they complete this form, you can turn it into the Lamoreaux Justice Center.

If you’re worried you may miss an important step in filing for divorce, hire a Costa Mesa divorce mediation attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you check off each step of the process. They can also help you gather the necessary forms for your situation.

Tips for Successful Divorce Mediation Sessions

Mediation requires communication and cooperation between both spouses to reach an amicable agreement. Experienced divorce mediation attorneys can guide you through mediation sessions and advise you on the way forward. For a successful divorce mediation, keep these tips in mind:

• Bring your papers with you. Make sure you have your court documents, financial statements, and a list of your assets before you arrive at your mediation session. These forms are important in navigating divorce.
• Take care of yourself. Divorce is a taxing process, no matter how well supported you are. Make sure you get enough rest as you go through mediation.
• Be open to compromise. Mediation is all about negotiating with your spouse. You likely won’t get everything you want out of divorce, but this allows for a peaceful, mutual arrangement between both parties. Put your ego to the side and keep an open mind during sessions.
• Stay calm: Mediation can bring up sensitive and private subjects like marital fidelity and child custody. While these topics can be upsetting, managing your emotions is vital to a successful mediation process. Keep your composure in sessions. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for a minute to step outside.

Mediation Is Not for All Couples

While mediation is preferred by many couples, not every case fits the process. Some divorces are better suited to litigation or other court proceedings. Some common situations include:

• Abuse: If mental or physical abuse is a factor in your divorce, mediation is not typically recommended. Abuse creates a toxic power dynamic that promotes fear and intimidation. These emotions are inconsolable with the collaborative environment of mediation.
• Manipulative spouses: Some divorcees find that their spouse is actively lying during mediation. If your spouse is not willing to cooperate, it is better to pursue other avenues of divorce.
• High-conflict relationships: Mediation is most beneficial for couples willing to communicate and collaborate. If your divorce is shrouded in tension, it may be difficult for you to approach mediation with an open mind.

How a Divorce Mediation Lawyer Can Help You?

While divorce mediation is non-confrontational and amicable, hiring a divorce mediation attorney can still prove beneficial. As of 2023, about 9% of Californians are divorced, with many pursuing mediation over litigation. In fact, in a 2021 survey by Custody X Change, approximately 90% of respondents who divorced with children used mediation or similar methods of alternative dispute resolution to navigate their divorce.

California divorce mediation law only orders mediation in cases of child custody or visitation. However, mediation is still useful for childless couples due to its affordability and speed. Mediators may recommend that their clients hire a divorce mediation lawyer to guide the process.

A Costa Mesa divorce mediation attorney can advocate for their client to the mediator. They can outline their client’s position in the divorce and help them understand the legal technicalities of mediation. At the Law Offices of Lisa R. McCall, we pursue peaceful mediation as long as possible. Should the situation change, we can support you through litigation as well.

Hire a Divorce Mediation Lawyer in Costa Mesa Today

Divorce can be stressful as you balance your desire to leave a relationship with legal, financial, and emotional factors. The Law Offices of Lisa R. McCall wants to help. Our experience in the Costa Mesa area allows us to guide you through each step of the divorce mediation process. Contact us today and let us see how we can assist you.