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Law Office of Barbara Suskind |
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Mediator Special Master Private Judge • Referee |
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MEDIATION |
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Mediation is a confidential, facilitated conversation (or series of conversations) between the parties to a dispute. The mediator will help the parties define the issues, work through them, and assist them in coming to a resolution of the issues without the necessity of court hearings. The mediator is not a decision maker. The mediator’s job is to assure that all points of view are heard, that negotiations remain civil, and to keep the parties focused on the relevant issues to be resolved. The parties remain the decision makers in resolving their issues. The mediator does not represent any party. The mediator is a neutral, with no goal in mind other than to help the parties come to an agreement acceptable to both (all) parties. WHY USE MEDIATION? Mediation is confidential. Nothing said in mediation may be shared outside of the mediation setting. Mediation sessions are private. No one other than the parties and the mediator will be present without the consent of both (all) parties. The mediator cannot be called as a witness in any judicial proceedings. You retain control. The mediator is there to help keep the Lower litigation costs. While the mediator will encourage the parties to have their own attorneys to advise them on their rights especially before signing any agreements, the parties speak directly with each other. They do not have to direct all conversations through lawyers. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can be cleared up immediately and directly between the parties. PREPARING FOR DISSOLUTION MEDIATION Under California law: 1. People are not divorced, marriages are dissolved. 2. If, after full disclosure of all assets and obligations (community and separate), you and your spouse agree, you do not have to split everything 50/50. 3. If you and your spouse do not agree, the community estate (assets and debts) will be: characterized (what is "community"/what is "separate"), valued according to law (which may or may not reflect your reality), then divided precisely in half. 4. If you are the recipient of support, you must take steps toward becoming self-supporting to the best of your ability. 5. Your first financial obligation is to support your children. 6. Your second financial obligation is to contribute to the support of a spouse who has depended on your income for his/her livelihood. 7. After that, and not before, you figure out how to pay any other bills. 8. Your custodial and visitation arrangements for your children must be in their best interests, not yours. |
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To contact us:
3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: 925-372-4830 Fax: 925-957-0703 E-mail: BSuskind@BSuskind.com |