Divorce Mediation

As an alternative to representing one party in a divorce or family law matter, The Law Offices of Burch, Coulston & Buncher, LLP also provides divorce mediation services.

Mediation is a voluntary process where the parties to a divorce or family law matter retain the services of a neutral, third party mediator. The mediator does not represent either party in the proceeding and provides neutral guidance and recommendations to the parties in the negotiation process. With attorney-mediator assistance, the parties work together in an amicable fashion. The dispute resolution process itself fosters a fair, equitable, and mutually-agreeable settlement of issues such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and community property division.

Advantages of Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is typically a more cost-effective and productive alternative to litigation.

In the mediation process, the parties will meet together with the mediator on an informal basis to negotiate a resolution to the issues in their case without the need to appear in court. Although the divorce process can be emotionally trying and stressful for the individuals and their families, in many instances, the mediation process can assist the parties in taking control by allowing them to fashion and create “win-win” settlements that will be followed once implemented as court orders.

Rather than having a judicial officer dictate specific orders at a litigated court hearing, mediation allows the parties to create resolutions to their problems and issues that are individually tailored to the unique needs of their family.

Research studies show that parties to a divorce proceeding are happier with orders reached by agreement of the parties than orders issued by the court at a contested hearing. These studies also show that parties are more likely to follow orders reached by agreement than orders issued by the court at a contested hearing. Mediation has significant benefits in child custody matters.

Attorney Todd P. Coulston has extensive experience as a divorce mediator. If you think that family mediation may be right for you, call us to discuss this possibility.

For a consultation with a mediation lawyer at The Law Offices of Burch, Coulston & Buncher, LLP, call 949-202-5728 or 866-909-6059, or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Orange County, including the cities of Irvine, Aliso Viejo, and Newport Beach.