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Pasadena Divorce Mediator Lawyer

The Advantages of Mediation

Mediation is a chance for marital partners to reach agreement on all matters of importance in a divorce, without resorting to the courts for resolution. Important issues such as child custody, spousal support, visitation rights, child support, the division of property, and financial matters can be addressed and resolved. With experienced mediation, a legally binding divorce agreement can be worked out. We at the Law Offices of Makupson & Howard recommend the use of caring and knowledgeable Pasadena family law lawyer to competently assist you in mediating your divorce.

We are trained in mediation services and have made them part of our established practice. On a practical level, mediation is far less costly than divorce litigation. It allows the persons involved to keep control of the divorce process.

How the issues are resolved and what is said in mediation can remain confidential and many couples prefer to keep their divorce matters private. Divorce can become a highly charged emotional affair. Mediation provides an environment in which spouses can work together to achieve the best possible outcome for their lives and those of their children.

How Long After Mediation is Divorce Final in California?

The process of CA divorce mediation can take as little as 3 months.

  • If the judge approves your agreement and final papers, he or she will enter your divorce judgement in 30 days.
  • If your divorce is uncontested, your nisi period will be 120 days. After this period, your divorce will finalize automatically. The point of the nisi period is to give both spouses a chance to think things over.

If you take your divorce to court, that process can take anywhere from 12 - 18 months to be finalized.

Why Choose Mediation for Your Divorce?

When going through a divorce, choosing mediation as a method of resolving conflicts can offer numerous advantages over traditional litigation. Mediation allows you and your spouse to work together with a neutral third party, called a mediator, to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Here are some reasons why mediation may be the right choice for you:

  • Cost-effective: Mediation is generally more cost-effective than going to court, as it avoids lengthy legal battles and reduces attorney fees.
  • Less stressful: Mediation promotes open communication and cooperation, fostering a more amicable divorce process and reducing emotional stress.
  • Greater control: In mediation, you and your spouse have more control over the outcome. You can tailor agreements to fit your unique needs and priorities, rather than having decisions imposed by a judge.
  • Confidentiality: Mediation offers a confidential environment where discussions and negotiations remain private, unlike court proceedings that become part of public record.
  • Faster resolution: Mediation typically takes less time than litigation, allowing you to finalize your divorce and move forward with your life more quickly.

At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, our experienced Pasadena divorce mediators are dedicated to helping couples navigate the divorce process with compassion and professionalism. Contact our firm today to learn more about how mediation can benefit you and your family.

What is the Procedure for Mediation?

There are specific actions, usually in a certain sequence, that go into a successful mediation. In the beginning stages, each person will be able to give their viewpoint on the situation and ask questions regarding the process of mediation and divorce. Financial and other information will be gathered under the direction of the mediator.

The purpose of this information collection is to ensure that all parties have the facts needed to decide on all important issues. Each individual will be able to state what they want to achieve from the divorce and why. Important matters will be negotiated, discussed and compromised as needed. The end result is putting together a divorce agreement that is legal, which both parties agree with and that will be acceptable to the court.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

With mediation, a neutral third party assists the spouses in negotiating a workable settlement agreement. Unlike contentious divorce litigation where two spouses battle it out and where the outcome is out of their control, mediation provides an open forum where each spouse can communicate his or her needs and desires, and what is important to them.

Because the environment is one that encourages open communication and negotiation, it allows for better communication between the husband and wife. What's more, because the husband and wife come to terms together, they are more inclined to actually stick to the terms of their agreement afterward. Mediation is a cost-effective solution in contrast to litigation which is both cumbersome and costly.

How Can I Have the Advantage in a Divorce Mediation?

Having a cutting-edge attorney who supports the newly developing area of mediation can be extremely valuable. By coaching you about your legal rights and options and by coaching you through negotiations, and by giving you creative settlement ideas, we can not only streamline the mediation process for you but we can also prepare the necessary divorce paperwork once you and your spouse come up with a workable agreement that you are both satisfied with.

With divorce litigation, the power is with the court; however, with mediation, the power to make decisions about your assets, your property, your debts and your family is with you, and this can be a very comforting feeling. What's more, unless the courts have ordered mediation, you are completely free to stop mediation and you can refuse to sign any agreement that you feel is unfair.

How We Can Help

  • We would like you to make use of our 50 years of family law experience to ensure your divorce is correctly mediated.
  • We are trained in mediation services and have made them part of our established practice.

Many years ago, our lead attorney went through a divorce that was not properly mediated and without the level of care that should have been given. We understand, therefore, the emotions and issues involved in a divorce.

On a practical level, mediation is far less costly than divorce litigation. It allows the persons involved to keep control of the divorce process. How the issues are resolved and what is said in mediation can remain confidential and many couples prefer to keep their divorce matters private.

Divorce can become a highly charged emotional affair. Mediation provides an environment in which spouses can work together to achieve the best possible outcome for their lives and those of their children.


Searching for an attorney for your divorce in Pasadena? Contact a Mediation Attorney in Pasadena at (888) 328-2734 to assist in successfully mediating your divorce case without the need for litigation.


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  • "Thank you Ms. Howard You and your team have helped me and my children during this long and difficult process. This has not been an easy road but you got us to the finish line. I know I was not always ..."
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