THE MEDIATION ALTERNATIVE When a married couple decides that they want a divorce or legal separation they are faced with a host of emotional, legal, and practical concerns. Most family law experts agree that our courts are not equipped to meet the complex needs of the divorcing spouses or their children. However, if spouses are willing to work together in a cooperative environment, mediation can provide a positive alternative to conventional divorce.
The advantages of mediation include:
Mediation is less stressful and eases the impact on children.
Mediation is less time-consuming and more cost-effective.
Mediation fosters open communication and cooperation between spouses.
Mediation enables spouses to make fair and informed decisions.
Mediation eliminates conflicts before they arise.
Mediation promotes ongoing family relationships.
Mediated agreements are more successful and durable
THE MEDIATION PROCESS Mediation is a conflict resolution process whereby an impartial third party assists the divorcing spouses to negotiate a mutually agreeable settlement of their property, support, and custody issues. The spouses work together as non-adversarial problem solvers; the mediator facilitates the settlement process.
Once a settlement is reached, the mediator drafts a formal agreement. The settlement is typically reviewed by an attorney for each spouse. The spouses sign the agreement only after each is fully satisfied with the result. The necessary documents are then filed with the court - without the need for personal court appearances.
THE COST OF MEDIATION
Mediation costs substantially less than adversarial litigation. There are no retainer fees or hidden charges. The spouses pay only for each mediation session, a flat fee for the drafting of the settlement agreement and related documents, and any fees required by the Court.
THE MEDIATION CENTER
The Family Mediation Center has been in operation since 1994, and is the only professional practice in Orange County dedicated exclusively to divorce mediation. The Center is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and its subsidiary Family Section.
Kenneth M. Blonsley, J.D., Ph.D., attorney at law, mediator, and marriage and family therapist directs the Center's activities and serves as its principal mediator. Dr. Blonsley has over twenty years of professional experience in the field of divorce and is a court qualified expert in the area of child custody. A network of highly trained professionals in the fields of law, psychology, valuation, and tax is also available to provide independent information and advice.
The Center can assist spouses with all aspects of divorce, and provides an informal and focused setting to address the spouses' specific needs in a comprehensive manner. We recognize that divorce often involves making difficult decisions at an emotionally painful time. Our aim is to help families to make a successful transition and to serve them with the highest professional and ethical standards.
To schedule an appointment or obtain additional information, please call: (949) 459-2089
