What should I expect during Mediation?
Mediation assists couples in coming to an agreement to settle issues in their case. The mediator helps the parties identify and prioritize their needs, and then address those needs in an organized and businesslike manner.
What is addressed in Mediation?
Mediation can cover many issues, depending on your case. Issues that are typically covered include Child and Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Debt and Asset Division, Child Care costs, and Retirement Distribution. Mediation can help answer questions such as "Who is going to pay the bills? Who is going to stay in the house? How will we divide our assets?
What do I bring to Mediation?
The most important thing you can bring to mediation is a positive attitude and a set of realistic goals. It is also important to approach mediation with reasonable concessions you are willing to make, and you can expect a mutual compromise as to the outcome.
Is Dawn Dell'Acqua going to be my attorney?
Though Dawn Dell'Acqua is an attorney, if she is your mediator, she cannot be your attorney, even after mediation ends. If you would like to have Dawn Dell'Acqua as your attorney, please contact The Law Office of Dawn Dell'Acqua APC to discuss that possibility.
How much will Mediation cost?
It is difficult to say exactly what mediation will cost, because cases can vary widely. Typically, mediation will cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per couple, and will take between 2-5 mediation sessions, but this depends the parties. Many of the services offered in Mediation can be taken at your option. For example, it is up to you whether you want Dawn Dell'Acqua to draft a settlement agreement, other forms, or just to act as a mediator.
If I have filed for divorce, how soon will it be over?
There are no guarantees about when a divorce will be final, but when you opt to mediate your disputes, a case can progress quickly, possibly concluding in as little as 90 days. However, in California, a court cannot dissolve the marital status until 6 months after acquiring jurisdiction over both of the parties. This is usually once the opposing party has been served. Without mediation, if you elect to go to court for orders, your case may not be resolved for at least a year, if not longer.
Is it okay that I already have an attorney?
Yes, many parties who are represented seek mediation to help settle their issues. However, A New Start Mediation Center requires that you and your attorney agree to and sign off on mediation.
Is Mediation right for you?
Mediation can be helpful in settling your family court case, however, mediation is not appropriate in all cases. If parties are willing to work together, mediation is very successful, and will produce a positive outcome. Mediation is not appropriate when the parties still have unresolved communication or personal issues that prevent them from working together effectively. If this is the case, then a traditional representation approach with one or both parties retaining counsel may be your best legal avenue. If you wish to discuss traditional representation and have Ms. Dell'Acqua as your attorney, please visit the website of The Law Office of Dawn Dell'Acqua APC at www.dellacqualaw.com or contact The Law Office of Dawn Dell'Acqua APC for a consultation.
