Sacramento, California Mediations Attorneys
Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution that helps couples with family law conflicts resolve disputes cooperatively. While mediation tends to be less expensive and results in outcomes that both parties are likely to find agreeable, it is not for everyone.
The law office of Hugh O. Allen started Sacramento mediation services in 1978. We have handled family law issues in Sacramento, California for more than 30 years. To schedule an appointment, call us at 916-436-1517 or contact us online today.
Is Mediation Right for Me?
Successfully resolving a divorce or other family law dispute through mediation typically requires a certain type of personality. First, you and your spouse need to be able to work through your problems cooperatively to find a mutually agreeable solution. Next, you both need to be mentally competent and able to adequately represent your own interests. Third, mediation is often not appropriate for couples in which one has been mentally or physically abusive towards the other.
Additionally, if your marital estate doesn't include a significant amount of assets and you and your spouse never had children together, mediation may not be necessary. Our paralegal following our protocol may be all you need. Typically, mediation is used to resolve issues related to child custody, child support, spousal support and property division.
Do We Need Lawyers, or Can We Do It Ourselves?
Every mediation proceeding requires at least one attorney to serve as an impartial mediator. The mediator is not there to represent the interests of either party — only to provide clarification and assistance to the parties in resolving their issues.
By hiring an experienced attorney to represent you in mediation, you help ensure that you won't reach a settlement that you will later come to regret. Additionally, if one spouse has a more forceful personality while the other is more timid, or if one spouse is able to exert his or her will in a way that may make the playing field uneven, then both spouses should consider hiring separate attorneys. Perhaps they should consider a collaborative divorce.
It is rarely a good idea to enter into divorce mediation without representation when your spouse has hired a lawyer.
At the law offices of Hugh O. Allen, we handle all of our clients' sensitive issues with thoroughness, dedication, experience and care. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 916-436-1517 or contact our offices online.
This does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
