WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE MEDIATION SESSIONS?
The spouses, with the assistance of the mediator, identify and prioritize the issues they need to decide. The mediator assists the spouses to communicate effectively with each other. The spouses and the mediator work to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution of each of the issues. If necessary, the mediator may meet separately with one or both spouses, e.g., if one is having problems communicating about an issue. At the end of each session, tentative agreements are noted and the parties agree to "homework", e.g., collection of information and documents, to be done before the next session.

HOW ARE AGREEMENTS REACHED IN MEDIATION DIVORCE?
All of the issues of the divorce are dealt with in the course of a series of mediation sessions. The spouses are also encouraged to communicate and exchange information between mediation sessions. When tentative agreement has been reached on all the issues, the mediator incorporates the tentative agreements into the draft Marital Settlement Agreement.

WHAT IS DONE WITH THE DRAFT MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT?
Each spouse should take the draft Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) to an attorney for review. The attorney may charge for about an hour or so of his/her time to review the MSA and make any recommendations for changes. The final Marital Settlement Agreement is prepared and signed and notarized, and then can be filed with the court along with the stipulated judgment of dissolution of marriage and supporting papers.

WHAT STANDARDS ARE USED TO CONDUCT THE MEDIATION?
The mediation is conducted in compliance with the model standards of practice for family and divorce mediation promulgated by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. The standards can be viewed by clicking "model standards . . ." or at the website www.afccnet.org

HOW IS THE DIVORCE CASE PROCESSED?
All Court filings are done in compliance with the current Los Angeles County Superior Court Procedural Manual for processing Default and Uncontested Judgments Submitted by Declaration Pursuant to Family Code Section 2336. The Petition for dissolution or legal separation is filed and served promptly, to commence the running of the six-month minimum period for finalization of the divorce.

ARE LAWYERS REQUIRED?
Mediation divorce does not include lawyers, except to review the draft Marital Settlement Agreement. Either spouse is of course free to consult with an attorney at any time.

CAN ACCOMMODATIONS BE MADE FOR BUSY WORK SCHEDULES?
Yes. For example, if one or both spouses are out of town, a mediation session by telephone can be arranged. Evening mediation sessions can also be arranged.




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