Divorce mediation
Divorce Mediation in California
Divorce doesn't have to be a courtroom battle. Here's exactly what working with me looks like — from your first question to your final judgment.
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party works with both spouses together to reach agreements on everything a divorce requires: property, debt, support, and, if you have children, custody and a parenting plan. As your mediator, I don't represent either of you and I don't decide anything. You make the decisions. I draft the agreement that reflects them and prepare the California court filings that turn it into a final judgment.
What it isn't: a courtroom, a fight between opposing lawyers, or anything you've seen on television. In practice, mediation looks more like a series of focused, reasonably calm working meetings. Not always comfortable — you're dismantling something that wasn't built to come apart — but productive, and dramatically less expensive than the alternative.
It also doesn't require you to be friendly, or to agree on much at the outset. It requires two people willing to be in the same process in good faith. For a large share of California divorces, that's the whole bar.
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Schedule a Free Consultation
I start with a conversation. You can reach out as an individual or as a couple. I'll talk through where you are in the process, what your situation looks like, and whether mediation is a good fit. There's no pressure and no obligation. Sometimes people come to me before they've even filed — that's fine. Sometimes they've already been to court — that's fine too.
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Choose Your Service Level
Every couple is different. Some just need a few sessions to get aligned and some help with paperwork. Others need more time to work through complex financial or custody issues. I offer flat-fee packages to fit different situations, as well as hourly options. I'll recommend what makes sense for you.
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Mediation Sessions (Remote, Statewide)
Sessions happen via video — no need to come into an office. I work with couples across all California counties. Sessions are structured but not formal. I guide both parties through the key issues — property, finances, support, and (when applicable) children and co-parenting — helping you reach agreements that work for both of you.
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Agreement Drafting
Once you've reached agreements, I prepare your Marital Settlement Agreement (and Parenting Plan if applicable) — the legal documents that make everything official. You'll have the opportunity to review everything before signing.
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Court Filing Preparation
I prepare all required California court documents for your uncontested divorce — including the joint petition, financial disclosures, and stipulated judgment — so you don't have to figure out the paperwork on your own. (Note: court filing fees are paid separately to the court and are not included in my packages.)
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Done.
Your divorce is finalized without a trial, without a courtroom, and without the bill that comes with a traditional adversarial divorce.
Flat-fee mediation packages.
Simple Divorce Package
$3,000
- Up to 5 hours of mediation sessions
- Marital settlement agreement preparation
- All California court filing documents prepared
- Best for couples who are largely in agreement and primarily need professional guidance and paperwork
Court filing fees not included
Couples Without Children
$6,500
- Unlimited mediation sessions for 3 months (up to one 2-hour session per week)
- Marital settlement agreement preparation
- All California court filing documents prepared (joint petition, financial disclosures, stipulated judgment)
- Best for couples without minor children
- Additional time blocks available if needed
Court filing fees not included
Couples With Children
$8,500
- Unlimited mediation sessions for 4 months (up to one 2-hour session per week)
- Marital settlement agreement preparation, including parenting plan
- All California court filing documents prepared
- Best for couples with minor children who need to work through custody, visitation, and co-parenting arrangements
- Additional time blocks available if needed
Court filing fees not included
Hourly Mediation
For couples who prefer flexibility, hourly mediation services are available. Contact me for current rates and to discuss whether this option is right for your situation.
Have questions about the process? Check out the FAQ page →
Not sure mediation is the right fit?
If you want someone advising you individually rather than a neutral working with both of you, consulting attorney services may be a better match.
Consulting AttorneyWorking through this on your own?
Divorce coaching offers one-on-one support for individuals — available in all 50 states.
Divorce CoachingThis content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please contact my office. Mediation may not be appropriate for all situations, including cases involving domestic violence or significant power imbalances.