If you have come to the realization that your marriage cannot be saved, you may consider ending your marriage without going through a lengthy trial. Other methods of dispute resolution can save you significant time and money. If you have children, you probably want to find ways to resolve your differences without anger and recriminations, as you will need to work with your ex-spouse until your children are grown. Using mediation or a collaborative approach can help all parties get what they need without the emotional and financial costs often associated with divorce.
At the law office of Mihell & Associates, we bring over 30 years of legal experience to men and women throughout the Los Angeles basin. We have extensive trial experience and know how to protect your interests in court. Nonetheless, we also understand the benefit of resolving your disputes without the intervention of the courts and can help you with mediation or a collaborative law approach to your family law matter. Contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation.
In a mediation proceeding, you generally work with a third party neutral to find ways to resolve your disputes that are mutually agreeable. The mediator won't make any decisions for you, but will help you identify ways that you can both get what you need and will make certain you understand the benefits of settling your differences amicably. Any agreement you reach will then be submitted to the court and entered as an enforceable order.
If you decide to try mediation as a way to resolve your child custody or other family law dispute, we will work closely with you to make certain you fully understand the process, that you know your rights, and that you are prepared to ask for and get what you need.
In the collaborative law approach, both parties agree to resolve their differences without the intervention of the court, but through negotiations that generally involve their attorneys. In the collaborative process, external experts are often consulted, including financial advisors and family counselors. If you are unable to resolve your differences through the collaborative process, you may take your concerns back to the court, but you must hire a new lawyer to handle any court proceedings.
We will handle all matters related to a collaborative attempt to resolve your marital differences, negotiating on your behalf, helping you identify all issues and working with any experts necessary to settle your disputes outside of court.
In our experience, when parties use alternative means of dispute resolution, they are able to resolve disputes more rapidly, at less financial cost and with less anger. Because the decisions are made by the parties, they feel a greater sense of control of the process. Furthermore, the agreements negotiated by the parties tend to last longer and require less enforcement.
To arrange a free initial consultation, contact us or call us at 310-424-1415. Our office is located one block from the Santa Monica courthouse. We meet with clients by appointment only, but keep flexible hours to meet your needs. We accept credit cards in payment of services rendered.
Mihell & Associates
1541 Ocean Avenue, Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Telephone: 310-424-1415 | Fax: 310-424-1416
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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