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LOS ANGELES LAW MEDIATION

 

In most cases, mediation is the preferred course in obtaining resolution of issues in a divorce or family law matter. That’s because courts are limited in how they can divide assets, debts, and responsibilities and the parties have less control over the outcome. As a family law mediator working with both parties, or as an attorney who can represent you in the mediation process, Jennifer Skolnick can help you reach agreements, heal relationships, and find creative solutions that work without going to court.

The benefits of mediation over litigation include resolution through a confidential process that will help protect your personal and financial privacy. Also, in mediation, you speak for yourself and make your own decisions from an informed mindset, minimizing upset, alienation, and costs. When an agreement is reached, the mediator can help you memorialize the terms so you can have it reviewed by an independent attorney if you wish. If the mediator you hire is a licensed attorney, they can file your agreement with the court as a final divorce judgment.

It is important to understand that a mediator is neither party’s advocate and cannot give individual legal advice. An attorney mediator can provide legal context and explain likely scenarios if the parties went to court, but they cannot take sides – a mediator must remain neutral. Also, the information discussed in mediation is confidential and cannot be used as evidence in a court proceeding.

The best mediators will provide information and help design different options and scenarios to resolve issues but they will not make suggestions or decisions which might alienate a party, nor will they allow you to sign anything until you completely understand the terms and have had a chance to discuss it with independent counsel.
Jennifer Skolnick can help design a Win-Win settlement agreement that will realistically satisfy the needs and goals of all parties. She is also available to analyze an agreement that has been drawn up for you by a mediator or another lawyer.