Divorce mediation is often used as a first-step in trying to resolve disputed issues between divorcing couples. In most contested divorces, the parties are able to resolve their disputes using a divorce mediator, and they do not need to go to trial. In fact, the California courts website recommends mediation as a way to avoid an ugly court battle. Some judges in divorce cases even order the parties to attend mediation before the judge will make a decision about their dispute. Although mediation is arguably less painful than going to trial, it is not especially cheap. Sometimes couples don’t actually need a divorce mediator but just a third-party helper to get them through the legal process. Instead of paying the cost of a divorce mediator, couples can spend a fraction of that money on document preparation services by a California legal document assistant and pocket the rest.
What Does a Divorce Mediator Do?
In mediation, you and your spouse discuss the points of disagreement in your divorce case in the presence of a professional divorce mediator. Keep in mind, however, that divorce mediators come from a variety of professional backgrounds; not all of them are lawyers. The mediator’s job is to facilitate discussion as a neutral party. He or she does not choose sides in the dispute or make decisions about child custody or any other matters in your divorce. It is possible to complete mediation when neither spouse has a lawyer, or when only one spouse does. By contrast, collaborative divorce requires that each spouse has a separate lawyer.
Another thing a divorce mediator does not do is paperwork. After you and your spouse resolve all your conflicts in the presence of the divorce mediator, you are on your own to prepare your divorce documents. How helpful is it to involve someone in your divorce case if that person does not make decisions, may or may not have a law degree, and does not prepare your documents?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Mediator?
The California courts website offers several vague pieces of advice for choosing a mediator, including “search on the Internet” and “contact your local bar association.” This does not bode well for the cost of divorce mediation being affordable. Mediation costs less than going to trial, and it is probably also less expensive than collaborative divorce. Mediation is not the least expensive option, though. The least expensive way to complete your divorce is for you and your spouse to reach an agreement on your own.
This still leaves the issue of paperwork. Preparing divorce documents is not easy, even if you are patient enough to figure out the terms of your divorce with the person who dumped you after you financially supported them for years. Therefore, a legal document assistant is just what you need. Legal document assistants are certified to prepare court documents without the supervision of lawyers, and working with them is a lot cheaper than working with a law firm.
A People’s Choice is an Affordable Alternative to Mediation When You Just Need Help With the Process
You probably do not need mediation, just a professional legal document assistant. Contact A People’s Choice for efficient, affordable divorce document preparation services. Call us today at 800-747-2780.
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