Family law disputes do not always need to be resolved in court. Mediation allows separating or divorcing couples to work toward their own agreements with the assistance of a neutral mediator rather than asking a judge to decide the issues for them.

I provide family law mediation in Berkeley for clients throughout the Bay Area. My 20 years of experience practicing family law, including both litigation and mediation, allows me to help parties identify the legal and practical issues that need to be resolved and work toward agreements that are realistic and durable.

Family Law Mediation

In mediation, the mediator does not represent either party and does not decide who is right or wrong. The mediator's role is to help the parties identify the issues, exchange necessary information, evaluate possible solutions and, when possible, reach an agreement.

Mediation may be used to address some or all of the issues arising from a separation or divorce, including:

• Child custody and parenting schedules
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Division of property and debts
• The family home
• Retirement and other financial assets
• Post-judgment modifications
• Other parenting and financial disputes

Parties may mediate an entire divorce or use mediation to resolve particular issues while handling other aspects of their case separately.

The Benefits of Mediation

Mediation gives the parties greater control over both the process and the outcome. Instead of presenting competing positions to a judge, the parties can explore solutions tailored to their family's particular circumstances.

Mediation can also reduce the financial and emotional cost of litigation. It allows discussions to focus on resolving the issues rather than on the procedural demands of preparing for hearings and trial.

That does not mean that either party must agree to an unacceptable result. A mediated agreement is still an agreement. Each party remains responsible for deciding whether the proposed resolution is acceptable.

Financial Disclosure and Informed Agreements

A meaningful agreement requires adequate information. This is particularly important when mediation involves property, support or other financial issues.

The parties may need to exchange information concerning income, expenses, assets and debts before they can make informed decisions. More complicated matters may also require information or opinions from accountants, appraisers or other professionals.

My role as mediator includes helping the parties identify the information necessary to address the issues they are trying to resolve.

Mediation and Independent Legal Advice

As a neutral mediator, I cannot provide legal advice to one party against the other. Parties may consult independent attorneys during the mediation process, and I may recommend doing so when independent advice would assist a party in evaluating a proposed agreement.

The objective is not simply to reach an agreement. It is to help the parties reach an informed agreement that they understand and can realistically follow.

A Practical Approach to Family Law Mediation

My experience litigating family law cases informs my work as a mediator. I understand what can happen when disputes remain unresolved and ultimately have to be decided by a court.

At the same time, mediation provides opportunities that litigation often does not. Parties can consider practical solutions that address their particular circumstances rather than limiting themselves to the outcomes a court might impose.

When parties are willing to exchange the necessary information and participate meaningfully in the process, mediation can provide an efficient and constructive way to resolve family law disputes.

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