FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICES

Mediation involves three simple steps:

1. An initial, free consultation with Stephen for both parties.

2. The agreement process: With Stephen's help, you can reach an agreement that works for both of you. This normally takes several meetings.

3. Finalize divorce: Review the agreement, get legal advice (if you desire it), and finalize your divorce

After an initial free consultation, during which I will work to understand the complexity of the family situation, I will tailor the fee schedule to your circumstances.

To ensure that our clients have the fairest and most unbiased treatment in their separation proceedings, we prefer to offer clients a flat fee structure. Flat fees provide predictability, financial stability, and eliminate financial incentives to keep the conflict going.

Usually, when determining your flat fee, I take into account the presence of children, the need for a parenting plan, as well as the complexity of the financial separation.

For those with less comprehensive issues, I do offer a competitive hourly fee.

Mediation typically costs 90% less than hiring a divorce lawyer. That's because divorce law is structured to ensure that the longer the parties fight, the more the attorneys earn. That means attorneys have little incentive to seek agreement and strong financial incentives to fight for their clients, extending the length of cases and driving up fees.

California divorce attorneys typically require an initial retainer fee between $3,500 and $10,000. In addition, the average hourly rate for a divorce attorney in California is $350. As attorneys, they bill every moment of their time related to the case, including reading and writing emails, making phone calls, drafting documents, driving to court, waiting in the courthouse, and more. That time adds up quickly, which is why most attorneys estimate the cost of a divorce for a “simple divorce,” settled before trial, to be in the range of $15,000-$20,000 per spouse. When the parties struggle to reach agreement and the dispute stretches on for over a year, the total cost can easily surpass $40,000 per spouse. If the case goes to trial, costs can rise to over $100,000.

Once you become a client, I will send you a package of forms for you to fill out and sign. These forms cover all the relevant details of your situation, including assets, liabilities, children, and more, as well as issues related to the confidentiality of the mediation process.