—Do I Need a Divorce Attorney or a Mediator? —

There are several options for divorcing couples who do not have or do not want the additional expense of an attorney (its usually two attorney’s). Through the Mediation process everything related to the divorce can be worked out by the couple and then the couple has these choices:

• 1. They can prepare their own court documents and do their own filings.
• 2. They can have their divorce forms prepared at their direction and filed with the court using a Registered California Legal Documents Assistant (CLDA). I am a CLDA and can do all the work for you at your direction OR I can provide you with a list California Legal Documents Assistants that I have worked with.
• 3. You can use a collaborative divorce attorney who does not represent either side but will complete and file all paperwork on behalf of both parties. I have a list of attorneys who practice this type of law that I can provide to you after the mediation sessions.
• 4. You can each choose to obtain an attorney for at least a one-time consultation prior to signing the agreement, so that you each have the benefit of advice from someone who represents only your interests.

Depending on the final agreement the couples reach I will usually recommend that you consider legal, as well as any other professional advice before signing the final agreement. I have found that many attorneys are very supportive of the mediation process, and recognize its value in producing clients who are comfortable with their own decisions.