Mediation Orientations

Mediation is a new concept for some people. And, even if you’ve been involved in a mediation before, family law mediation can be very different than a civil or employment mediation.

We offer a free, half-hour mediation orientation so that you can meet the mediator(s) and decide if you'd like to try using mediation to settle your divorce or family law matter.

To schedule an orientation, please give us a call at (310) 301-2100.

There is no licensing for mediators in California, so there is a wide range of how mediators mediate. Of course, the Peace Talks mediators are licensed in their underlying professions, attorneys or therapists, and they’ve received over 100 hours of mediation training, but there’s no standard way to practice mediation. In addition, family law mediation is a very personal process, and so it’s important for you to know if our office is a good fit for your situation.

In the orientation, we'll explain the process, and you can ask any questions that you wish. The mediation orientation is free of charge as long as we’re talking about the mediation process, and not the details of your particular case. We offer the mediation orientation because getting divorced and choosing a mediator are very personal, very important decisions. We want to make sure you choose the right professional mediator and mediation office for your needs.

Mediation Orientation Outline

• Ask clients if they have any particular questions first
• Time and cost
• Paperwork
• Attorneys’ roles, mediation friendly attorneys
• Typical first session
• Joint sessions vs. caucus
• Mediation summary letters
• Win/win outcomes and how they work
• Why mediation works and litigation doesn’t work
• Mediator Styles---Facilitative vs. Evaluative explanation since there’s no licensing for mediators in California
• Product vs. Process
• Legal information vs. legal advice
• Joint sessions vs. individual caucuses
• Offer more information
• Answer questions

To schedule a mediation orientation, give us a call at (310) 301-2100.

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