What Options Are There When Mediation Doesn’t Work?

If you are involved in a divorce, you probably already know that mediation is a process that gives couples the option of resolving their differences rather than going through the court process. Mediation works for some people because it is both private and confidential. However, rather than an outcome, mediation is viewed as a process.…

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Tips to Speed up the Divorce Process

The moment you believe that divorce is right for you, you may want to know what you can expect from the process. You may have invested a lot of time into building up your marriage and now that you are receiving a divorce, you may wonder how you can guide the process as smoothly as…

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Mediating Cases Involving Insurance Carriers

Shhhh, it’s a secret! By Donald B. Cripe, Lawyer Mediator and co-founder of California Arbitration & Mediation Services A few years ago I was listening to a colleague who had just finished his first mediation involving an insurance carrier in a personal injury case. My colleague was very frustrated and, quite frankly, angry with the…

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Why Mediation is Better For the Children

Mediation is an alternative way of handling conflict resolution that doesn’t involve the high cost and extended amount of time that is typical when a case goes to trial. It helps to resolve conflicts in a more timely and cost efficient manner with the help of a professional mediator. Mediators are usually able to resolve…

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What is Transformative Mediation?

First, as readers, you need to understand what mediation is. Mediation is a form of conflict resolution in which parties who have a conflict choose a neutral third party called a mediator to help them resolve their dispute without the extra time and money involved in a trial. There are several different specific kinds of…

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What is Private Mediation for Family Law Cases?

For the readers of this article, it is important to first know what mediation is and how it can be beneficial to parties that have a conflict that needs to be resolved. Mediation is a form of conflict resolution that involves having a neutral party called a mediator discuss options for resolution of the dispute…

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Family Law Private Mediation & Child Custody Recommended Counseling

Family Law Private Mediation (FLPM) is where a mediator, who is either chosen by the parties involved or recommended by a judge in the case that the parties involved can’t come to a decision on a specific mediator, assists the parties in coming to a mutually beneficial agreement regarding the decision of custody and other…

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What Happens to Our Property and Debt If We Get Divorced?

For couples considering divorce, the division of property and debt is a huge issue. How can you ensure you will receive a fair portion of joint possessions? How do you avoid being saddled with the lion’s share of marital debt? How do you divide big-ticket items like homes and vehicles? These questions have plagued divorcing…

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Mediation on the Rise

Whatever your issue, be it divorce, bankruptcy, or medical malpractice suits, many people are increasingly considering mediation over going through the litigation process. Mediation unlike attorney services offers a more speedy and inexpensive resolution. In some situations, such as bankruptcy, it is the courts who decide to use mediation in order to relieve themselves of…

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Legal How-To: Modifying Holiday Child Custody Plans Out of Court

Legal How-To: Modifying Holiday Child Custody Plans Out of Court Child custody is a complex issue, and changes to your parenting agreement typically have to go through the California court system. However, with the holidays quickly approaching, families often need to make special arrangements or travel decisions that conflict with the current child custody arrangement.…

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The Business Leader Spotlight Show: Q&A With Head Counsel Soheila Azizi

The Business Leader Spotlight Show: Q&A With Head Counsel Soheila Azizi Head Counsel Soheila Azizi recently appeared on the Business Leader Spotlight Show to shed light on the complex issue of divorce in California. During the 45-minute segment, Azizi discussed the process of divorce in California, the costs associated with hiring an attorney, the timeline…

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Making Peace With Conflict

My Holiday “Recipe” For Making Peace With Conflict Using Conflict As A Stepping Stone, Not A Stumbling Block! Conflicts have become inevitable facts of life in today’s society. Instead of denying, suppressing or resorting to anger, learning about ways to handle conflict can empower us. I hope you will explore this subject further and learn…

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