FAqs

Melinda provides information about the options for people to get a divorce or a legal separation. If a caller provides some details about their situation, Melinda is happy to provide related legal information and transparent costs expectations. Melinda will consult over Zoom or the phone.  Call or text call sms 916-835-5635to contact Melinda about a free consultation and to learn more.

a. If you are at the trailhead of divorce, there are four different paths you can take. The 1st Path is one where you can do it yourself. There is usually a class at the family law facilitator’s office at the local courthouse where you can get information to help you obtain a divorce. You could also work with a Registered Legal Document Assistant to get your paperwork completed.  You still have to deal with the court and may have hearings in a public forum.  Most couples desire more confidentiality, guidance and support, so Path #2 is more appealing.

b. Path #2 is to stay out of court and mediate with Melinda. I help clients all over California and take care of my clients from A to Z by helping them make all of the decisions necessary to finish their divorce or legal separation by providing legal information. I also take care of their paperwork. One of my goals is to help my clients save time, money, and stress. If you have children, even adult children, hiring a divorce mediator allows couples to build a strong co-parenting relationship. 

c. The 3rd Path is where you each hire a lawyer but still avoid court using the Collaborative Law process. One website where you can find more information is: https://sacramentocollaborativedivorce.com/. Like mediation, the collaborative approach also helps couples build a strong co-parenting relationship.

d. The 4th Path is the adversarial path where you each hire your own attorney and argue in court over the course of many months or years. The process is designed to fracture the parties forever. It is also usually the longest, most adversarial, and most expensive option. Litigation can take 18 months to three years in most countries, in my experience. 

e. Contact Melinda of Finding Common Ground Mediation & Law Services today to learn more about your options and expected costs.

Mediation is where a neutral third party helps the spouses reach agreements without litigation, saving time and reducing conflict.  Melinda is a neutral attorney mediator and is specifically trained as a mediator to help close the gaps in agreements.

The duration varies depending on the complexity, but many mediations conclude within a few sessions.

Yes, all discussions in mediation are confidential and cannot be used in court, unless both parties agree otherwise.

Yes, private confidential mediation is a voluntary process whereby the parties make their own decisions together.

Yes, Melinda is a neutral attorney mediator and is skilled in helping couples handle all issues necessary to become divorced or legally separated.

Melinda has been an attorney for 28 years and has over 300 hours of mediation training.  Not every mediator has formal training, but Melinda has trained with Woody Mosten, Susan Guthrie, Steven Rosenberg, Dr. Claire Fowler and Terri Breer.