FAQs

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

By law, a divorce has a waiting period or cooling off period of just over six months before it can be finalized. During that time, both parties must disclose all assets and debts to each other and work together to make the decisions necessary for the court to grant their divorce or legal separation. Going through this process is much easier with Melinda’s help.

Everything we discuss in mediation is confidential. My clients avoid all court hearings, share very little information with the court, and make their own decisions. Contact my office today to work with the divorce mediator Sacramento, CA relies on.

As a trained divorce mediator in Sacramento, CA, I am a neutral facilitator, and as such, I do not represent either party as their attorney. My role is to work together with both parties to make or confirm agreements that are the best decisions for your unique circumstances. One of the advantages of mediation is the opportunity to think creatively in resolving disputes and restructuring the family. My mediation process was designed by Sharyn Kaplan, an attorney and a therapist. Our process has helped many families over the last 25 years. It is family-centric, serving the best interests of both minor and adult children.

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 916-835-5635 to contact Melinda about a free consultation and to learn more.