California Divorce Mediators makes divorce mediation online as simple and stress-free as possible. Are you ready to get the answers and help you need? Review this step-by-step guide on how virtual divorce mediation works. Then contact us at (888) 258-8383 or fill out our Contact Form to get started.
What is Virtual Divorce Mediation?
Mediation provides a platform for couples to negotiate and reach agreements on dividing their marital property, resolving child custody issues, constructing support agreements, and more. Virtual Divorce Mediation is a flexible process that allows couples to address a wide range of issues related to their divorce through online videoconferencing technology.
The specific matters that can be discussed and resolved through mediation may vary depending on the unique circumstances of each case. Our goal is to assist you in reaching agreeable resolutions to your disputes.
Steps for a Divorce Mediation Online California Divorce Mediators follows this process for basically every client. Your case particulars will differ, but our process is adapted to fit your needs and timeframe.
1. Retaining
We will send both parties the retainer paperwork and other necessary forms to complete and sign electronically.
2. Opening a File
Once we receive your completed paperwork, we will open up an internet-based case management file that will allow you 24-hour access to all documents in your case.
3. File for Divorce
Divorce usually begins with one spouse filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and the relief sought, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
4. Serve the Petition
The Petitioner must serve the other spouse with the divorce papers. Since your case would be mediated, we handle this by having the other party sign paperwork acknowledging service informally and take care of filing the proof of service.
5. Filing and Service Response
The Respondent should generally file a Response to the Petition in a divorce. Our team handles the drafting, filing, and service of the Response paperwork.
6. Financial Disclosures
After we have opened your case file, we will send you forms with instructions for you and the other party to complete financial disclosures, known as a “Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure.”
7. Mediation Sessions
As soon as we have completed the Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure, we are already done with two of the major steps in both your legal requirements for divorce and the mediation process, and we then schedule the first of several mediation sessions with the parties.
8. Optional Events During Mediation
Although often not necessary during pending divorce cases in most mediations, sometimes it can make sense for the parties to enter into temporary agreements with the help of a mediator that would be filed with the court.
9. Drafting of the Marital Settlement Agreement
Assuming that the parties have reached a complete settlement on all issues with the help of our mediator, the next step is for the mediator to draft a marital settlement agreement as part of a stipulated judgment that incorporates the terms of the agreement into a formal legal document.
10. Signing the Marital Settlement Agreement
Once the parties have agreed on the final version of the Marital Settlement Agreement, they will need to notarize it. The mediator will explain what needs to be notarized and what forms only need to be signed, and all of these documents together comprise a final judgment.
11. Filing with the Court
Once the parties have completed the notarization and signing of all the judgment documents, they will be submitted to the court for filing. You nor your spouse need to appear in court.
12. Final Steps
If the parties had retirement accounts that needed to be divided, sometimes a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) would need to be done, and the mediator could help walk the parties through that process.
13. New Estate Plan
Once a divorce has been finalized, that is usually the time to consider getting new individual estate plans for each party to replace any joint ones done during the marriage. We can offer guidance on taking the next step.
Could a CA Virtual Divorce Mediation Be Right for You? Find out now! Call (888) 258-8383 or fill out our Contact Form to request more information on how to get started.
