You’ll have a fair agreement that actually works for your family. Your children won’t witness a bitter court battle, and your financial future stays intact instead of getting drained by legal fees.
Most Placentia couples who choose mediation finish their divorce in weeks, not years. You keep control over decisions about custody, support, and property division instead of letting a judge who doesn’t know your family make those choices for you.
The process stays completely private. No public court records, no airing your personal business for strangers to see. Just professional guidance that helps you and your spouse find solutions that make sense for your specific situation.
Level Dispute Resolution brings over four decades of combined family law experience to Orange County families. We’ve seen what litigation does to families, and we’ve made it our mission to offer a better way.
Unlike mediation centers that use attorneys with no real courtroom experience, we are mediators who have been in the trenches. We know exactly what happens when divorce cases go wrong, which means we know how to help you avoid those pitfalls.
Placentia families trust us because we understand the unique dynamics of Orange County communities. We’ve helped couples from Yorba Linda to Fullerton navigate divorce with their relationships and finances intact.
First, we meet with you individually to understand your situation and goals. This initial consultation is free and completely confidential. No pressure, no sales pitch—just an honest conversation about whether mediation makes sense for your case.
Next, we facilitate joint sessions where you and your spouse work through the issues that matter most. Child custody arrangements, support calculations, property division—we guide these discussions so they stay productive instead of turning into arguments.
Finally, we draft a comprehensive settlement agreement that reflects what you’ve decided together. This becomes your legally binding divorce decree, filed with the court efficiently and privately. Most couples complete this entire process in 6-12 weeks.
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Our flat-fee structure means no surprises. While the average Orange County divorce costs over $8,000 per person through litigation, our comprehensive mediation services cost a fraction of that amount, split between both parties.
We handle everything: child custody and visitation schedules, child and spousal support calculations, property and debt division, and post-judgment modifications. Whether you’re dealing with complex assets or straightforward arrangements, our approach remains the same—focused on solutions that work for your family.
Placentia residents appreciate our flexibility. We offer both in-person sessions at our Orange County office and virtual mediation options that fit your schedule. Evening and weekend appointments are available because we understand you have work and family commitments that can’t wait.
Traditional divorce litigation in Orange County averages $15,000 to $30,000 per person and can take up to 19 months to resolve. Our mediation services cost a fraction of that amount with a transparent flat-fee structure that both parties split.
The exact cost depends on the complexity of your situation and how much time we need to reach agreements. Most straightforward cases require 6-10 hours of mediation time. We discuss all fees upfront during your free consultation, so you know exactly what to expect.
Unlike litigation where costs can spiral out of control with each court filing and attorney letter, mediation keeps expenses predictable. You’re investing in solutions, not conflict.
Most couples do reach agreements through our mediation process because we help you focus on practical solutions rather than past grievances. However, if mediation doesn’t work for your situation, you haven’t lost anything—you can still pursue litigation.
The discussions during mediation remain confidential, so nothing you say can be used against you later in court. Think of mediation as a low-risk way to see if you can resolve things amicably before committing to the expense and stress of litigation.
Our experience shows that couples who make a genuine effort in mediation usually find common ground, especially when children are involved. We’re skilled at helping people work through seemingly impossible disagreements.
Most couples complete mediation in 6-12 weeks, compared to 19 months for traditional litigation. The timeline depends on your schedules, the complexity of your assets, and how quickly you can work through decisions together.
We typically schedule sessions every 1-2 weeks, with each session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Simple cases with minimal assets and no children might finish in 3-4 sessions. More complex situations involving businesses or significant assets may require additional time.
California law requires a 6-month waiting period from when divorce papers are filed until the divorce becomes final, but you can reach all your agreements through mediation well before that deadline. This gives you certainty and closure much faster than the court system allows.
Yes, but complex financial situations require careful attention to detail. We have extensive experience with business valuations, retirement account divisions, and complex property arrangements that many couples face in Orange County.
We work with qualified appraisers and financial experts when needed to ensure accurate valuations. The key is having both parties committed to full financial disclosure and fair resolution. If one person is hiding assets or being deceptive, mediation becomes much more difficult.
Complex cases often benefit most from mediation because you retain control over how assets are divided rather than leaving those decisions to a judge who may not understand your business or financial situation. We help you craft solutions that make sense for your specific circumstances.
You have the right to consult with an attorney at any time during mediation, and many people do seek independent legal advice before signing final agreements. As mediators, we remain neutral and cannot provide legal advice to either party.
Some couples choose to have attorneys review the settlement agreement before signing, which we encourage. Others feel comfortable proceeding with just the mediation process, especially in straightforward cases without complex assets or custody issues.
The decision is entirely yours. What matters most is that you feel informed and confident about the agreements you’re making. We provide extensive information about legal standards and typical arrangements to help you make educated decisions.
Mediation requires both parties to participate voluntarily and communicate safely. If there’s been domestic violence, the power imbalance may make it impossible for the victim to negotiate fairly or speak freely during sessions.
California courts recognize this concern and may order supervised exchanges or other protections instead of mediation in domestic violence cases. Your safety and ability to advocate for yourself must come first.
If you’re unsure whether mediation is appropriate for your situation, we discuss these concerns during the initial consultation. Sometimes separate sessions or other accommodations can make mediation possible, but only if both parties can participate without fear or coercion.
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