San Marcos, California

Despite a couple’s best efforts, many marriages today end in divorce. And while many of these divorces are settled in court, some divorces are settled outside of the courtroom through a process of alternative dispute resolution called mediation. Divorces which are settled through mediation are referred to as mediated divorces.

Couples who chose a mediated divorce will attend a mediation session in which they discuss the marriage and what they hope to achieve through the divorce process. Mediation session are typically mediated by an experienced divorce lawyer who has the appropriate knowledge legal rights for each spouse. Despite this knowledge, the lawyer cannot give either spouse legal advice. However, the attorney will guide conversation and keep both parties on track in their discussions. At the end of the session, both spouses should have a better idea what they would like to do about things like; division of marital property, division of debts, custody of children and what will happen to the marital home.

Individuals that choose this route should be aware that their divorce paperwork must still be filed in a court. But spouses who agree to most terms in mediation typically have no trouble getting their separations approved. Mediated divorce may not be an appropriate option for everyone since it requires both parties to work together to establish the details of their divorce settlement. If the relationship is contentious, mediation may not be a good option.

Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice. Individual circumstances and facts vary from case to case. Any and all questions about divorce, support or family law should be directed to a qualified and experienced family law attorney.

San Marcos is a city located in northern San Diego County and is best known as the home of California State University, San Marcos. CSUSM is located on a 300 acres hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. Also located in San Marcos, is Palomar College which is a public 2-year college. There are many recreation centers and parks including, the San Elijo Park which has picnic areas, playgrounds, lighted ball fields, a water "sprayground", trails and a dog park. There are several golf courses in Lake San Marcos as well as a small lake. The Sprinter commuter rail line that runs along San Marcos provides easy access to the nearby beaches. It also is home to the famous Gold Door Fitness Resort.

Residents of San Marcos typically use the North San Diego County Court House located at 325 South Melrose Dr. in Vista off Highway 78. These courts hear family law, adoptions, probate, civil, criminal cases, small claims, traffic and minor offenses. There is also a law library and a business office for filing court cases.

Our firm practices family law in San Diego. This term encompasses many divorce matters that are typically heard in San Diego family law courts. If you have questions about support, custody or other family law matters, it is important that you seek assistance from an experienced attorney who has dealt with a variety of these types of cases. Our attorneys are knowledgeable, efficient and ready to help you acheive your goals in your family law case. Call us today if you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation.

Our law office is in Rancho Bernardo which is conveniently accessible from San Marcos by traveling west on Highway 78 to I-IS south. Our law film is off the I-15 at the Bernardo Center Drive exit in the Clock Tower Office Complex. The complex provides an elevator and also free parking. We are registered with the State Bar of California and members of the San Diego County Bar Association. We are also members of the San Diego County Better Business Bureau. Our office is open from Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and closed for all legal holidays. We look forward to meeting you personally to discuss your legal matter.