Divorce cases can be expensive. It is for that reason that mediation and arbitration make great alternatives to contested divorce cases. In today’s economy, obtaining an affordable divorce is a primary concern of most divorcing couples. Whether it is Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino, or even Los Angeles County most of the individuals calling our firm are concerned about costs.

Usually, one of the first questions potential clients have is “how much will this cost me?”. Understandably so, individuals want to know if they can afford the services of an attorney. Clients want the bottom line, the total projected cost. It is my experience that in many cases clients have the misconception that a divorce will be expensive.

That is not the case. Divorces can be affordable and non contentious. Clients can choose to do mediation or arbitration. In such cases, both parties meet with a mediator who will review the case, explain the law to the parties, give the parties legal advice, inform each person of his or her right, strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case, and potential outcome of the matter.

By going to meditation, the parties can agree to share the costs equally thus reducing the total fees spent in the case. Also, if mediation is successful, there will be no litigation. This can save each party thousands of dollars. Lastly, mediation can help avoid the animosity and discord that can come up in litigation. In my experience, it is this animosity that leads to increased attorney fees. As each side becomes more entrenched in his or her position, and is offended by the statements made by the other side, the less likely he or she is willing to settle or compromise.

For more information on mediation and arbitration, please contact one of our attorneys at 800-589-9901 or info@dieferlaw.com.

In any divorce case, its important for individuals to understand that the judge has discretion and wide ranging authority to make orders. Most of the time, it is my experience that client’s do not understand how much authority the judges have to make orders in any area of the case.

Whether it is custody, permanent spousal support, or attorney fees, judges as the trier of fact have a lot of leverage to make orders in the best interest of the children and/or on conflicting facts. For that reason, it is important to seek the advice of a local attorney that can help a party navigate through this process and one that will understand the judge assigned to the case.

For more information and a free consultation, please contact one of our experienced and aggressive attorneys at 800-589-9901 or info@dieferlaw.com.