The Help You Need
Through The Divorce Process

Guiding Clients Through Mediation

Mediation is an excellent option for couples who are interested in divorce and still maintain amicable communication. It allows spouses to have more control over the outcome while saving money and maintaining a positive relationship.

With more than 25 years in practice as a family law attorney, Jennifer M. Sullivan is dedicated to finding civil solutions to divorce. Jennifer Sullivan has extensive experience representing California clients in all stages of mediation. By empowering her clients to make the decisions that are best for them, she helps to alleviate the stress of dissolving their marriage.

How Is Mediation Different From Traditional Divorce?

In traditional divorce litigation, spouses face off in a trial before a judge who issues a final decision regarding asset division and other issues. It does not allow either party much input. Mediation is very different.

Spouses sit down with a neutral mediator to work out their issues. Generally, mediation is a good option for couples who prioritize cooperation to reach mutually satisfactory resolutions. The decisions reached in mediation can be binding, yet remain private.

Shield The Children From Trauma

Jennifer Sullivan has seen countless divorces, many of them involving anger and bitterness that traumatize the children involved. Through mediation, she strives to protect children from the worst aspects of divorce. You can rely on her to serve as a skilled mediator who also understands the importance of compassion, care and civility during tough family law problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation

Below are answers to some of the most common questions attorney Jennifer Sullivan receives about divorce mediation in California.

Is divorce mediation legally binding in California?

The mediation process itself is not legally binding, but the agreements reached during mediation can become legally binding when properly formalized. Once you and your spouse reach an agreement, your mediator or attorney will draft these decisions into a formal settlement agreement. After both parties sign this document, it is submitted to the court for approval. Upon court approval, the agreement becomes incorporated into your final divorce judgment, making it legally enforceable.

This approach offers an important balance – the flexibility of private negotiation combined with the security of legal enforcement. Unlike informal agreements, court-approved mediated settlements carry the same legal weight as any court order. If either spouse fails to comply with the terms, the other party can seek enforcement through the court system.

How long does divorce mediation typically take?

The duration of divorce mediation varies based on several factors, including asset complexity, whether children are involved, and how readily you and your spouse can reach consensus. Most California couples complete the process in three to six sessions, typically spanning two to four months in total. Each session usually lasts between two and three hours.

Simple cases with few assets might require only a few sessions, while complex situations involving businesses, extensive property or complicated custody arrangements naturally take longer.

Will my children be involved in divorce mediation?

Generally, children do not directly participate in divorce mediation sessions. The process focuses on parents working together to make decisions that serve their children’s best interests without exposing the children to potentially stressful negotiations. Jennifer Sullivan believes in protecting children from unnecessary involvement while making sure their needs remain central to parenting discussions.

In limited circumstances, particularly with older teenagers, mediators might recommend brief, carefully structured conversations with children to better understand their perspectives on specific issues. However, this happens only when both parents agree and when it can be conducted in a supportive, nonpressuring manner.

Find Out If Mediation Is Right For You

Jennifer M. Sullivan is a lawyer who can explain the law in plain English and give you the information needed to make smart decisions. Reach out to her office in Roseville to schedule an initial consultation in which you can discuss divorce mediation. To contact her, call 916-724-1722 or send her an email.