Divorce
In California, a divorce is referred to as a Dissolution of Marriage. Dissolution refers to the annulment or termination of a marriage by legal action. Dissolution includes determining custody of any children, visitation or parenting plans, child support, spousal support and the division of community property.
California is a no-fault state, which means that there only 2 grounds for divorce; irreconcilable differences and incurable insanity. While it is tempting to choose the latter, the majority of dissolution cases are based on irreconcilable differences. In other words, being unable to continue to live together is sufficient legal reason to obtain a dissolution.
Mediation
Mediation is the involvement of a neutral person to assist the parties to achieve an agreement through compromise.
If you are open, willing to comprise and already agree on many of the big issues, then mediation may be an option. Benefits of mediation are no court appearances, faster settlement, and thus less time and money. The downside is that if both parties are not committed to the mediation process, then negotiations may fall apart and the process will start all over again.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is an alternative that can decrease costs and conflicts. Both parties still have their own attorneys who provide full legal protection and advocacy. However, you also have the assistance of a personal coach and financial professional, if required. It is a teamwork approach, where all work together to finalize the dissolution without going to court.
This is a wonderful alternative if you are struggling to straighten out visitation/parenting time, the division of finances, and would like to avoid the financial and emotional cost of appearing in court but gain the benefits of professional advice.