An entirely voluntary process, Mediation is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as “.. the act of a third person in intermediating between two contending parties ..”  

The Mediation process is confidential and protected according to the California Evidence Code. (What transpired in settlement conference is not "discoverable" if the parties later "wind up" in court, and the mediator cannot be called to testify in court.)

When parties retain Ms. Hirvela, as their mediator, she does not represent either party. Instead, her role is as a neutral, helping to guide the parties through their divorce process.  Throughout the process she keeps their case on track.

Most mediation sessions are "jointly held," in comfortable conference room atmosphere. Both of the parties are present at the sessions. Ellen holds the space for peace at the table. Especially if they have children, the parties will need to have a continuing dialogue for years to come.

The mediator facilitates conversation between the divorcing couple helping them to resolve important issues. Mediation often addresses "issues" that the Court would not have time to address.  Coaches (mental health counselors)  are available for couples who need additional help to communicate with each other. The focus on communication often allows the parties to more effectively move forward with their new lives.

The mediator can assist the couple to develop a parenting plan for their children's best interests and engages them in creative problem solving concerning their marital estate. The goal is to reach a result that will benefit the family during and after its reorganization.

More than a dozen years of family law court experience allow Ms. Hirvela to provide a “reality check” for parties in the divorce process. 

Through Mediation, couples generally complete their divorce in a much shorter amount of time than would be possible in a litigated case.  They spend only a fraction of what it costs to litigate in court. Perhaps most importantly, there is the opportunity in a mediation process for the parties to preserve the friendship that existed between them prior to the changes taking place in their marital status. They plan for and protect their children from being "caught in the middle."

Email: ellen@hirvelalaw.com

Phone: (805) 482-9340

          Member State Bar of California, Ventura County Bar Association

Member Coalition for Collaborative Divorce

Member International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

MEDIATION

VENTURA COUNTY DIVORCE MEDIATOR

COLLABORATIVE ATTORNEY

"Divorce Without Court" lowers your costs and lessens your stress.

(805) 482-9340

Ellen Hirvela Russell