A mediator CANNOT offer legal advice. This applies to ALL mediators – even if the mediator is also a licensed attorney, he or she cannot offer advice to you if they are acting as your mediator. That does not mean you should not obtain legal advice – you should – and we strongly encourage you have independent legal counsel that you can ask questions to, get advice from and have agreements reviewed by. Even with hiring an attorney on a consulting basis and going through mediation – you are gauranteed to spend less than you would if you chose the other path – the litigation path. There are so many fees involved in litigation above and beyond the hourly fee you will pay to your attorney. You will pay paralegal fees, expert witness fees, vocational specialist fees, appraisal fees, evaluation fees, therapy fees…the list goes on and on. You can significantly lower your costs and the time spent in the process by having a trusted attorney to seek answers to complicated legal questions from and a trained mediator to help you and your spouse reach an agreement. We are both important and provide independent, but complimentary services…to learn more, contact San Diego Family Mediation Services.
by: Jennifer Segura
