Divorce mediation offers a structured, private alternative to litigation for couples seeking to resolve divorce issues with greater control, discretion, and cooperation. When both parties are willing to engage in good-faith discussions, mediation can reduce conflict while addressing legal and financial matters thoughtfully.
At Duncan Family Law, we provide divorce mediation services for couples throughout Los Angeles. Led by family law attorney and mediator Nicole Duncan, our firm facilitates productive discussions designed to help parties reach informed, legally sound agreements outside of court.
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps spouses work through divorce-related issues in a structured setting. Rather than having decisions imposed by a judge, mediation allows both parties to participate actively in shaping agreements.
Issues commonly addressed in divorce mediation include:
Division of marital property and debts
Child custody and parenting plans
Child support arrangements
Spousal support considerations
Divorce timelines and procedural steps
Mediation is not appropriate for every situation, but for many families, it provides a constructive path forward.
Divorce litigation can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining. Mediation may be appropriate when parties are willing to communicate and seek resolution without escalating conflict.
Potential benefits of mediation include:
Greater privacy and confidentiality
Increased flexibility in scheduling and outcomes
Reduced adversarial tension
More efficient resolution of disputes
Opportunities for cooperative co-parenting foundations
A Los Angeles divorce mediation attorney can help ensure discussions remain focused, informed, and aligned with California law.
Serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and nearby cities
Nicole Duncan is a California family law attorney who also serves as a divorce mediator. Her background in litigation and negotiation allows her to guide mediation sessions with a clear understanding of legal standards, court expectations, and long-term implications.
As a mediator, Nicole:
Remains neutral and balanced
Helps parties identify issues and priorities
Ensures discussions stay productive and respectful
Provides legal context without advocating for either side
Helps parties understand the implications of proposed agreements
Her role is not to decide outcomes, but to facilitate informed, constructive decision-making.
While mediation is a collaborative process, any agreements reached must still comply with California family law requirements. Mediated agreements typically address legal and financial matters that will later be formalized in court filings.
At Duncan Family Law, mediation is conducted with careful attention to:
California community property laws
Child custody and support guidelines
Disclosure requirements
Long-term enforceability of agreements
This ensures that mediated resolutions are both practical and legally sound.
Every family’s circumstances are different. Divorce mediation may be appropriate for couples who:
Want to avoid prolonged litigation
Share children and wish to reduce conflict
Prefer a private, structured negotiation process
Seek more control over outcomes and timelines
Nicole Duncan works with parties to determine whether mediation is appropriate and, if so, how to structure the process to meet their needs.
Duncan Family Law provides divorce mediation services throughout Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and surrounding communities.
Our Los Angeles-based mediation services are designed to offer a respectful, confidential environment for resolving divorce matters thoughtfully.
Divorce mediation is not about “winning” — it is about reaching informed agreements that allow both parties to move forward with clarity and dignity.
Contact Duncan Family Law today to schedule a confidential consultation with Nicole Duncan, a Los Angeles divorce mediation attorney and mediator.
Duncan Family Law Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles
Address: 8075 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (855) 369-9993
Divorce mediation can address:
Mediation itself is not binding. However, agreements reached in mediation can become legally binding once they are written, signed, and approved by the court.
The length of mediation varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to cooperate. Some cases resolve in a few sessions, while others may take longer.
Yes. Divorce mediation is generally confidential under California law. Statements made during mediation are typically not admissible in court, which allows for open and productive discussions.
Yes. Divorce mediation can be effective in complex cases involving businesses, real estate, investments, or high incomes, especially when supported by financial experts and careful legal review.
Many individuals consult with an attorney before, during, or after mediation to understand their rights and review proposed agreements. Legal guidance can help ensure agreements are fair and enforceable.
If mediation does not result in a full agreement, unresolved issues may proceed to court for litigation. Partial agreements reached in mediation may still be used.
Mediation may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence or power imbalances. Courts and attorneys carefully evaluate whether mediation is suitable based on safety and fairness concerns.
Mediation focuses on collaboration and negotiation, while litigation involves court hearings and judicial decisions. Mediation often offers greater privacy and flexibility, while litigation results in court-imposed outcomes.
While mediators are neutral, legal guidance can help you understand your rights and obligations, evaluate proposals, and ensure any agreement complies with California law.
