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Divorce Mediation Lawyer in Los Angeles

Resolve Divorce Disputes With Mediation and Skip the Court Battle

Divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. For many couples, going to trial is not only emotionally draining but also expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there is an alternative: divorce mediation.

At Duncan Family Law, led by founding partner Nicole Duncan, we help couples in Los Angeles resolve their divorce through private mediation — a process that promotes cooperation, control, and cost savings while keeping your family’s best interests at the center.

Nicole Duncan - Divorce Attorney and Family Lawyer in Los Angeles, California
Nicole Duncan - Attorney at Law

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a confidential and alternative process where a mediator helps divorcing couples reach an agreement on issues: like child custody, property division, and support, instead of having a judge decide in court. It is a less adversarial and often less expensive and time-consuming process than traditional litigation, focusing on communication and compromise to find common ground and resolve conflicts outside of the public court system.

Divorce mediation is a confidential process where both spouses meet with a neutral mediator to resolve issues such as:

  • Property division
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Other financial and family matters

Unlike litigation, mediation empowers couples to reach their own agreements, instead of leaving decisions in the hands of a judge.

It is faster, less adversarial and often less expensive than court litigation, focusing on compromise to find common ground and resolve conflicts.

Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?

Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Los Angeles

  • Cost-Effective – Mediation is typically far less expensive than a contested divorce trial.
  • Faster Resolution – Many mediations can be completed in weeks or months, rather than years.
  • Confidential – Court proceedings are public, but mediation is private.
  • Less Adversarial – Mediation reduces hostility and preserves co-parenting relationships.
  • More Control – You and your spouse, not the court, decide the outcome.

Nicole Duncan – Experienced Divorce Mediation Lawyer in Los Angeles

Nicole Duncan, founding partner of Duncan Family Law, has successfully guided countless clients through divorce mediation and complex family law matters.

  • Education & Credentials:
    • J.D., Whittier Law School
    • Certification in International Law, King’s College London
    • BBA, USC Marshall School of Business
  • Bar Admissions: Licensed in California and Colorado
  • Experience: Skilled in handling complex property division, custody disputes, and spousal support negotiations
  • Approach: Blends strong negotiation skills with compassion, always focused on solutions that protect her clients’ long-term interests

Whether your divorce involves business ownership, high-value assets, or complex custody issues, Nicole brings both legal expertise and strategic insight to the mediation process.

How Divorce Mediation Works

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Both parties meet with our office to understand the mediation process and determine if it’s the right path.

Step 2: Information Gathering

Each spouse provides financial and personal disclosures to ensure full transparency.

Step 3: Mediation Sessions

Nicole Duncan facilitates discussions on key issues — property division, custody, support — helping both parties negotiate in good faith.

Step 4: Agreement Drafting

Once agreements are reached, they are drafted into a legally binding settlement for court approval.

Step 5: Divorce Finalization

The mediated agreement is filed with the court, finalizing the divorce without a contested trial.

Mediation vs. Collaborative Divorce vs. Litigation

  • Mediation: Neutral third party helps spouses reach agreement.
  • Collaborative Divorce: Each spouse hires their own attorney but commits to settle without litigation.
  • Litigation: A judge decides all issues at trial.

At Duncan Family Law, we help you choose the best approach for your situation — but in most cases, mediation provides the most efficient and respectful resolution.

Who Can Benefit From Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is especially effective for:

  • Couples who want to save time and money
  • Parents who wish to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship
  • Spouses seeking privacy and discretion
  • Couples who prefer solutions tailored to their needs, not court-imposed orders

Why Choose Duncan Family Law for Divorce Mediation in Los Angeles

  • Experience with Complex Cases – Nicole Duncan has guided clients through cases involving significant assets, business valuations, and high-conflict custody.
  • Personalized Service – Every mediation strategy is tailored to your goals and priorities.
  • Local Knowledge – Based in Los Angeles, we understand the courts, laws, and unique needs of California families.
  • Compassionate Approach – We know divorce is difficult, and our team provides both legal expertise and emotional support.
LOS ANGELES OFFICES

Duncan Family Law
Address: 8075 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (855) 369-9993

CONTACT US

Frequently Asked Questions

In custody disputes, California courts require parents to attempt mediation. For property or financial matters, mediation is voluntary but highly recommended.

Yes. Even in mediation, it is wise for each spouse to have their own independent legal counsel to review agreements before signing.

If mediation fails, unresolved issues may go to litigation. However, even partial agreements reached in mediation can reduce court time.

It depends on complexity, but many cases resolve in 3–6 sessions, often much faster than court litigation.

Once both parties sign the mediated settlement and the court approves it, the agreement becomes a legally enforceable judgment.

The mediator ensures that both parties participate fairly. We may also involve financial experts to ensure complete disclosure.

Yes. In fact, mediation is often the best way to resolve complex financial matters privately and efficiently.

Costs vary, but mediation is usually significantly less expensive than a contested trial. Our office provides transparent fee structures during your consultation.

Yes. We offer virtual mediation sessions for clients who prefer remote participation.

Yes. Mediators are trained to manage conflict and keep discussions productive, even when tensions are high.