PASADENA ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS MEDIATION LAWYER

Trusted Divorce Mediation Lawyer in Pasadena, CA

While the pain of divorce is real, many couples choose to work out the issues related to their separation without going to court. The mediation process provides an alternative to fighting about your personal issues in court. In mediation, a neutral third party called a Mediator, often a divorce lawyer, facilitates conversations between divorcing spouses regarding the division of their assets, debts, child and spousal support, and child custody arrangements. The Mediator provides each party with the support and tools needed to resolve difficult issues and to find common ground with their spouse.

Mediation is also often far less expensive than fighting in family court. Choosing mediation early, when both spouses are still willing to talk, can save a family a significant amount of money and stress, and some couples find they are able to co-parent more easily afterward because they built the agreement together instead of having it handed down by a judge.

Patricia serves as a neutral divorce mediator for Pasadena-area couples, drawing on her experience as a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) to help both spouses reach a fair agreement without the added conflict of a courtroom. If you are wondering whether mediation could work for your family, Patricia is happy to answer your questions in a brief, no-pressure consultation.

What is the Pasadena Divorce Mediator’s Role?

The Mediator’s primary role is to help people in conflict reach a voluntary settlement of their issues. The Mediator is not a judge and does not make decisions for the parties. The Mediator does not take sides. Instead, the Mediator helps couples craft an agreement that is mutually agreeable to both parties taking into consideration the needs and interests of their family.

As your mediator, Patricia will help you and your spouse:

Identify the issues that need to be resolved
Gather the information and documents necessary to make informed decisions about the division of assets and debts
Work with other divorce professionals, whether financial or child-related, to resolve specific issues
Draft all documents necessary to obtain a divorce in California and prepare your final agreement.
File all documents necessary to complete the divorce with the Court.
Understand how California law applies to your situation before you sign a final agreement

California Mediation Process

Patricia meets with both spouses at the initial consultation. She offers new clients the option of meeting by video conference call or in a Covid-19 meeting space specifically designed for the safety and protection of all participants. At this first meeting, the divorce and meditation process and all costs are discussed in detail. If the parties choose to work with Patricia, a written Agreement is prepared and signed by all parties. Subsequent meetings are scheduled depending on the particular needs and circumstances of each divorcing couple. The end goal is to help the parties resolve all the issues related to their divorce and to ensure that all documents are properly prepared, submitted to the Court and a final Judgment of Divorce is entered in the court file.

Patricia has helped hundreds of couples find common ground to work out their problems, reach a final agreement and terminate their marital status. Call today to see if mediation is right for you.

Pasadena Family Court Services

Couples with a contested custody or visitation matter pending in Los Angeles County are typically referred to Family Court Services at the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101 (Phone: 626-356-5509). This court-connected program is separate from private mediation and focuses solely on parenting time. Many clients use both: the court’s mediation program for custody, and private mediation with Patricia to resolve property division, support, and the remaining terms of the divorce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation in Pasadena

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Under California Evidence Code Section 1119, statements made during mediation sessions are confidential and generally cannot be used as evidence if the case later goes to court. This protection is designed to let both spouses speak openly about finances, parenting concerns, and other sensitive issues without worrying that something said in mediation will be repeated in a courtroom. Litigation, by contrast, becomes part of the public court record.

When is mediation required by California law?

Mediation is not required for every part of a California divorce, but it is mandatory in one important circumstance. Under California Family Code Section 3170, if child custody or visitation is contested, the court must send those specific issues to mediation before a judge will hear them. Mediation for property division, spousal support, and other financial issues remains voluntary. Patricia’s private mediation practice is separate from the court’s mandatory custody mediation program and can address the full range of divorce issues, not just parenting time.

Are there any reasons not to choose divorce mediation?

Mediation works well for many couples, but it is not the right fit for every situation. If there is a history of domestic violence, a significant power imbalance between spouses, or one spouse is hiding assets or refusing to negotiate honestly, mediation can break down or produce an unfair result. In those cases, litigation offers stronger protections, such as court orders, subpoenas, and a judge who can enforce disclosure. The good news is that choosing mediation first does not close the door on other options. If mediation stalls or turns out not to be a good fit, you keep the right to pursue collaborative divorce or litigation, and nothing discussed in mediation can be used against you later under California Evidence Code Section 1119. For most couples who are willing to negotiate in good faith, however, mediation remains a fast and affordable path to a final agreement.

Why choose an attorney-mediator?

Patricia A. Rigdon is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS), a credential awarded by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization to a limited number of family law attorneys who meet additional experience, education, and testing requirements. She has also been selected to Super Lawyers every year since 2014. An attorney-mediator who is also a CFLS can help both spouses understand how California law applies to their specific situation while still remaining neutral, which can produce an informed and durable agreement.

How long does divorce mediation take?

It depends. Some couples finish in three to six sessions. If there are complex financial or custody issues, the process may take longer.

Can Patricia represent both spouses during mediation?

No. As your mediator, Patricia remains neutral and does not represent either spouse; each of you may still hire independent counsel to review the final agreement.

What happens if we cannot reach an agreement in mediation?

You keep the right to pursue collaborative divorce or litigation. Nothing said during mediation can be used against you later under Evidence Code Section 1119.

Does mediation work for high-conflict couples?

Mediation works best when both spouses are willing to negotiate honestly. If one spouse will not participate in good faith, litigation or collaborative divorce may be a better fit.

How is mediation different from collaborative divorce?

Both mediation and collaborative divorce aim to resolve a divorce without going to trial, but they work differently. In mediation, one neutral mediator, often an attorney, helps both spouses negotiate directly and reach their own agreement. The mediator does not represent either side. Each spouse may still consult an outside lawyer to review the final paperwork. Collaborative divorce, by contrast, gives each spouse their own attorney from the start, and both attorneys work alongside financial and mental health professionals to negotiate a settlement as a team.

Collaborative divorce can offer more built-in support for complex cases, but it typically costs more than mediation because it involves multiple professionals rather than one. Mediation tends to be the faster, more affordable choice for couples who are already on reasonably good terms and mainly need help structuring the details of their agreement.

Learn More About Divorce Mediation in Pasadena

Patricia A. Rigdon has helped hundreds of Pasadena-area couples resolve their divorce through mediation instead of a courtroom battle. Call 626-405-0006 or schedule a consultation online to find out whether mediation is the right process for your family.

Serving Pasadena and Los Angeles County, California

Divorce can be one of the most significant legal and personal transitions a person experiences. Whether you and your spouse are working toward an amicable settlement through mediation or preparing to resolve contested issues through litigation, having experienced legal counsel can help protect your rights and your future. The Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon represents individuals and families throughout Pasadena with strategic guidance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, helping them navigate every stage of the divorce process with confidence.

The firm assists clients with divorce mediation, contested divorce litigation, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, high-asset divorce, and other complex family law matters. Divorce cases involving Pasadena residents are generally handled through the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pasadena Courthouse, depending on the issues involved. The Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon works closely with clients to negotiate favorable settlements whenever possible while remaining fully prepared to advocate aggressively in court when litigation becomes necessary.

The firm serves clients throughout Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, San Gabriel, and surrounding communities across the San Gabriel Valley. Conveniently located near Interstate 210, State Route 134, and major Pasadena business districts, the firm provides responsive legal representation for individuals facing both straightforward and highly contested divorces. Whether your goal is to reach a cooperative agreement through mediation or protect your interests during litigation, experienced legal counsel can help you pursue the best possible outcome.

Helping Families Throughout Pasadena

Pasadena is home to families with diverse financial, professional, and personal backgrounds, making every divorce unique. From neighborhoods surrounding Old Pasadena, Hastings Ranch, and Bungalow Heaven to communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, The Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon is committed to helping clients resolve divorce matters efficiently while protecting their parental rights, financial interests, and long-term future.