Divorce & separation mediation, without the fight.
For couples who need to work through property, parenting, support-related conversations, and next steps, calmly and practically, instead of turning every decision into a battle.
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Divorce mediation is a structured conversation guided by a neutral mediator who helps a separating couple discuss property, parenting, support-related topics, and next steps, and work toward practical agreements they can both live with. The mediator does not take sides, decide who is right, or provide legal advice. The goal is a workable path forward, not a winner and a loser.
Ending a marriage or long relationship is hard enough without every conversation becoming an argument. When communication breaks down, ordinary decisions about the house, the children, or the finances can feel impossible, and the usual response is to hand the whole thing to opposing attorneys and let a court sort it out. That path is often slow, expensive, and draining, and it tends to deepen the conflict rather than resolve it.
Mediation offers a different starting point. Instead of two sides fighting through intermediaries, both people sit down with one neutral person whose only job is to keep the conversation structured, fair, and focused on real decisions. You stay in control of the outcome. Nothing is imposed on you. The mediator helps you name the issues, understand each other's priorities, and explore options until you reach agreements that make sense for your family.
Mediation is not about deciding who was right or wrong in the marriage. It is a calm, guided way to answer the practical questions divorce raises, so you can make decisions together instead of paying two sides to fight over them.
Practical Family Mediation is led by Marissa Chen, J.D., a law-trained mediator with a background in family, business, and tax-related issues. That perspective helps organize complicated situations into workable parts, but it is important to be clear about what this is and is not. Practical Family Mediation provides mediation, not legal representation or legal advice, and encourages both people to consult independent attorneys before, during, or after the process.
What divorce mediation helps you work through
Every separation is different, but most couples need to reach clarity on a familiar set of questions. Mediation gives each of these its own calm, structured conversation:
- Dividing property and belongings: the family home, vehicles, household items, and other shared assets, and how to approach them fairly.
- Parenting arrangements: where the children live, how time is shared, and how the two of you will make decisions together going forward.
- Support-related conversations: talking through financial expectations and obligations in a structured way, with the understanding that a court and independent counsel address the legal specifics.
- Debts and shared obligations: how joint accounts, loans, and ongoing bills are handled during and after the separation.
- Communication going forward: practical ground rules for how you will talk to each other, especially when children are involved.
- Sequencing the next steps: what needs to be decided first, what can wait, and how to move forward without everything happening at once.
You do not have to agree on everything before you start. In fact, most couples arrive with a list of open questions and real disagreement. The point of the process is to work through them one at a time, in a setting designed to lower the temperature rather than raise it.
A clear path, from first call to practical next steps.
A brief look at the process. For a fuller walkthrough, see how mediation works.
Private consultation
A confidential first conversation to understand your situation and whether mediation is a fit.
Issue review
We identify the real issues and what each person needs to feel the process is fair.
Session planning
We agree on how sessions will run so everyone knows what to expect.
Guided conversation
A structured, neutral discussion focused on options, not blame.
Practical next steps
Clear, workable outcomes you can act on, and take to independent counsel if you choose.
Divorce mediation across the San Fernando Valley
Practical Family Mediation works with couples throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, and Studio City, along with nearby communities such as Calabasas, Northridge, Thousand Oaks, and the wider Los Angeles County and Ventura County areas. Sessions are arranged by appointment, so you can find a time that works for both of you.
Divorce mediation, answered plainly.
Divorce mediation is a structured conversation guided by a neutral mediator who helps a separating couple discuss property, parenting, support-related topics, and next steps, and work toward practical agreements. The mediator does not take sides, decide who is right, or provide legal advice.
Mediation is often more cost-conscious than a drawn-out court battle because it focuses on resolving issues directly rather than through prolonged legal conflict. Cost depends on the number and length of sessions and the complexity of the issues. Every situation is different, and no specific savings are guaranteed.
Mediation and independent legal advice serve different purposes. Practical Family Mediation provides mediation, not legal advice or legal representation. Participants are encouraged to consult independent attorneys before, during, or after mediation, and may have any written understanding reviewed by their own counsel.
Yes. Many couples use mediation early, before or alongside a filing, to clarify issues and look for practical agreements. Addressing disagreements earlier can help reduce avoidable conflict, delay, and expense compared with disputes that escalate unresolved.
Often part of the same conversation.
Co-Parenting & Parenting Plans
Schedules, responsibilities, holidays, and school decisions, agreed clearly for the years ahead.
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Family Financial Mediation
Shared obligations, divorce-related finances, and money decisions that need clarity.
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Explore every area of mediation, from inheritance and elder care to family business.
Browse what we help withBefore you spend thousands fighting, talk first.
A private consultation is a calm, confidential first step. We will talk through your situation and whether mediation is the right fit for your divorce or separation.
Schedule a Private Consultation