Najera Law Group, APC, has mediation lawyers in Riverside with years of experience, and with 90% of people reporting a satisfactory outcome from mediation, it might be a good option for you. Mediation can also lower the cost of litigation between 60 and 70%, which would likely offset the cost of hiring a mediation lawyer to help make sure your voice is heard.

How Mediation Works

Unlike in a court setting, the mediator doesn’t decide the case’s outcome like a judge might. Instead, the two parties must collaborate to come up with a solution that is acceptable to both and that both parties can trust. Mediation is especially useful for cases that involve the following:

• Family law, like child custody and child support
• Personal injuries
• Small businesses
• Real estate
• Breach of contract

Mediation usually takes between 4-8 hours, but more complicated cases can take much longer. If mediation doesn’t settle the issue, the dispute may need to go to court.

Instead of just getting together to talk, a mediation follows a formal procedure:

1. The mediator makes an opening statement with introductions and outlines the goals of the proceeding.
2. Each party is allowed to make a statement that describes their side of the circumstances using things like contracts, financial statements, or other pieces of evidence. Each party will get their turn, so no one is allowed to interrupt.
3. After the initial statements, the mediator might invite the group to discuss things further.
4. Then, the mediator might invite the group to participate in private caucuses, which separate each party into private rooms and allow them to talk with the mediator in private.
5. After hearing from each separately, the mediator might bring everyone back together to negotiate. The mediation will end either when an agreement has been made or when their allotted time is up. If an agreement isn’t made, the mediator helps everyone decide the next step, which could be meeting again or negotiating over the phone.

How a Riverside Mediation Lawyer Can Help

The Riverside County Superior Court Office offers mediation services at the Family Law Courthouse, and civil disputes could be mediated at the Riverside Historic Courthouse, both on Main Street. Your Riverside mediation lawyer can help you through the process in the following ways:

• Helping you understand the legal language, laws, and regulations that relate to your dispute
• Educating you on the different types of mediation that might apply to your situation
• Helping you understand your rights during the proceeding
• Negotiating with and for you

While mediation is generally a decent alternative for going to court, having a lawyer on your side has the potential to make the process run more smoothly and can help ensure you have a more successful outcome.

FAQs

Q: Should I Bring a Lawyer to Mediation?

A: While a lawyer is not required during mediation, having one present with you can help you during this process. A lawyer who understands how mediation works, as well as the ins and outs of the legal system, could help protect your rights. A mediation lawyer could also help immensely in something like divorce or child custody because they can stand up for your needs and the needs of the child involved.

Q: What Is the Downside of Meditation?

A: Unlike in a courtroom, mediation procedures don’t have formal rules. The mediator will put protocols in place, but they won’t have as much control over how each party behaves, which might mean that a more assertive party might get to speak more than a quiet one. The mediator also can’t make anyone attend the mediation. A skilled mediator can usually help avoid common pitfalls of mediation, but sometimes, mediation is unsuccessful.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement Offer During Mediation in Riverside, CA?

A: In Riverside, CA, while some people might offer an average settlement amount, the amount can be misleading because every case is different. Some cases have stronger evidence, or the involved parties have more aggressive insurance coverage. These types of things can be negotiated during mediation, which is why having a mediation lawyer can be so useful. They can help you evaluate the offer for your particular circumstances.

Q: What to Say and What Not to Say in Mediation?

A: The most important thing to remember during mediation is to remain civil and respectful. Make sure to keep insults and disrespect out of the mediation. You can help your mediation by taking the following measures:

• Participating fully in the mediation events
• Bringing important documents
• Working toward problem-solving
• Practicing persuasion skills
• Focusing on your interests
• Being patient

Contact Our Mediation Team Today

At Najera Law Group, APC, we are focused on bringing you fine representation in and out of the courtroom. If you work with our mediation lawyers, you’ll find that our experience can help you through the sometimes lengthy and complicated process and toward a solution.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.