Providing Divorce Mediation Services Throughout California

Best Divorce Mediation Attorneys in Orange County, CA

Divorce is stressful enough. Work with top divorce mediators Dina & Samira to take control of your case in Orange County, Ca offering the most comprehensive divorce mediation services.

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Divorce Mediation in Orange County, California

Divorce Mediation Services in Orange County, Ca

Want to seek a time-efficient and inexpensive divorce in Orange County, CA? Divorce mediation is the best and most intelligent alternative for the peaceful dissolution of marriage. 

Are you the best candidate for Divorce Mediation in Orange County, CA?

Every couple who wants to seek a personalized solution and quality agreement can benefit from divorce mediation. Divorce mediation is especially useful if you happen to fall into these categories:

(a)-Married couples (in the divorce process) looking to maintain an amicable relationship. (b)-Parents (especially when they have younger children) who have to adhere to strict schedules and can’t make the trip to the courthouse. (c)-Those seeking cost-efficient solutions that keep them in control of their divorce process.

Why Mediate in Orange County?

Families First Mediation empowers you to remain in control of your divorce rather than putting it into a public atmosphere with a judge. Here are its benefits: 

  • Mediation has a higher rate of compliance than traditional divorce. 
  • It is a time-friendly process. In Orange County, you can expect 7-10 sessions to reach a long-lasting agreement. 
  • It costs you $ 5,000—$15,000, including a filing fee of $450. However, divorce expenses through divorce litigation can go beyond $100,000.
  • Families First Mediation uses mediation to preserve post-divorce relationships, which can help divorcing couples maintain amicable relationships and continue to share family events.

Who is Dina Haddad? Why is she the client’s first choice in Orange County, CA?

Dina Haddad is the owner and principal of Families First Mediation. She has practised family law in both Southern and Northern California and completed a doctorate law degree in alternative dispute resolution, with an emphasis in mediation.

Ms. Haddad has successfully helped thousands of Orange County divorcing couples in high conflict and high assets cases. Because of her excellence in mediation and dispute resolution, she was nominated as a ‘super-lawyer’ in California. 

Thus, her excellence and professionalism in helping divorcing couples have made her client’s first choice on the reputed platform “Avvo”.

LEARN ALL ABOUT MEDIATORS

Meet Your Future Mediation Team

Families First Mediation Mediator Dina Haddad

Dina Haddad, Esq.

Principal & Founder Attorney-Mediator

Dina is the founder and principal of Families First Mediation. Her mission is make A-class services available to clients at all socio-economic levels by providing her commitment to excellence at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce options.

She has practiced family law in both Southern and Northern California, at some of the most prestigious law firms. She completed post-doctorate law degree in mediation, a Masters in Law in Alternate Dispute Resolution from the premier Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. For more than 9 consecutive years, Straus was ranked the number one dispute resolution program by U.S. News and World Report. Straus received this honor again for 2018. Very few mediators, particularly in family law, have this unique training.

Phone Number:

(408) 357-3486

Email:

Samira Amato, Esq.

Divorce Attorney-Mediator

Deborah Yamashiro

Senior Paralegal

Elizabeth Stephens

Financial Mediator

Katherine Pearson

Case Manager & Paralegal

How Does Our 4 Steps Divorce Mediation Process Look Like In Long Beach, California?

1

Book a Free Consultation

Start your mediation by booking a free video consultation with our divorce mediator.

2

Mediate An Agreement

In this step, you meet the attorney-mediator and your spouse in a working session. Our divorce mediator guides you and your spouse to understand California family laws and explore options (property division, parenting, and child custody) for a fair settlement plan.

3

Complete Disclosures

In the third step, our mediator assists divorcing couples in completing the necessary financial disclosures required for a California divorce.

4

Let's Submit Your MSA with the Court for Final Divorce Judgment

Our mediators will draft and finalize a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). Then, mediators present it to both you and your spouse. Once you both sign the MSA, we will submit it to the court for a final divorce decree. That’s It. Got Questions? Let’s Chat.

Looking For An Experienced Divorce Mediator?

Faith Based DIvorce Attorney Mediator

See What Our Clients Say About Us

Lynn
Lynn
Verified
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"Dina Haddad and Families First made a difficult process so much easier for us. For families with complex situations, Dina is the perfect choice. She has so many potential solutions at her fingertips and offers good advice while working through the choices. We were grateful to have found her and Families First."
Steven
Steven
Verified
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"Very good experience. Dina knows how to get everyone on the same page while keeping both parties on friendly terms. This was a very amicable resolution thanks to Dina. I would highly recommend anyone going through this versus hiring separate attorneys and ending on not so friendly terms. We are still friends and care for the welfare of each other, well worth it!"
John
John
Verified
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"We like the way Dina Haddad and Families First Mediation made the well-being of our kids their top priority. They guided us through what could have been a messy process, and looked out for the best interests of both of us. Dina and Deborah were easy to work with, and made our divorce much less stressful than it would have been if we had gone through opposing lawyers."
Veronica
Veronica
Verified
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"As much as you can love going through mediation and divorce, Dina H. is the one to help you come to a positive outcome. She has good ideas and alternatives that you may not think about with a traditional divorce. She is always fair and good at maintaining rules and boundaries. I would recommend her to anyone that has to go through this grueling process."
Andres
Andres
Verified
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“Divorce is never something you plan for and the complexity and legality of it is something most couples don’t know, understand or inquire about... Samira and Deborah are organized, professional, empathetic, knowledgeable, and efficient. They made the process simple and clear, ensuring both parties were satisfied. They answered and addressed all questions and concerns always being neutral. I’ll highly recommend it if you want to avoid the courtroom and save some headaches! Thank you Samira and Deborah!!!!”
Araceli
Araceli
Verified
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"I highly recommend Dina and Deborah at Families First Mediation. Dina is awesome she helped guide us from beginning to the end through this very hard and emotional process of Divorce. I loved her compassion towards our needs and looked out for the best interest of our family. This is one of the hardest and complicated things to go through and she made sure we understood everything answering all of our questions. We really appreciate all your help and how smoothly the whole process went Thank-you."
David
David
Verified
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"Dina is very knowledgeable both in terms of the divorce laws and accounting. She is a great listener and amazing in finding a solution that works for both parties. She has a very creative mind to resolve conflicts be it about child custody, scheduling or asset division."
Dolores
Dolores
Verified
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"Families First really helped make a difficult process seamless and helped us keep our friendship intact. Thanks to Dina and Deborah, we were able to look at everything honestly, openly, and together in a safe and friendly manner. They are wonderful!"
Matt
Matt
Verified
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"Dina and Deborah helped us maintain our MSA, even years later, with the same kindness and professionalism as the first time we all worked together. We've both come to trust FFM after both of us would independently check-in with our lawyers. Dina and FFM never failed to give us both fair and reasonable advice and direction."
Sharon
Sharon
Verified
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"I highly recommend Families First Mediation if you and your spouse are thinking about going separate ways. Dina and team are friendly, easy to work with, thorough, and responsive. They made a difficult transition seamless, which is not easy to do given the reason people go to see them in the first place. Dina always made sure to be fair to both of us in a gentle, yet poignant way. I wouldn't hesitate to use her services again should the need arise, and would highly recommend her to anyone!"
Carla
Carla
Verified
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"While this process can be full of emotion and never easy, Dina showed excellent professionalism and compassion during the entire process. We selected her after speaking with several mediators. She was thoughtful, thorough, and patient in explaining what to expect. Throughout the process, she explained the various pros and cons of each decision, made sure we understood the various details of each point, and was creative in finding alternative ways to reach solutions when necessary. Her suggestions were fair and she never pressured us into a decision until we were ready. I've already recommended her services to several other people and will continue to do so."
Jonathan
Jonathan
Verified
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"For anyone out there navigating the legal complexities and emotional fallout of a divorce with children involved, I’d recommend Dina and Families First Mediation without a shred of reservation. She was able to skillfully work with us in acknowledging the emotional ramifications with compassion, while always maintaining a fair-minded and focused approach throughout that kept the process moving. In the end, we arrived at an agreement that was in the best interest of all parties involved, without needing to set foot in a court room or throw thousands of dollars away in litigation. Thank you, Dina!"
Annie
Annie
Verified
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"The transition out of marriage has been difficult and emotional. Dina has shown excellent professionalism throughout the process. She has a warm sensitivity that allows both parties to see what is most beneficial for the family unit. I thank her for all her hard work and her quick email responses during this challenging time. Dina comes with quality legal experience and advocates for BOTH sides. Most of all, I am thankful that she has helped our family as a whole work through this. My children and my ex-husband can now move forward and rebuild our lives. Thank you Dina."
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Learn more about Divorce Mediation and how it can help your family

Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce mediation is a non-adversarial process in which the divorce mediator – specially trained for this purpose – helps couples find solutions without  going to court regarding the following issues: 

  • Asset and debt division;
  • Child and spousal support;
  • Child custody;
  • Parenting plans; and
  • Debt allocation. 

Families First Mediation mediators take on the following roles:

  • The mediators foster creative communication between parties.
  • Our mediators identify issues that can create future problems.
  • Our mediators also assist with retirement division and equalization.
  • They draft the MSA and file the agreement. 
  • They provide child and spousal support calculations using DissoMaster and Family Code Section 4320. 
  • They also prepare and file documents and agreements in court

No, mediation is not mandatory for divorce in Morgan Hill, CA. However, a few family court counties require custody mediation before you have a court hearing on custody. 

Mediation is a great tool to navigate your divorce effectively, and should be considered as a first option before pursuing traditional options like litigation.

Here are 2 reasons why divorce mediation is the best option in Orange County: 

  • Little to No Stress: Mediation is less stressful as both spouses collaborate to reach the final agreement. 
  • Inexpensive Process: Mediation is a more affordable option ($5000 – $15000) than a litigated divorce. 

Yes, unmarried couples, except common law married couples, can use divorce mediation in California to settle their issues. 

California State recognizes domestic partnerships, and separating couples can use mediation to settle their issues like married couples.

Usually, mediation takes place in a neutral setting where spouses may communicate effectively. 

Below are the settings where mediation takes place: 

  • Law office;
  • Mediation centers;
  • Community centers or rental office spaces; and 
  • Video conferencing platforms (online mediation). 

These 5 benefits of mediation make it the best option in Morgan Hill: 

  • It is super affordable. 
  • It is a time-friendly process. 
  • It is a peaceful route and does not involve emotional stress. 
  • It best protects the concerns of spouses and the interests of your child. 
  • It fosters post-divorce relationships. 

Yes, you can leave mediation anytime! It’s a voluntary process, unlike the court hearings. If you feel a biased environment or mediator, you can leave it and try other mediators or alternate dispute resolution methods. 

However, it would only be best to leave mediation once you reach an agreement with your husband or wife on all divorce matters.