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Divorce Mediation

What Is Divorce Mediation?

We understand that the decision to divorce can be a difficult one. There are many paths you can take and divorce mediation is one of them. Divorce mediation is a collaborative alternative to traditional divorce litigation. Divorce mediation is a voluntary process through which you make decisions together with your spouse based on an understanding of your views, your spouse’s views, and the reality you face.

At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, our goal is to provide our clients with the personal attention necessary throughout every step of the process to ensure the best possible outcome can be achieved.

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Our Approach to Divorce Mediation

Our goal is to be compassionate and helpful during the challenges you may face in your life. At GFT, LLP, we provide our clients with the professional and gentle service necessary to walk you through divorce proceedings, which can be an incredibly difficult time. The decision to divorce is never an easy one and divorce mediation is a voluntary process through which you make decisions together with your spouse based on an understanding of your views, your spouse’s views, and the reality you face. A mediator facilitates your discussions but does not give advice or make decisions.

At Gilligan, Frisco, & Trutanich LLP, we will always do our best to advocate for you in order to obtain the most amicable outcome possible in such a difficult situation.

How Divorce Mediation Works

At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, we find that mediation is one of the most painless methods of separating with a former spouse and we are able to offer the resources need to make it run smoothly. Mediation allows both spouses to speak to a mutually agreed upon attorney in order to resolve any prior issues. The mediation process can be done in person or remotely via digital methods. During the mediation process, the divorce mediator may make suggestions as to how the various disputed issues can be resolved and what the process would be if the matter were litigated. The parties meet with the divorce mediator to identify issues, complete exchanges of information, and use non-adversarial problem-solving techniques to come to an agreement. The parties can be supported in their decision-making by their own advising lawyer and other professionals such as, valuation experts, financial planners, accountants, and mental health professionals.

 

Divorce Mediation Lawyers Shaking Hands

What Is Divorce Mediation?

We understand that the decision to divorce can be a difficult one. There are many paths you can take and divorce mediation is one of them. Divorce mediation is a collaborative alternative to traditional divorce litigation. Divorce mediation is a voluntary process through which you make decisions together with your spouse based on an understanding of your views, your spouse’s views, and the reality you face.

At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, our goal is to provide our clients with the personal attention necessary throughout every step of the process to ensure the best possible outcome can be achieved.

Our Approach to Divorce Mediation

Mobile Homepage Hero

Our goal is to be compassionate and helpful during the challenges you may face in your life. At GFT, LLP, we provide our clients with the professional and gentle service necessary to walk you through divorce proceedings, which can be an incredibly difficult time. The decision to divorce is never an easy one and divorce mediation is a voluntary process through which you make decisions together with your spouse based on an understanding of your views, your spouse’s views, and the reality you face. A mediator facilitates your discussions but does not give advice or make decisions.

At Gilligan, Frisco, & Trutanich LLP, we will always do our best to advocate for you in order to obtain the most amicable outcome possible in such a difficult situation.

How Divorce Mediation Works

Divorce Mediation Lawyers Shaking Hands

At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, we find that mediation is one of the most painless methods of separating with a former spouse and we are able to offer the resources need to make it run smoothly. Mediation allows both spouses to speak to a mutually agreed upon attorney in order to resolve any prior issues. The mediation process can be done in person or remotely via digital methods. During the mediation process, the divorce mediator may make suggestions as to how the various disputed issues can be resolved and what the process would be if the matter were litigated. The parties meet with the divorce mediator to identify issues, complete exchanges of information, and use non-adversarial problem-solving techniques to come to an agreement. The parties can be supported in their decision-making by their own advising lawyer and other professionals such as, valuation experts, financial planners, accountants, and mental health professionals.

FAQs About Divorce Mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation is a non-adversarial alternative to traditional divorce litigation that aims to take the conflict out of the separation process.

What does a mediator do?

A mediator wears many hats. They may open the lines of communication between spouses to clarify their points of view, offer insight about the legal system, and identify alternative tactics for problem solving.

Do I have to get along with my spouse in order to do mediation?

No. You just have to be willing to attempt to do things amicably.

Can we solve child custody issues with mediation?

Sure. All of the same complicated issues involved in traditional divorce litigation can be resolved through mediation.

How long does mediation take?

Every separation is different, but most mediation cases usually take three to four two-hour sessions.

FAQs About Divorce Mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation is a non-adversarial alternative to traditional divorce litigation that aims to take the conflict out of the separation process.

What does a mediator do?

A mediator wears many hats. They may open the lines of communication between spouses to clarify their points of view, offer insight about the legal system, and identify alternative tactics for problem solving.

Do I have to get along with my spouse in order to do mediation?

No. You just have to be willing to attempt to do things amicably.

Can we solve child custody issues with mediation?

Sure. All of the same complicated issues involved in traditional divorce litigation can be resolved through mediation.

How long does mediation take?

Every separation is different, but most mediation cases usually take three to four two-hour sessions.

Our Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

When you’re going through a tough time, you need a full team on your side. Our five-attorney firm has all of the resources to attend to our clients’ needs.

John J. Gilligan, CFLS

John J. Gilligan, CFLS

John J. Gilligan, CFLS has practiced family law for 39 years and handled over 7500 family law matters. He sits on the Family Law Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar and donates several hours of his time each month to the court system as a mediator and Judge Pro Tem.

 

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Janine M. Frisco

Janine M. Frisco

Ms. Frisco’s first preference is always to mediate spousal, financial and custody issues, she is also a staunch advocate for her client’s and a relentless opponent in a court of law. Ms. Frisco regularly litigates complex trials, acts as a mediator for both parties, and collaborates when the parties pursue collaboration.

 

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Kristin Trutanich

Kristin Trutanich

Kristin Trutanich is a trial attorney with over 13 years of litigation experience. Prior to joining Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, Ms. Trutanich was a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. As a Deputy District Attorney, she tried over 70 jury trials involving domestic violence etc.

 

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Michael Sarris

Michael Sarris

Michael Sarris specializes in California family law with extensive experience in the areas of child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support and community property division. Mr. Sarris founded the Law Offices of Michael Sarris.

 

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Wendy K. Tse

Wendy K. Tse

Family law attorney, Wendy K. Tse, has practiced family law exclusively since 1998. Ms.Tse specializes in and has extensive experience with matters pertaining to California divorce, contested custody disputes, child support, spousal support etc.

 

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Our Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

When you’re going through a tough time, you need a full team on your side. Our five-attorney firm has all of the resources to attend to our clients’ needs.

John J. Gilligan, CFLS

John J. Gilligan, CFLS

John J. Gilligan, CFLS has practiced family law for 39 years and handled over 7500 family law matters. He sits on the Family Law Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar and donates several hours of his time each month to the court system as a mediator and Judge Pro Tem.

 

LEARN MORE

Janine M. Frisco

Janine M. Frisco

Ms. Frisco’s first preference is always to mediate spousal, financial and custody issues, she is also a staunch advocate for her client’s and a relentless opponent in a court of law. Ms. Frisco regularly litigates complex trials, acts as a mediator for both parties, and collaborates when the parties pursue collaboration.

 

LEARN MORE

Kristin Trutanich

Kristin Trutanich

Kristin Trutanich is a trial attorney with over 13 years of litigation experience. Prior to joining Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, Ms. Trutanich was a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. As a Deputy District Attorney, she tried over 70 jury trials involving domestic violence etc.

 

LEARN MORE

Michael Sarris

Michael Sarris

Michael Sarris specializes in California family law with extensive experience in the areas of child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support and community property division. Mr. Sarris founded the Law Offices of Michael Sarris.

 

LEARN MORE

Wendy K. Tse

Wendy K. Tse

Family law attorney, Wendy K. Tse, has practiced family law exclusively since 1998. Ms.Tse specializes in and has extensive experience with matters pertaining to California divorce, contested custody disputes, child support, spousal support etc.

 

LEARN MORE

100+ YEARS COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE

Our Law Firm’s History

Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, was co-founded by John J. Gilligan, who has been practicing family law in Long Beach since 1981. Janine M. Frisco is also a partner, as is Kristin Trutanich. Together, they are the area’s most comprehensive legal stronghold.

GFT has helped individuals and their families surmount their legal difficulties for the past several decades. We are proud to serve Southern California, and have the dedication and experience required to handle every type of issue.

The Team of Attorneys
You’ve Been Looking For

Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through life’s murkiest waters. At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, we have the resources needed to represent clients in all aspects of family and criminal law.

The Team of Attorneys You’ve Been Looking For

Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through life’s murkiest waters. At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, we have the resources needed to represent clients in all aspects of family and criminal law.

Office
Locations

We have two offices conveniently located in Long Beach & Palos Verdes. We represent clients in courts throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.

Long Beach Office

One World Trade Center, Suite #1740
Long Beach, CA 90831
Telephone: (562) 431-2000
FAX: (562) 431-2100

Palos Verdes Office

2516 Vía Tejon, Suite 309
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Telephone: (310) 237-9001
FAX: (562) 431-2100

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