Questions people ask before they start.
Plain-English answers about how mediation works, what it costs, what it can and cannot do, and how to begin. Nothing here is legal advice, and independent legal counsel is encouraged where it matters.
Schedule a Private ConsultationWhat mediation is, and how it works.
A family mediator is a neutral third person who helps people in a dispute talk through the issues, understand each other's priorities, explore options, and work toward practical agreements. A mediator does not take sides, decide who is right, or provide legal advice.
Mediation can help with divorce and separation conversations, parenting plans, family financial disagreements, inheritance and sibling disputes, aging parent and elder care decisions, and family business conflicts.
Yes. Many people use mediation early, before a dispute escalates, to clarify issues and look for practical agreements. Mediation may help reduce avoidable conflict, delay, and expense when compared with unresolved disputes that escalate.
Yes. Mediation is voluntary. It works when both people are willing to sit down and talk through the issues with a neutral mediator.
Mediation works best when both people are willing to participate in good faith and communicate. It may not be the right fit where there is unwillingness to take part, or where safety is a concern. If you are unsure, a private consultation is a good place to talk it through, and independent legal counsel can help you weigh your options.
Legal advice, representation, and confidentiality.
Mediation itself is a conversation, not a court order. Any understanding reached can be written down, and participants can choose to have independent attorneys review or formalize it. Whether a written agreement becomes legally binding depends on the situation, so participants are encouraged to seek independent legal advice.
No. Practical Family Mediation provides mediation services only. It does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Participants are encouraged to consult independent attorneys before, during, or after mediation.
No. Marissa Guevara, J.D. is a law-trained mediator. She has earned a law degree but is not currently licensed to practice law in California, and she does not act as anyone's attorney or provide legal representation.
Participants may consult independent legal counsel at any point and, depending on the process, may involve their attorneys. Practical Family Mediation encourages independent legal advice when needed.
California has mediation confidentiality laws that generally protect communications made during mediation. The specifics can be nuanced, so participants should consult independent legal counsel for legal advice about confidentiality in their situation.
Cost, timing, and how to begin.
Cost depends on the number and length of sessions and the complexity of the issues. Mediation is often more cost-conscious than a drawn-out legal battle, though every situation is different. Reach out for current details.
It depends on the number and complexity of the issues. Some matters are worked through in a single session, while others need several. During a consultation we can give you a realistic sense of what your situation may involve. Every situation is different.
The first consultation is a private, confidential conversation to understand your situation, explain how mediation works, and discuss whether it is a fit. There is no pressure to continue, and it is a good moment to ask any questions you have.
Sessions are arranged by appointment. Depending on your situation and preferences, mediation can often be conducted online by video, alongside in-person options. Reach out to discuss what would work best for everyone involved.
Practical Family Mediation serves the San Fernando Valley and surrounding California communities, including Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Studio City, Northridge, Van Nuys, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and Thousand Oaks, as well as the wider Los Angeles County and Ventura County areas.
Start by requesting a private consultation through the contact page or by email. We will follow up to talk through your situation and, if mediation is a fit, plan practical next steps. Because mediation is voluntary, both people need to be willing to participate.
The clearest answers come from a conversation.
If your situation is not covered here, a private consultation is a calm, no-pressure way to ask your questions and understand whether mediation is a fit.
Start With a Conversation