Off The Record Mediation Services, LLC
When families across California, New York, and New Jersey encounter disputes that are beyond resolution within the home, they turn to Off the Record Mediation Services LLC. We help couples and families from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, business owners, and individuals of high net worth, offering them innovative mediation solutions.
Our founder, Dorit L. Goikhman, is a seasoned family law attorney with specialized training in mediation. Committed to the highest ethical standards and guidelines, Dorit is well-versed in mediation practices across these states. Understanding the emotional and financial strain that family disputes can cause, Dorit collaborates closely with clients to address their most personal and pressing issues in a harmonious and cost-effective way. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, marital agreements, or probate administration, Off the Record Mediation Services is dedicated to finding the most suitable resolution for you and your family. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how we can assist you.
About Family Law Mediation in Santa Clara and San Mateo
Family law mediation is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method for resolving disputes without court intervention. Mediation is a voluntary process, meaning that both parties must agree to participate. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps couples going through a divorce or separation reach agreements on issues such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and property division.
As a family law mediator, Dorit does not make decisions for the parties but helps them communicate and negotiate with each other to find mutually acceptable solutions. At Off the Record, our comprehensive mediation services include:
Amicable Divorce
An amicable divorce is one where both parties work together with the assistance of a mediator to resolve issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support without court intervention. Amicable divorce allows both parties to move on with their lives more positively and cooperatively. An amicable divorce can offer several benefits, including:
Reduced Costs
The parties save on legal and court fees because the divorce is usually resolved outside of court.
Reduced Stress
An amicable divorce can be less stressful and less emotionally taxing than a litigated divorce.
Better Post-Divorce Relationship
An amicable divorce can help foster a positive relationship between the parties post-divorce, which can be especially beneficial when children are involved.
Greater Control
The parties have more control over the outcome of the divorce and can make decisions that are in the best interest of both parties.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree to all the terms. While there is no need for a trial or court intervention, the parties must submit their agreement to the court for approval. Notably, couples with minor children must agree on a parenting plan and child support arrangement before the court will grant a divorce.
After the parties submit the agreement to the court, a judge will review the agreement and, if everything is in order, issue a final divorce decree. An uncontested divorce can be a simpler and less expensive way to dissolve a marriage if both parties can work together and agree on all the terms.
Divorce Mediation
In divorce mediation, the parties work together with the assistance of a mediator to reach a mutually acceptable resolution without going to court. As a divorce mediator, Dorit L. Goikhman does not represent or provide legal advice to either party but rather facilitates discussions between the parties to help them reach an agreement. She often starts by meeting with the parties separately to understand their concerns and priorities and then brings them together to work through the issues and find common ground.
Above all, Dorit helps couples communicate effectively, explore options, and make informed decisions that work for both parties. Once they reach an agreement, she will draft a settlement agreement that reflects the terms, which both parties and their respective attorneys can review. The agreement is then submitted to the court for approval. In the end, using a divorce mediator can be a less adversarial way to resolve disputes, allow couples to maintain control over the outcome of their divorce, and help them move on to the next chapter in their lives.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
To be enforceable, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and entered into voluntarily. Both parties must also fully disclose their assets and liabilities to each other before signing the agreement. In short, these agreements can be useful tools for couples who want to protect their assets and clarify their financial responsibilities in the event of divorce or separation. Dorit leverages her legal knowledge and skills to negotiate and prepare prenuptial and postnuptial agreements:
Prenuptial Agreement
Also known as a premarital agreement, is signed before the couple gets married. The agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party in the event of divorce or separation and can cover a wide range of issues, including property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights.
Postnuptial Agreement
Postnuptial agreement is signed after the couple is already married. Like a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement can cover issues such as property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights.
Probate Mediation
Probate mediation is a form of ADR used to help parties involved in a dispute over a decedent’s estate resolve their issues outside of court. This process can save time and money, as well as reduce the stress and emotional turmoil that often accompanies litigation.
Probate mediation is a beneficial alternative to estate litigation, allowing family members to work together to reach a mutually acceptable resolution while avoiding the time, expense, and stress of going to court.
As a probate mediator, Dorit L. Goikhman has helped clients resolve disputes involving:
- The validity of a will or trust
- The interpretation of a will or trust
- The distribution of assets
- The appointment of a personal representative or trustee
- The management of an estate
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Off the Record Mediation Services LLC helps people with family law mediation in San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and San Mateo County.
Whether you are considering a divorce, are involved in a child custody dispute, or need assistance with any family law matter, Off the Record Mediation Services is here to help you find amicable solutions. Contact us today to get started.
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