Ariel Brownell Lee offers two separate mediation services for families navigating divorce, parenting arrangements, or property division. If you and the other party want help reaching an agreement together, you can choose Ariel as your neutral mediator. If you want legal advice about your own interests while working with another mediator, you can meet with Ariel individually.
When Ariel serves as your neutral mediator
You and the other party meet with Ariel together to identify the issues, exchange information, and explore possible agreements. You both decide which terms work for your family. Ariel guides the discussions impartially and represents neither party. Either of you can consult your own attorney for advice about a proposal before deciding whether to agree.
When Ariel advises you individually
If another mediator is leading the discussions, Ariel can serve as your consulting attorney. You can meet with her before a session to identify your priorities and decide what information to bring. As proposals develop, she can explain how the terms would affect you, help you prepare questions, and review a proposed agreement with you. In this role, her advice is for you alone.
Family court custody mediation
Court-connected custody mediation addresses custody and parenting time. It is different from broader settlement discussions about finances: child support and spousal support are not decided in that custody mediation process.
Consider safety and suitability
Mediation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Tell us about safety concerns, pressure from the other party, or difficulties obtaining information so we can discuss an appropriate way forward.
Can mediation address complex financial questions?
Mediation can provide a setting to discuss property, support, and other financial terms, including questions involving a business, real estate, or retirement accounts. Useful discussions depend on having enough information to understand the proposals. Missing records, different valuations, or questions about separate property may need further review before an agreement is ready.
When Ariel serves as the neutral mediator, she helps the participants work through these issues without advising either person as their attorney. If you need advice about how a proposed settlement affects your own interests, that is a separate role for independent counsel.
What should I prepare for a mediation consultation?
Start with the issues you would like to resolve, any existing court orders or draft agreements, and a summary of the relevant financial or parenting questions. Identify information that is missing and decisions that need prompt attention. You do not need to have every answer before discussing whether mediation fits your circumstances.
Does reaching an agreement finish a divorce?
Reaching agreement is an important step, but a divorce still requires the appropriate written terms and court paperwork. The work depends on the issues being resolved and the stage of the case. Before signing, make sure you understand the proposed terms and have had an opportunity to obtain independent legal advice.
The California Courts guide to written divorce agreements explains the general steps.
Move forward with clarity.
Consultations are paid appointments.