los angeles divorce mediator Leyla Balakhane

About Leyla

Leyla Balakhane, Divorce and Family Law Mediator.

About us

Leyla Balakhane, a professional divorce and family mediator, exemplifies excellence and compassion in the field of conflict resolution. With her extensive background as a facilitator, coach, and trainer, she has devoted her career to promoting fairness and understanding in family matters. With a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a happy, safe, and loving home, Leyla embodies the ideals of compassion and dedication. She stands as a shining example of what it means to truly make a difference in society

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA), Leyla has the opportunity to influence the direction of the field and as the chair of membership with SCMA, she plays a crucial role in shaping the future of mediation. Her dedication and service have been recognized with the prestigious 2023 President’s Award from the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA), highlighting her significant influence and commitment. Leyla’s expertise and achievements have earned her recognition as a distinguished member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Arbitration Panel (LACBA), the SCMA, and a Certified Advanced Practitioner of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM). She also sparks inspiration in her colleagues as the head of the monthly SCMA’s Professional Development Group for Family Law Mediators. With her extensive knowledge and expertise, she generously shares her wisdom and guidance with fellow professionals, elevating their abilities and empowering them to reach new heights. And through her connections, she brings in the most sought-after speakers to impart their knowledge and inspire growth in the field. Leyla plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of family mediation, both locally and globally. As a key member of the Board of Directors for the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, she brings her extensive knowledge and experience to the forefront, tirelessly working to refine and elevate family mediation practices. Her influence, however, extends far beyond the local level.

In her global capacity, Leyla serves on the Academy of Professional Family Mediators Committee, a crucial unit that bridges State, National, and International Mediation Associations. This role places her at the heart of international efforts, where she collaborates with top mediation leaders from around the world. Her contributions are vital in promoting their initiatives, fostering a shared vision, and significantly advancing the practice of mediation on a global scale.

Leyla’s work is more than just a commitment to her profession; it’s a vital link that connects diverse cultures and mediation practices. Her efforts are central to the elevation of the field of mediation, not just in her immediate community but across the world. Through her visionary leadership and dedicated service, Leyla is not only enhancing the present landscape of family mediation but also laying the groundwork for its future, marking her as a true change-maker in the field.

With a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and economic awareness, Leyla’s approach to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is highly effective, helping families find solutions that work for them. At Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court, Leyla mentors other mediators, guiding them in resolving complex cases that impact the lives of children. Her clients leave with a sense of empowerment, as Leyla works with each family to explore options that suit their unique needs, allowing them to shape their future and participate fully in the decision-making process.

Leyla’s mediation skills are rooted in empathy and understanding, allowing her to get to the heart of each conflict and alleviate the stress and tension that often accompany separations. Her cooperative approach encourages families to work on rebuilding relationships, promoting positive communication, and making decisions that are in the best interests of their children.

In addition to divorce, Leyla offers mediation services for a range of life issues, including adoption, interpersonal relations, family businesses, guardianship, conservatorship and eldercare, pre-marital mediation, post-marital mediation, dissolution of non-marital relationships, teen issues, parent coordination, blended family mediation, and cohabitation agreements. Leyla’s work is an expression of her deep-seated commitment to making a difference in the world and improving the lives of others.

Mediation Experience

Balakhane Mediation–Family Law Mediator
Britton White Mediation Services – Family Law Mediator
Los Angeles Bar Association – Fee Arbitrator
Children’s Courthouse – Supervise and mentor mediators and law students in performing child custody and visitation arrangements, draft mediation agreements, and create parenting plans that are informed by the court exit orders
ADR Panel, Los Angeles Superior Court–Served as a mediator in family law and civil disputes
LA Mediate, Family Law Mediator Panel –Served as a Family Law Mediator
Center for Dispute Resolution Panel – Served as a mediator in Los Angeles Superior Court for small claims resulting in 90% in written settlement agreements
California Academy of Mediation Professionals (CAMP) Mediator Panel – Mediated unlawful detainer, civil harassment, elderly abuse, domestic violence, limited jurisdiction, and small claims cases
Inglewood Superior Courthouse – Volunteer at the legal clinic for domestic violence restraining orders
Mosten Mediation Training, Mediation Coach – 40 Hour Divorce Mediation
USC Gould School of Law, Mediation Coach – Children & Dependency Mediation
Pepperdine and USC Law School, Mediation Trainer and Coach – Courtroom Mediation Skills

Mediation Training & Education

USC Law School – 40 hour of Children & Dependency Mediation·
Pepperdine School of Law – Advanced Mediation Training in Family Law Dispute Resolution
Seeds Community Resolution Center – 40-hour Mediator Certification
Santa Clara County Superior Court – 40-hour Mediation Training
Los Angeles County Bar Association – Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Arbitration Training
Marina Collaborative Divorce Group – Mediation Training on Collaborative Divorce
Santa Clara County Superior Court – Advanced Mediation Skills Practicum
High Conflict Institute – Training on how to manage disputes involving high conflict personalities and personality disorders in mediation
Santa Clara County Superior Court – Mediation and Negotiation Workshop·
American Institute of Mediation – Legal Nuts & Bolts Course
National Business Institute – 25 Hour Family Law Training
Centinela Youth Services – Mediation Training
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs Dispute Resolution Program – Civil Harassment Mediation Training & Advanced Mediation Techniques
CSUDH–M.A. in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, 2011 – Distinguished Scholar Award
Loyola Marymount University – B.A. in Psychology, 1999

Sue Gramacy

October 25, 2022.

I recommend Leyla Balakhane for resolving family disputes. She listens carefully, appreciates the emotions and needs that underline each conversation . She is genuinely concerned with the well being of all parties involved. She is very effective. What’s great is she always focuses on the best interest of the children. I have worked with Leyla for over 10 years and have watched her work her magic with families. Sue Gramacy

Stacey Lisk

October 14, 2022.

Leyla Balakhane was one of the supervising mediators that worked with us at Edmund D Edelman Children’s Court. Given that she was one of the top mediators working on unlawful detainer cases, she was referred by a judge who found her to be incredibly gifted in what she does and felt that she would be a great asset in working with families. Leyla has a natural ability to connect with the families and helping them reach agreements that is far above whats required. Given that she was very interested in growing in her practice, she was able to help create a more in-depth and detailed parenting checklist which led to a higher success rate in or mediations at the Children’s Court. Because of Leyla many families have more profound and insightful agreements. I would add supervising mediator

Your RN Attorney Jennifer Johnston Terando

October 12, 2022.

Leyla Balakhane is knowledgable, compassionate, and effective. I highly recommend her as a mediator.

Shsavina TehrNi

October 10, 2022.

Thank you Leyla for helping us finalize a very difficult journey. We are able to have a better coparenting relationship because of everything you taught us. We are both very grateful for helping us resolve all issues in an amicable manner.

Rachel Hsiung

March 17, 2022.

Leyla is professional, patient and wonderful person to work with. She’s a good negotiator and listener to help her clients to get amicable results.

Noah Stern

October 9, 2021.

Layla is a superb mediator. She helped my family through a tough time with ease. I highly recommend Leyla for any family going through a challenging time.

sepideh doust

March 28, 2021.

Leyla Balakhane was my supervising mediator at children's courthouse. She taught me great communication tools to implement in my mediation practice. She helps the family, social worker, attorneys, and others involved in the case facilitate meaningful discussion and resolve the issues sent to mediation. Her level of wisdom is uncanny. She is able to bring awareness for parents to make the best decision for their family. I would highly recommend her as a skilled mediator in the field of family mediation.

Zak Shapiro

January 22, 2021.

Leyla is an exemplary mediator for couples going through a divorce. She has the couples best interest in mind at all times through out the mediation process. She truly supports couples in making the best decision for them, whether its to help work towards reconciliation or agree on divorce terms. She helps couple find creative and collaborative solutions for their division of assets and debts. She is patient and understanding of what both parties are going though, and she carefully and thoughtfully helps to find a solution. I Cannot recommend her enough!

Matthew Khorsandi

September 28, 2020.

Leyla is an incredible mediator with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most importantly, she genuinely cares for the people she works with. Highly recommend.