Why Mediation?

Below you’ll find several reasons to choose mediation over litigation.

Reasons to Mediate

Is there a realistic alternative to the legal system? I believe there is. It is one in which results are obtained voluntarily, and decisions are made by consensus…. It is one in which people are encouraged to act honestly, empathetically, collaboratively, humbly, and creatively;… where people are allowed to be human, direct, and open; where anyone can understand what is happening and participate fully without professional jargon. It is one without coercion, that encourages collaboration and permits both sides to win. It is mediation.
– Ken Cloke

Mediation awards families better outcomes in their divorce proceedings, and it enables families to control the terms of their divorce. As your mediator, I will guide you through the decision making process, eliminating the high costs of a traditional divorce route while facilitating meaningful and productive discussions on the issues of parenting, support and the division of your property and debt.

Child’s best interests: Mediation reduces conflict, which allows for an easier adjustment for you and your children. Through understanding, open communication and guided conflict, I will work to help you to reach agreements that focus on the needs of your children and develop a positive parenting plan in the best interests of the family.

Mediation is Cost-Effective: Mediation saves time and money. Rather than paying for the costs of two lawyers, you pay for one mediator. With a trial, the process generally takes longer, so these fees can spiral out of control. Tack on the fees for conducting discovery, hiring financial and custody experts and preparing court documents, etc., and you are quickly eating into the assets you are trying to divvy up. As a mediator, I coordinate the use of accountants, appraisers and other experts as needed so that there is no duplication in the process.

There is faster resolution: Unlike court proceedings, which can take two to six years, mediation can be scheduled and completed in a matter of days. You can reach a resolution at your own pace. By avoiding the costs associated with an in-court divorce, you will emerge more financially stable.

There is greater confidentiality: When you go through the courts, your private affairs are no longer private-for example, financial details or parenting issues. With mediation, in contrast, you only meet with your spouse and your mediator. And your mediator signs a confidentiality agreement, further safeguarding your privacy.

Individual Attention: While working with me during the process of mediation, you will have the benefit of individual attention. This additional time and consideration typically results in better solutions that reflect your personal values, beliefs, and concerns.

Open Communication: Rather than a battle, you and your spouse are having a conversation about what is best for your family moving forward. Even if communication has broken down entirely, the mediation process gets it flowing again so that all needs are heard.

You control the process: Mediation gives you control over the terms of your agreement. In litigation, as contrasted to mediation, decisions will be made about your life (and your children’s lives) by a judge. By choosing mediation, you work with me to collectively decide on the best solution for everyone.

To schedule divorce mediation in Los Angeles, please contact Leyla Balakhane today.

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.