Understanding the Role of a Divorce Mediation and a Real Estate Professional in the Divorce Process

Posted in Divorce, Families and Divorce, Financial, Mediation.

During our recent webinar, “Understanding the Role of a divorce Mediator and a Real Estate Professional in the Divorce Process,” which I co-hosted with Erik Brown, we delved into the importance of residential property in divorce mediation. One of the key issues we discussed was what to do when clients cannot agree on the value of their home. In such cases, I typically offer two options: a free real estate professional opinion or a paid appraisal by a real estate appraiser. Erik, with his vast experience in the field, provided valuable insights on the assessment of real estate.Additionally, I went on to discuss several property division options available to divorcing couples, including a buyout where one spouse purchases the other’s share of the jointly-owned asset, such as a house. I highlighted the importance of considering factors like refinancing eligibility and the type of ownership, such as joint tenancy or tenants in common. I also explored deferred sale, converting the property into a rental property, or selling it to a third party as potential solutions for property division.

During the webinar, I shared my approach to using the Equity/Gain Form to analyze both the equity on the house and the capital gains tax on the house, which can be used during negotiations. By educating clients on how to consider the house in terms of gross equity, net equity, and potential capital gains tax, I aim to help them make informed decisions during the buyout transaction.

I stressed the importance of a comprehensive settlement that addresses all the issues in the divorce, rather than just focusing on a single aspect. Through mediation, clients can work together to find solutions that work for everyone, leading to a fair and equitable resolution to their divorce.

If you weren’t able to attend the webinar, it’s now available for viewing. If you have any questions or concerns about your divorce and would like to discuss them with me further, I would be more than happy to offer you a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Erik and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who registered and attended our webinar. We truly appreciate your time and participation, and we hope you found the information helpful. Thank you for making the event a success, and we look forward to connecting with you in the future.

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.