Legal Question in Mediation in California

Re: Breaking up with girlfriend after 4 1/2 years

You are asking if you can enforce a non marital domestic relationship agreement. The courts in Calfornia have done so in the past. Using a football draft system is probably not the best way to handle this problem. First make a list and see what you can agree upon, after setting forth what you really want. Try this on a day you seem to be getting along. The best method for handling this kind of situation is mediation. Check with you nearest Superior Court for a list of mediators who will handle this matter on a private basis, which will cost approximately Three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00)per hour. That introduces a distinterested third party accustomed to bringing two sides together into the process and should serve you well.

Re: Breaking up with girlfriend after 4 1/2 years

More and more couples seem to be using mediation as an economical and efficient alternative to the courts. Even where there is a divorce, sometimes the property and custody issues are settled in mediation, so you would be in good company if you choose this alternative. A mediator, however, does not force the parties to do anything or make any decisions, so the parties must be willing to sit down and work out their dispute (even if they do so in an acrimonious manner).

In mediation, you have the option of being represented by an attorney or not. Because you seem to have concerns related to property ownership because you paid the mortgage, you would be wise to consult with an attorney before entering into any settlement agreement.

I am a qualified mediator and conduct mediations for the courts in Los Angeles County. If you would like more information about mediation, I suggest you visit the court's website at http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/adr/ or call me at 323-653-6580.