Our Services
Peaceful, practical resolutions for civil, divorce, probate, and real estate disputes across Southern California.
At SoCal Mediation Center, we help families, business owners, and neighbors resolve conflicts quickly and privately—without the strain and expense of prolonged litigation. Led by mediator Steve Lopez, Esq. (20+ years in California practice; Master's in Negotiation & Conflict Resolution), our process is structured, confidential, and solution-focused.
Call: (562) 904-1193 | Request a Consult: Start the confidential intake form
Why Choose SoCal Mediation Center?
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Experienced Neutral: Attorney-mediator with deep civil, family, probate, and real estate background.
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Faster & Lower Cost: Set sessions on your timeline; reduce fees and court delays.
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Confidential: Keep sensitive issues out of public records and headlines.
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Control & Clarity: You craft the outcome—agreements tailored to real-world needs.
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Bilingual Option: Spanish/English mediation available.
Civil & Business Mediation
Disputes we handle: partnership fallouts, contract claims, unpaid invoices, HOA and neighbor conflicts, professional services, and small-to-mid market deals.
What to expect: clear issue-framing, focused caucuses, number-driven risk analysis, and written settlement terms that are usable—not theoretical.
Ideal for: owners who value privacy, continuity of operations, and brand protection.
Divorce & Family Mediation
Issues resolved: parenting plans, child support, spousal support, property/debt division, business interests, and post-judgment modifications.
How it works: we facilitate respectful discussion, map interests, exchange disclosures, and translate agreements into a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) suitable for filing with the court.
Benefits: child-centered planning, reduced conflict, and significant cost/time savings compared to litigation.
Probate & Trust Mediation
Typical matters: will/trust disputes, lost or ambiguous instruments, fiduciary duty concerns, informal accountings, distribution terms, and family business succession issues.
Our approach: protect estate/business value, maintain family dignity, and—where appropriate—craft post-death trust modifications or stipulations for court approval after a mediated agreement.
Goal: resolve quietly so assets, reputation, and relationships are preserved.
Real Estate Mediation
Common cases: easements and access, partitions, buy-sell disputes, nondisclosure, escrow/title issues, landlord-tenant, construction/repairs, HOA/Davis-Stirling questions.
Process: align facts (title docs, maps, inspections), quantify risk, and convert terms into clear settlement language (e.g., access protocols, repairs, credits, payment schedules).
Outcome: practical, recordable, and enforceable solutions that keep projects moving.
Our Mediation Process
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Free Case Fit Call (10–15 min): confirm neutrality and suitability.
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Intake & Document Exchange: efficient, secure uploads; clear issues list.
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Session(s): joint and private caucuses; offers built on interests and risk.
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Agreement Drafting: plain-English terms, filing/implementation guidance.
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Follow-Through: we coordinate signatures and, if needed, court submission.
Ready to move forward? (818) 340-4479 • Complete the intake form
What You'll Get
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A neutral, structured process
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Clear agendas and time-boxed sessions
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Realistic numbers and timelines
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Written agreements you can rely on
Service Area
Los Angeles • Orange County • Ventura • Riverside • San Bernardino • San Diego (virtual or in-person by arrangement)
FAQs
Is mediation binding?
When parties sign a written settlement at or after mediation, it can be made enforceable under California law (e.g., Code Civ. Proc. § 664.6).
Do I need my own lawyer?
We recommend each party obtain independent legal advice. The mediator is a neutral and does not represent either side.
How many sessions will we need?
Many matters resolve in 1–2 sessions; complex estate or business issues may require additional time.
What if we already filed in court?
No problem. Mediation can pause litigation, narrow issues, and lead to a stipulated judgment or dismissal.