PracticalFamily Mediation

Family Mediation

Divorce & SeparationProperty, parenting, and financial conversations, without the fight Parenting PlansSchedules, holidays, and responsibilities, clearly agreed Family Financial DisputesShared obligations and money decisions that need clarity

Legacy & Care

Inheritance DisputesEstates, family property, and unresolved tension Sibling DisputesAdult siblings navigating family decisions together Aging Parent DecisionsCare, safety, and responsibilities, decided calmly

Business

Family Business DisputesOwnership, succession, and role clarity Business Partner DisputesResolve disagreements without rushing to litigation Practical Business MediationA neutral process for owners and partners

Not sure where you fit?

Most families arrive with more than one issue tangled together. A first conversation sorts out what mediation can actually help with.

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The Process

The Five StepsFrom first call to a signed agreement Inside a SessionWhat each step actually looks like What to ExpectTrue of every session

Before You Begin

Is Mediation Right for Us?An honest look at what fits Areas We ServeAcross the San Fernando Valley Questions About the ProcessThe most common first questions
A calm, structured path See the full process

Meet Marissa

Her StorySomeone who understands the whole picture How Marissa WorksHer approach in the room Guiding PrinciplesWhat shapes every session

Working Together

Who She HelpsThe conversations Marissa mediates Common QuestionsHow mediation actually works Book a ConsultationTalk it through, no pressure
Marissa Chen, J.D. Marissa Read her full story

Cost & Court

Mediation Cost in CaliforniaWhat to expect, and why Mediation vs. LitigationThe alternative to court Before It Gets ExpensiveAct early, spend less

Prepare & Choose

Prepare for Your First SessionWalk in ready Questions to Ask a MediatorChoose the right one What Mediation Can & Cannot DoSet the right expectations
Plain-language guidance Browse all resources

Browse by Topic

What Mediation IsHow it works, and who it is for Legal & ConfidentialityAdvice, representation, privacy Cost & Getting StartedPricing, timing, first steps

Helpful Reading

Mediation Cost GuideReal numbers for California Prepare for a SessionWhat to bring and think about How Mediation WorksThe full five-step process
Still have a question? Read all FAQs

Get in Touch

Schedule a ConsultationA calm, private first conversation Email Marissamarissa@practicalfamilymediation.com Areas We ServeAcross the San Fernando Valley

Before You Reach Out

How Mediation WorksKnow what to expect first Is Mediation Right for Us?An honest fit check Read the FAQAnswers to the common questions
Start the conversation Schedule a consultation

Mediation for the disputes families actually face.

Every family and every business is different. These are the conversations Practical Family Mediation is built to help you work through: calmly, on your terms, and before conflict becomes an expensive legal battle.

Schedule a Private Consultation
Marissa Chen, J.D., law-trained mediator
How to use this page

One neutral process, applied to the moments that matter most.

Mediation is a structured conversation guided by a neutral third person. It is not therapy, and it is not litigation. The goal is not to decide who is right or wrong. It is to help everyone at the table identify the real issues, understand each other's priorities, weigh options, and reach practical agreements they can live with. Choose the area closest to your situation below. If you are not sure where you fit, that is common, and a private consultation can help you find the right starting point.

What we help with

Seven ways mediation can help you move forward.

Each area below leads to a dedicated page with plain-language guidance, common questions, and a clear sense of what mediation can and cannot do.

Two adults discussing next steps at a table

Divorce & Separation Mediation

For couples who need help discussing property, parenting, support-related conversations, and next steps without turning every decision into a fight.

Explore this service
A parent and child in a warm, calm moment at home

Co-Parenting & Parenting Plans

For parents who need a structured conversation around schedules, responsibilities, communication, holidays, school decisions, and expectations.

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Hands reviewing documents together at a warm wooden table

Family Financial Mediation

For families navigating money disagreements, shared obligations, divorce-related finances, inheritance concerns, or decisions that require clarity.

Explore this service
Two adults in a calm conversation on a sofa

Inheritance & Sibling Disputes

For adult children, siblings, and relatives facing conflict over estates, family property, caregiving responsibilities, or unresolved family tension.

Explore this service
An adult child and an aging parent talking in a bright living room

Elder Care & Aging Parent Mediation

For families trying to make practical decisions about care, safety, responsibilities, and living arrangements before resentment grows.

Explore this service
Two people in a focused, respectful business conversation

Family Business Mediation

For relatives and partners who need help with ownership disagreements, succession questions, role confusion, or communication breakdowns.

Explore this service
Two business partners in a focused conversation across a desk

Business Law Mediation

For business owners and partners who want a neutral process for resolving disputes without immediately escalating to litigation.

Explore this service
Where we work

Serving the San Fernando Valley and nearby communities.

Practical Family Mediation works with families and business owners across the San Fernando Valley and surrounding Southern California communities. Sessions are arranged by appointment.

San Fernando Valley Sherman Oaks Encino Tarzana Woodland Hills Studio City Northridge Van Nuys Calabasas Thousand Oaks Burbank Glendale Pasadena
Start here

Not sure which area fits your situation?

That is common. A private consultation is a calm, confidential first conversation to understand what you are facing and whether mediation is the right next step. There is no pressure and no obligation to continue.

Schedule a Private Consultation