Now a Family Law Resource for the Superior Court of Los Angeles
Starting this month, MCLA will begin serving families of the Los Angeles Superior Court in family law matters through judicial referrals.
This program is designed to support a wide range of family law case types at a reduced rate available exclusively to court-referred litigants. Judges may refer matters that demonstrate a strong likelihood of resolution through mediation, providing families with an affordable and timely path toward settlement through virtual mediation sessions.
“We are excited to serve the families of Los Angeles County by adding this important service to our growing list of ADR programs.”
With the continued support of the Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge and ADR administrators, mediation continues to prove to be an effective tool for both the courts and litigants.
Judges will be able to refer family law matters including divorces and separations, custody arrangements, division of assets, and other family-related agreements.
Our panel of family law mediators also has access to specialized Family Law Software designed for family law professionals, allowing them to calculate support and generate detailed financial analyses to assist parties in reaching clear and informed agreements.
MCLA is pleased to launch this program in the coming weeks and provide Los Angeles families with an affordable, high-quality option for dispute resolution.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 1pm-2pm | Live Zoom Meeting
Modern Courts Require Scalable Mediation Systems
As courts continue facing rising caseloads, delays, and growing resource constraints, scalable mediation systems are becoming increasingly important to improving efficiency, accessibility, and resolution outcomes.
In a recent Daily Journal article, Myer Sankary discussed how technology-enabled mediation infrastructure can help courts manage growing demand while maintaining access to justice.
Myer highlights the importance of coordinated systems such as MCLA to support courts handling high case volumes with:
- Streamline intake
- Case management
- Mediator assignment
- Virtual dispute resolution
The future of court-connected ADR will require more than individual mediators alone. Courts increasingly need scalable operational systems capable of efficiently managing disputes while preserving professionalism, accessibility, and affordability for litigants.
As jurisdictions continue modernizing their approach to dispute resolution, scalable mediation infrastructure is becoming less of an alternative and more of a necessity.
Philip Barbaro
Philip Barbaro Jr., a seasoned attorney and mediator with more than 30 years of experience in probate, trust, , conservatorship, real estate, and general civil litigation matters.
Phil approaches his practice as a creative opportunity to structure a settlement, something that often cannot be accomplished through a formal trial.
A Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California, Philip finds these types of cases are especially appropriate for mediation because they require an innate understanding of family dynamics, where mediation can cultivate a safe and relaxed setting for communication and understanding.
An avid sailor outside of his practice, Phil brings the same steady hand and calm perspective to navigating sensitive family disputes through mediation.
Phil is a sailor of over 9 years, with various certifications from the American Sailing Association, now teaching new members and enjoying sailing trips with friends on the California coast and across the world.
Welcome to the MCLA Panel!
Talin Bahadarian
MCLA is pleased to welcome Talin Bahadarian to the panel of mediators.
Since 2005, Talin has served as a mediator, instructor, speaker, and ADR consultant, earning recognition for her thoughtful and effective approach to resolving complex disputes.
“Talin has worked her magic again…She is Superb.”
She brings extensive experience mediating employment matters for federal, state, county, and city agencies, including workplace discrimination, harassment, disability accommodations, retaliation, disciplinary actions, and labor-related conflicts.
Her practice also spans family, landlord-tenant, unlawful detainer, personal injury, business, real estate, consumer, and civil rights matters.
Over the course of her career, Talin has mediated nearly 1,000 disputes for agencies and organizations including the Department of Justice, EEOC, Los Angeles Superior Court, City and County of Los Angeles, USPS, TSA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What MCLA Clients are Saying
“Mediator was professional and helpful in resolving our matter.”
“From the beginning to the end, I thought the service was outstanding. The mediator was excellent. Our case was relatively easy, but still, it required skill to bring the parties to a good agreement. Thank you”
-Lauri Croce, Attorney at Law
“Easy to set up, very cost effective.”
-Robert A. Levinson, LAK&K Lawyers
“Efficient and effective administration. Mediator knew the issues and successfully pressed for resolution “
-Armando J Berriz, Alfonso and Berriz, APC
“Very good value and excellent result. Jeff Bases was great. He communicated well with my client and quickly got a resolution that was satisfactory to all parties involved.”
-Lauren Woodland, Novian & Novian LLP