I am a family law attorney and limit my practice to settlement, specializing in collaborative law, and mediation. I also provide ‘unbundled’ or ‘limited scope’ services to help with specific questions or issues as needed, serve as a consulting attorney and settlement counsel.

I believe that divorce is a problem to be solved, not a battle to be won. And because it is important to me that my work align with my values, which include respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, my practice is limited to out of court settlement options. Divorce is not primarily a legal problem. It is an emotional problem with legal consequences. And in most cases, traditional litigation only serves to exacerbate both the emotional and financial problems, and is a poor way to deal with the legal consequences.

As the child of a sad and painful divorce that resulted in total estrangement from a parent, I know too well that divorce done the wrong way can cause financial and emotional pain that lasts for generations. And I am committed to helping resolve these issues outside of court with their personal and economic dignity intact.

I offer an initial consultation for you to learn about the various options available to resolve your family dispute or dissolve your marriage so that you can make an educated choice about how best to proceed.

Awards

  • Recipient, 2006 Wiley Manuel Award for Pro Bono Service

Education

  • University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA - J.D. - 1999

    Dean’s List
    Sr. Articles Editor, Santa Clara Law Review
    AmJur award Legal Research & Writing
    Comment published in Santa Clara Law Review, Emissions Trading: Pollution Panacea or Environmental Injustice

  • University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada - B.S. - 1982

    Biology & Psychology

Bar Associations

  • California Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Santa Clara County Bar Association
  • Alameda County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Association for Conflict Resolution
  • Mediators Without Borders, Founding Member
  • International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers
  • Founding Member, Academy of Professional Family Mediators.

What They Are Saying About Us

"Thank you for your guidance through this process. I really appreciated your mediation and would recommend you highly. It's a difficult process and you made it as painless as possible. Thanks again and best wishes."

Jeanne

"Thank you for your support through this long year. I really appreciate how kind and considerate you were through the whole legal process."

Bonnie

"I still believe that generosity is its own reward, that kindness will prevail. That might does not make right, that a soft answer turns away wrath. I still believe that there is power in gentleness, that there is more to us than flesh and bone. That life will bring more happiness if lived for peace...

Debbie

Contact Us

  1. 1 Partnership
  2. 2 Guidance
  3. 3 Trust
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