Family Law (Divorce, Family Relations)/Expert Profile

Expertise

I AM ACCEPTING QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE IN CALIFORNIA ONLY OR QUESTIONS REGARDING CALIFORNIA. As a Mediator with a high settlement record, I am able to answer questions about negotiation, strategy, mediation, how to choose a divorce lawyer, choices and paths to take when embarking upon a family law matter. Also able to give extensive and creative co-parenting solutions. Custody, division of property, child support, spousal support, divorce process and procedure, in a neutral and non advisory fashion. I am unable to give direct legal advice on the internet and hope that all answers are viewed in the context of the limitations of this type of forum. I will endeavor however to provide an informative answer that is educational by nature. I have developed a unique form of Family Law Mediation and document assistance and provide my services through the Company I founded in 2000, PRIVATE COURTS. I utilize my experience as a divorce coach. Most people do not know what this is and you can read about it on my website at: http://www.privatecourts.com/divorcecoaching.html I draw your attention to this because it may be a good idea to recommend this newish modality to persons going through divorce. Please do not ask questions if you do not intend checking to see them. Also rating the answers is helpful to the expert and to other questiners. Thanks for your understanding. PLEASE IF YOU ASK A QUESTION COME BACK AND CHECK THE ANSWER - EXPERTS TAKE A LOT OF TME DOING THIS SERVICE AND ITS DEMORALIZING IF YOU DONT READ THE ANSWERS...THANKS.

Experience in the area

Twenty five years as a lawyer, business owner, and mediator.

Organizations

VP on Board of Fair Housing of Marin. (FHOM) Various ADR Panels and membership organizations. See website fr details www.privatecourts.com LGBT - www.divorcemediator.us Advocacy and blogging www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

Education/Credentials

BA LLB LLM

What do you like about this subject?

I like that people have alternatives that embrace non-litigious options. As hard as divorce may be, it can be seen as an opportunity - one where parents can focus on their children, become more observant and involved as parents. The big challenge is to co-parent well!

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to write a book about my unique mediation techniques. I hope to license my method so more people can do what I do. I would love to speak to groups to provide insight into how one can have a cost free 'legally safe life.'

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Mediate first - be prepared to be honest, in absolute good faith, to provide full disclosure and to compromise and you will come out a winner.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I believe divorce should not even happen through the 'Court system.' The 'Justice system' for family law, collapsed a long while back and all we have left is a court system that often does not serve the needs of our families.