The notion that most people want black-robed judges, well-dressed lawyers and fine-paneledcourtrooms as the setting to resolve their disputes is not correct. People with problems, like people with pains, want relief, and they want it as quickly and inexpensively as possible
-Warren E. Burger, Former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court

Why Mediation?

Practicing family law for over 25 years, I came to theconclusion that there must be a better solution thanlitigation for a family in crisis over the breakup of a marriage. Especially when children are involved,the reduction of hostility and stress betweenparents is a key objective. Resources which areultimately consumed by a contentious dissolutionproceeding can often be preserved byavoiding litigation and more creative solutions canbe found to meet the needs of the entire family.Unfortunately, spouses in the midst of the processoften do not come to this realization until it is too late.

Shortly after law school, one of my professors askedme to meet with him and his wife to come to anagreement about sharing the custody of their youngchild. Since then mediation has been an essential part of my family law practice. About three years ago, I decided to devote my time exclusively to mediation, consultation and negotiation as well as preparing pre-and post-nuptial agreements and other couple or family related contracts. As a result, I feel much moreproductive in my work. I continue to take and to teach classes about mediation and have been instrumental in founding the Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association. Please feel free to contactme to discuss which approach is best for you and your family.