Services
Family Law
Mediation
Guardianship
Family Law
Full Representation
For parties seeking full representation through the entire process and, if requested, more active participation in the mediation process. This service a good fit for clients who prefer to turn the day to day management of their divorce case over to me, but who will still be completely involved in the decision making process (hourly rate plus retainer).
Consulting Attorney
For parties interested in self-representation in the divorce process or through mediation, who want an attorney with whom they can consult as any questions arise and who can assist them in preparation and filing of documents and service of process. This is a good fit for clients in situations where both parties are
committed to alternative dispute resolution or mediation, and mediators have suggested
that the parties obtain consulting counsel (hourly rate with retainer)
Unbundled Services
For parties interested in self-representation who want consultation for specific steps in the divorce process. (hourly charge with no retainer).
-
Divorce 101: A comprehensive overview of the divorce process, including procedure, options for alternative dispute resolution, identifying community and separate assets, calculating support obligations and, if requested, assistance in preparing initial filing documents.
-
Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure: Preparing and filing a Preliminary Disclosure Declaration is the second step in any dissolution. I can provide clients with checklists, charts and individual counseling to assist in completing the preliminary disclosure documents which can often seem daunting.
-
Marital Settlement Agreements and Final Documents: I can assist by writing Marital Settlement Agreements setting out global settlements of custody, support, and property division. I also prepare the documents necessary to submit an uncontested dissolution to the court by mail.
-
Troubleshooting: This is a good service for parties who are committed to self-representation in either divorce or mediation, but who hit a roadblock in the process and need assistance in brainstorming creative solutions.
-
Post-Judgment Services: I can assist in post-judgment motions such as modifications or effecting property division.
Mediation
After more than 33 years practicing family law, I believe that mediation is often a cost-effective and lower stress way to complete a marital dissolution. I have participated in extensive training and am happy to speak to couples who are interested in proceeding with a neutral mediator who does not represent either party. This is the only service that my office provides in which I work with both parties. This is a good fit for couples who want to try to resolve all issues in a more informal setting.
Guardianship
In addition to serving as court-appointed counsel for minor children in contested guardianship cases, I also represent private individuals who wish to obtain guardianships in San Francisco.