Don't Follow the Crowd

When it comes to divorce, the well-trodden path often leads to adversarial courtrooms and prolonged conflict. But there's another way—a way that prioritizes resolution, respect, and the future well-being of your family. The work I do as a mediator and attorney isn't just about legal resolutions or parenting plans; it's about people, their stories, and their futures. My role is both a privilege and a responsibility, and what drives me is the deep belief in the power of resolution-focused processes to transform lives, particularly for families navigating the complexities of divorce and separation.

The Catalyst

Curiosity and lived experience often lead us to profound realizations. For me, the catalyst was the first seven years I spent in divorce litigation. Time and time again, I witnessed how divorcing parents needed more than just a legal representative bound by civil procedure—a system with little concern for the wake left behind for the children or the client once the legal process formally ended.

Looking back, I found unexpected insights from my years of litigation experience. There was a dark but funny (in hindsight), moment when I became a mother—realizing life doesn't wait, in more ways than one. I was set for a trial on a case I hadn't touched in eight weeks due to my maternity leave. I fell to my knees, asking for help beyond the autopilot court system. That moment of vulnerability revealed a stark truth: litigation marches on regardless of life events. This model no longer aligned with my values or my lived experience as a parent. How could this process ever truly fit my clients with children?

Examining the dynamics at play, I saw myself as a litigation attorney, the client as a passive participant, and the judge as the officiant. This structure left no room for true cooperation or forward-thinking solutions. It became clear that the court system, by design, and my role as a litigation attorney could only react to the past, leaving families stuck there. To create a better future for children, parents, and even our communities, I realized I needed to guide my clients beyond the courtroom. I needed to help them overcome the barriers created by the very system meant to serve them. This realization marked the beginning of my journey toward creating the Restorative Divorce™ process.

My Philosophy: Empathy, Clarity, and Resolution

I created the Restorative Divorce™ process to offer clients an alternative to traditional litigation. This approach is rooted in:

• Empathy: Understanding the emotional toll divorce takes and creating a space where clients feel heard.
• Clarity: Providing structured guidance that demystifies the process and empowers clients to make informed decisions.
• Resolution: Focusing on practical, sustainable outcomes that support the family's future.

To see how this philosophy works in practice, let's look at an example of how I've helped someone facing challenges you might relate to.

Sarah's Journey: From Crisis to Clarity

Divorce often begins with a moment of realization. Perhaps they were told their spouse wants to separate, or they felt their marriage was holding them back, leading them to make the difficult decision to divorce. One such client—let's call her Sarah—came to me with hopes that counseling would help. At first, it seemed to work. Things began to improve, but then came the setback: her spouse cheated, and the arguments returned, escalating in front of their children.

The situation deepened into a crisis when Sarah's children began showing signs of distress. Her son, once outgoing and confident, became withdrawn at school, struggling to keep up with his studies. Her daughter, who loved sports, began skipping practices, overcome by anxiety that made it difficult for her to sleep at night. Desperate to protect her family and help her children, Sarah reached out for guidance. That's when she found the Restorative Divorce™ process.

Together, through guided journaling and structured agendas, Sarah discovered her strengths as a parent and worked to rebuild stability for her children. With sustainable solutions and a focus on fostering effective communication, Sarah began to see a transformation. Her son regained his confidence, excelling in his studies once again, and her daughter returned to the activities she loved with newfound enthusiasm. For Sarah, the process not only helped her family recover but also gave her a renewed sense of empowerment and hope for the future.

Stories like Sarah’s show how resilience and the right guidance can turn a crisis into an opportunity for growth and healing.

Why Choose Resolution-Focused Divorce

Every family deserves the opportunity to navigate change without unnecessary conflict. By minimizing court involvement and focusing on constructive dialogue, I've seen clients rebuild trust, prioritize their children's needs, and emerge from the process stronger and more hopeful.

My clients are often professionals, business owners, or couples with dual-income households, seeking clarity and support during a pivotal time in their lives. They value amicable resolutions and want to prioritize the well-being of their children and themselves, even as they face significant personal transitions. They may share fears about conflict, financial strain, or emotional vulnerability but also hold the hope of moving forward with dignity, finding practical solutions, and building a stable future for their families.

If you see yourself in this description, know that the Restorative Divorce™ process is designed for someone like you. It avoids the prolonged stress of courtroom battles and instead focuses on achieving clarity and positive outcomes. You don't have to go through this alone. With empathy, clarity, and practical tools like workbooks and agendas, I'm here to guide you through this journey. Together, we'll focus on achieving clarity and building a positive future—one thoughtful decision at a time.

Conclusion: A Leap of Faith, Starting The Journey

What drives me is the belief that every client's story matters. My journey into primarily offering mediation and resolution-focused divorce services began when I became a mother. I told myself my child deserved to live in a better world. By leaving my litigation role behind and minimizing the negative effects of divorce, I believed I could help create that better world.

Despite having no prior experience working solo, I trusted my intuition and took a leap of faith. I hung out my shingle with a primitive website, rented a one-room office big enough for a stroller, and started networking with like-minded professionals. It was a huge risk to my family's stability—financially, professionally, and emotionally—but I knew there was no looking back.

As a mediator and attorney, I help clients navigate the emotional, practical, and legal aspects of divorce through a structured, clear path. Using tools like workbooks, journals, and agendas, I guide and educate my clients to address the past while focusing on the future. By empowering them to make thoughtful decisions, I help them create a better foundation for themselves and their families.

This isn't just about resolving disputes; it's about creating a future rooted in dignity, clarity, and respect. Just as I took that leap of faith to create a better world for my child, I want to help you take yours toward a brighter future. If you're ready to take that first step, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to build the next chapter of your life—one that prioritizes healing, growth, and a positive future for you and your family. This work is my passion, my purpose, and my way of making a meaningful difference.

Contact me today to learn how the Restorative Divorce™ process can help your family transition to a brighter future. Together, we can transform uncertainty into healing, growth, and possibility.