Serving Sonoma + Napa Counties

This practice is founded on the belief that divorce does not have to become the destructive, costly, and deeply wounding experience it often becomes under the traditional adversarial model. While litigation may serve business disputes, it is poorly suited for intimate relationships, where turning every issue into a contest ignores the emotional consequences for individuals and their families. High-conflict divorces are not only expensive; they can leave lasting scars that are passed down to the next generation, forcing children to carry unresolved anger and trauma long into adulthood.

The aim of this office is to help clients navigate divorce with dignity by reducing conflict through education, mediation, and a clear understanding of their rights. Cooperation does not require either party to abandon their legal interests; rather, it reflects a willingness to deal fairly with one another and reach a resolution that both can accept. Many couples begin with the intention to cooperate, but misunderstandings can push them into unnecessary litigation. A thoughtful, informed approach can help prevent that shift.

While zealous advocacy has its place—particularly when safety or protection is necessary—misconceived aggression by legal professionals can escalate conflict rather than resolve it. Some lawyers recognize this and return to the deeper purpose of family law: healing, resolution, and justice. Inspired by that calling, this practice strives to be both advocate and peacemaker.

With experience across various fields and years of community leadership, this office values mediation as a powerful tool for restoring dignity, resolving disputes, and helping families move forward with greater peace.