Consultation and Coaching

Bite-size legal help when you need it most.

A consulting attorney who is there for you, every step of the way.

Trust. Compassion. Integrity. Support. A thoughtful legal advisor who listens to your needs, answers your questions, and helps you find the path forward when things get tough. The right consulting attorney can support your goals in mediation by helping you be prepared and ready to find solutions. Mediation coaching is specifically tailored to provide only the kinds of help you need and want, to work in concert with the mediation process and not undermine it by creating unnecessary conflict. In our initial session, we’ll discuss what kinds of support you think you’ll need from your consulting attorney and what you plan to do on your own. This could include just a couple tasks, or you might want more comprehensive assistance throughout the process. Depending on your needs and situation, mediation coaching can include:

• Answer legal questions and advise on what to expect in mediation process

• Identify goals for mediation, discuss key issues and your priorities

• Help you gather documents relating to income, assets, and debts

• Prepare financial disclosures and organize information

• Provide coaching on how to represent yourself in mediation sessions, how to negotiate, and what to do if things hit a roadblock

• Help create or review settlement proposals and agreements (including stipulated judgements)

• Attend mediation sessions with you if desired, to provide support and help you create agreements that meet your needs and goals

Since unbundled coaching is tailored to your unique situation and includes only the services you want, it is charged on an as-needed, pay-as-you-go model. There are no upfront retainers and I strive to provide responsive, efficient, and effective services to all clients. I offer a free initial phone call or videoconference to discuss your needs and whether my services are a good match.

Just the help and expertise you need. Nothing more, nothing less.

Single Session Consultation

Wish you could just sit down with a trusted legal advisor for an hour or two and get some answers? No retainers, no surprise charges, no pressure for ongoing work - just good advice in the privacy of a confidential consultation. You might be doing most of your divorce yourself “around the kitchen table,” and need some advice or help with forms or support calculations. Or you aren’t yet separated but are wondering about the divorce process and your legal rights and responsibilities.  You might just need to talk to an attorney who can provide sound legal guidance without encouraging conflict. I provide unbundled family law consulting in all of these situations and more. Services include:

• Answer legal questions and advise on divorce process and options

• Assist with discernment process for those considering separation

• Help you gather documents relating to income, assets, and debts

• Prepare financial disclosures or court forms

• Help you write letters or e-mails on important issues

• Provide coaching on how to structure a “kitchen table” process, how to negotiate, and what to do if things hit a roadblock

• Match you with other professionals, such as financial coaches and child/co-parenting specialists, who can provide the best support for your family while keeping costs down

• Help create or review settlement proposals and agreements

Since unbundled consulting is tailored to your unique situation and includes only the services you want, it is charged on an as-needed, pay-as-you-go model. There are no upfront retainers and I strive to provide responsive, efficient, and effective services to all clients. I offer a free initial phone call or videoconference to discuss your needs and whether my services are a good match. Or you can go ahead and schedule a stand-alone consultation session as our first meeting.

Settlement Agreement Review

This service is available for those who have a Marital Settlement Agreement (or equivalent document) and need an attorney to review it before signing. After an initial phone call, I will review the agreement, noting any issues for discussion or places where clarification is needed. Then we’ll meet in person or by videoconference to go over the agreement and make sure it says what you want it to and covers what you agreed on.  My goal is never to disrupt a resolution process or add unnecessary complexity or roadblocks.  We’ll work together to be sure you understand the legal framework, the agreement you’re signing, and that it clearly says the things you want it to. If changes or edits are needed, we’ll suggest those in collaborative ways that keep everyone moving toward the same shared goal: resolution.

Online Divorce

Divorce is a legal process, but you can complete it without ever setting foot in court. Online divorce allows couples to resolve issues and complete paperwork efficiently and conveniently from the comfort of their home or office. You’ll have the confidence of having an attorney available to answer questions and guide you through the often-confusing forms and procedures. A supported “DIY” option focused on preserving the emotional and financial health of the parties, online divorce is an ideal solution for low-conflict couples who want to work collaboratively to resolve their divorce as smoothly and expeditiously as possible. 

Paperwork Assistance

Overwhelmed by paper? We’ve got you covered. Whether you are in a facilitated mediation or working things out around the kitchen table, forms and paperwork are an inevitable part of any divorce process. Which box to check? Which form to choose? What goes in this column, and where do I find that information? From financial disclosures to child support paperwork, a little bit of assistance can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Ask questions. Understand your options. Thoughtfully explore the future you want for yourself.

Discernment Consultation

If you aren’t sure about separation but have questions about the divorce process and the impact separation would have on your life, discernment consultation may help. This confidential consultation allows you to have your questions answered by a professional who can discuss the legal, financial, and emotional impacts of divorce and what options exist for separating couples. Whether or not you decide to separate, discernment can help clarify what issues need to be addressed to restore well-being in your marriage or find a non-destructive path towards separating. If appropriate, I can connect you with resources to further support you and your family in the process of discernment, separation, or reconciliation.

Since unbundled consulting is tailored to your unique situation and includes only the services you want, it is charged on an as-needed, pay-as-you-go model. There are no upfront retainers and I strive to provide responsive, efficient, and effective services to all clients. I offer a free initial phone call or videoconference to discuss your needs and whether my services are a good match.

Divorce Roadmap Consultation

3 hour stand-alone consultation.

At the intersection of the law and your most important relationships, you need someone to guide you through the maze and connect you with the resources and professionals who will get you through it.

Most people feel overwhelmed by the many changes, choices, and upheavals of separation and divorce. You are faced with big decisions that will change your life and the lives of your children. Before you commit to a process or professional(s) to handle your divorce, you can consult with a trusted advisor who will answer your questions and help set you on the right path forward – one that is best for you and your family, based on your values and what is important to you.

This consultation is focused on providing objective information and guidance. Since it is a stand-alone consultation, most clients who need additional services are then referred to other professionals who are a good fit for their goals and the process they choose. There is no expectation or pressure to use my services as a mediator or attorney after the Divorce Roadmap consultation; my goal is to help you make your own map forward and get you matched with the process and people who are the best fit for you.