Why I became a Divorce Coach after my Family Law Paralegal Career

Throughout my 30+ year career as a family law litigation paralegal, I've seen clients lose control over their cases, give up, or thrive by taking charge of their decisions and outcomes. As someone who was on the inside of family law cases during my career, I was convinced that there had to be a better way for clients to engage in the process. That's where Divorce Coaching comes in. My goal is to empower clients to take control of their family law experience.

Professionally and personally, I understand that divorce can be one of life’s most daunting challenges. The end of a relationship and the start of the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when children are involved. However, with the right support, clients can navigate the legal demands with clarity and focus, thereby relieving the burden and enabling them to make informed decisions for their future.

Throughout my career, I have accompanied thousands of clients through the family law process, helping them gather their thoughts and information; preparing them for attorney meetings, mediations, trials, and other processes; and navigating decision-making to move their cases toward resolution.

I can be your skilled thinking partner as you navigate your family law legal matter, while helping you determine what is essential to get through and beyond this process.

About the CDC Certified Divorce Coach® Program

The CDC Certified Divorce Coach program is the only credentialed and certified divorce coaching program recognized worldwide and is the Professional Standard for Personal Divorce Coaching™.

As a recognized section of the American Bar Association under Alternative Dispute Resolution, the ABA states the following about divorce coaching: “Divorce coaching is a flexible, goal-oriented process designed to support, motivate, and guide people going through divorce to help them make the best possible decisions for their future, based on their particular interests, needs, and concerns. Divorce coaches have different professional backgrounds and are selected based on the specific needs of the clients. For example, some divorce coaches are financial planners, mental health professionals, lawyers, or mediators who have experience dealing with divorcing clients.”

Additional Related Specialized Training

Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®): As a CDS®, I have specialized training in the areas of legal, financial, communication, and real estate considerations for divorcing clients. The CDS® program provided me with valuable divorce-specific training and customized communications skillsets to work with and collaborate on low and high conflict divorce cases. I assist my clients with overcoming obstacles they face during their divorce and ultimately improve their family law experience.

Mediation Training: I have completed the “gold standard mediation training program” with the Center for Understanding in Conflict which gave me the tools to support parties working through conflict and engaging with their partner in a different way. The Understanding-Based model focuses on guiding parties to make knowing and informed choices together in a respectful manner.

Pending/Ongoing Training Programs

CDC Special Needs Divorce Coach™ Specialty Pending: Having been involved in special needs divorce cases in my paralegal role, the CDC Special Needs Divorce Coach™ specialty program focuses on supporting parents of a special needs child and other children without special needs in the divorce process where special consideration and planning may be necessary depending on the specific needs of the child and the circumstances of the divorce.

Equine/Animal Science Certificate Pending: I am close to completion of an Equine/Animal Science Certificate from the SRJC which focuses on the study of horses, pets, and livestock animals. The program focuses on ranching, feed, nutrition, care, housing, and behavior. I have pets of my own including two horses. How does this relate to divorce? I know how important pets are in our lives and understand the unique considerations when separating.

In 2019 the law changed with respect to pets in California divorce cases. I assist my clients with developing a best interest/future welfare plan which are now to be considered when determining pet custody in California. I also understand the logistical challenges of certain situations with animals and the extra care that is needed to preserve their emotional well-being in separation and divorce processes.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATIONS…

American Bar Association CDC Certified Divorce Coach® National Association of Divorce Professionals

California Association of Legal Document Assistants Sonoma County Bar Association, Certified Divorce Specialist(CDS®)