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

In my 31 year career as a family law litigation paralegal, I witnessed some clients losing or giving up control over the process, decision making, and outcome of their case while others thrived. Being on the inside of family law cases, I was convinced there had to be a better way for clients to engage in the family law process. I found the answer in Divorce Coaching. My simple goal and business model is to positively impact a client’s overall family law experience.

I know professionally and personally that divorce can be one of life’s biggest challenges. The end of a relationship and the commencement of the divorce process can be daunting, made even more so, when children are involved. Clients who are supported throughout their divorce in understanding and meeting the demands of the legal process find they can stay focused on their priorities and are better able to make challenging decisions.

I can be your skilled professional companion on your divorce journey. I have accompanied many clients in my 30 years of family law experience. I understand the delicate balance between client’s personal needs, desires, wishes and the realities of the legal system. I will assist you in preparing for your attorney meetings so that your attorney-client appointments are time efficient and remain focused better enabling you and your legal representative to make the decisions necessary to move your case toward resolution.

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

About the CDC Certified Divorce Coach® Program

The CDC Certified Divorce Coach® program is the only credentialed/certified divorce coaching program that is recognized around the world 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: In 2023 I 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. I complete this training at the end of March, 2024.

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®)