Seasoned Divorce Mediator & Coach Dedicated to Helping Families Transition Peacefully
Since 2003, I have represented thousands of clients throughout Southern California through the complex and often overwhelming issues related to family law and knows first-hand how emotionally and financially taxing contested family law matters can be. This first-hand experience as a Certified Family Law Specialist and family law trial attorney was the driving force behind my desire to help families through the family law system in a way that avoided the time and astronomical financial and emotional costs that come with litigating family law matters.
I have been a San Diego Family Court Mandatory Settlement Conference Judge Pro Tem since 2014, as well serving as a private mediator to assist parties in coming to resolutions without going to court. I approach each mediation with a calm, unbiased, objective, practical, reasonable, results-oriented approach to a settlement outside the courtroom to minimize the financial and emotional impact on the parties that family law cases will otherwise cause.
I am also a divorce coach and assist clients all over the world with making a wide range of decisions that are in alignment with their ultimate values and goals. These coaching services include but are not limited to assisting clients with making decisions and strategies about (1) whether to leave a marriage, (2) discussing the issue of divorce with their spouse and/or children, (3) whether they should hire a family law attorney, (4) what questions to ask their attorney, (5) information/document gathering for a divorce, (6) settlement negotiations and compromise, and (7) post-divorce life and co-parenting.
Working to Help Your Family
I am a strong believer in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) because I know the only winners in Family Court are the lawyers, especially when parties fight over every issue. With the rising cost of family law attorneys, coupled with judges who lack any family law experience prior to taking the bench and the extended time it now takes to get a divorce through the court system, I believe that ADR is the only path parties should take when ending their marriage, sharing their children, and dividing their assets.
As a proud father of five and grandfather of one, I enjoy spending my free time with my family, experiencing music, traveling, health & nutrition, playing guitar, wine tasting, fine dining, strength training, and practicing mindfulness and peace.
Education & Certifications
- Certified Legal Specialist – Family Law, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
- J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- B.A., Political Science, University of Northern Colorado
Professional Affiliations
- The Executives’ Association of San Diego
- San Diego Family Law Bar Association
- East County San Diego Bar Association
- San Diego County Bar Association: Family Law Section
- Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity – Alumni