My Personal Perspective

I

am uniquely qualified to act as your Marital Mediator. I bring the joint qualifications derived from my training both as an Attorney and as a Psychologist and can be most effective in assisting you with a deft blending of both perspectives. Many people, especially those with children to co-raise, hope to reach some sense of peace and acceptance of the events and circumstances culminating in the dissolution of their marriages. Within this group there is a wide divergence in the degree to which individual couples wish to explore their personal relationship. Some couples wish to merely reach a level emotional field upon which to build their future and will steer clear of addressing any issues beyond strict property division. They have no real interest in exploring their personal relationship other than maintaining its civility during the mediation process. Other couples wish to delve more deeply into the root of their problems. The parties themselves are completely in charge of where they wish to go in this regard and I am equally comfortable in either realm. Again, it is the unique, individual needs of each couple, as well as each individual within the couple, which directs the course of mediation.

There are also parties who enter mediation quite angry and/or hurt with each other. They wish to avail themselves of many of the advantages of mediation, yet question whether they can successfully do so while experiencing such intensely disagreeable emotions towards one another. As long as the parties are able to interact in a civil and respectful manner then they can benefit from mediation. Often they wind up the process on much friendlier terms, but there is certainly no pressure upon them to do so. Ultimately this is a personal and private decision  each person makes . I am able to assist those parties who wish to explore their relationships further, usually for the sake of improving their ability to co-parent minor children. Often they have a need to create a new parenting relationship completely separate from any past references to their marital relationship. 

The mediation process, while streamlined to address all areas of financial settlement, is nevertheless flexible enough to allow for everyone's individual and unique needs. Whatever your requirements, you will experience divorce as a peaceful and cooperative process as opposed to a financial and emotional disaster.

The end of a long-term commitment is going to be painful and difficult on any number of financial and emotional levels. My goal is to assist parties and their children find their own unique solution to the challenges ahead. I do not claim that I can make it easy - but I can help you minimize the long-term adverse consequences - to yourselves as well as your children. I can assist you in finding and maintaining your dignity by allowing you to perceive and comprehend the potential ramifications of the choices you make today. I can help you to retain control over your present and future, as well as to gain some helpful perspective on the past.

Call today to reach a quick amiable resolution in your divorce proceedings
916-933-4410
805- 343-1100 (San Louis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties)

As an attorney, counselor, and marital mediator, Colleen M Quinn provides solid, compassionate, intelligent mediation for the benefit of both parties.

Preparing for Settlement

How mediation works

The advantages of mediation over traditional forms of litigation

How our sessions work

My personal perspective

Pre/post marital agreements

Legal documentation that I will prepare for you.

Expert Consultation

Colleen M Quinn practices law throughout the state of California. Her primary practice serves Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo and Amador Counties