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Neurodiverse mediation is a specialized mediation process designed to help individuals with neurodiversity, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or dyslexia, resolve disputes in a fair and effective manner.
Traditional mediation approaches may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with neurodiverse conditions. This is because neurodiverse individuals often have different communication styles, processing needs, and sensitivities that can create challenges in a typical mediation setting.
Neurodiverse mediation addresses differenced in parties by:
1) Creating a safe and inclusive environment:
2) Facilitating effective communication:
3) Addressing sensory sensitivities:
4) Empowering self-advocacy:
5) Achieving mutually beneficial outcomes:
The benefits of Neurodiverse Mediation include reduced stress and anxiety for neurodivergent individuals; an increased likelihood of reaching successful resolutions; improved communication and understanding between parties involved; empowered individuals to advocate for themselves and their needs; and promoted fairness and inclusivity in the dispute resolution processes.
The success rate of Neurodiverse Mediation varies depending on the couple or individual and their unique situation. However, we have helped many couples navigate the divorce process.
Mediators come from all kinds of professional backgrounds. Some are attorneys, some are therapists, and others are trained specifically in conflict resolution. In general, mediators complete formal training in communication, negotiation, and managing difficult conversations, and many continue with advanced coursework in areas like divorce, co-parenting, or high-conflict dynamics.
My background brings together both legal and clinical expertise, which is especially valuable for families navigating neurodivergence or high conflict. I hold a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master’s in clinical psychology, and a Master's in dispute resolution. I also specialize in ASD, ADHD, trauma, and complex family dynamics. I have advocated for parents in the 503/IEP process and have decades of experience working with children as well as adults going through a divorce, managing custody disputes, and in providing couples therapy for neurodiverse participants (diagnosed and undiagnosed).
This combination makes me a stronger option for many families because:
Most mediators come from either a legal or a mental health background.
I bring both, which allows for a more balanced, informed, and supportive mediation process—especially when the situation is complex.
Neurodivergent mediation services are available to assist all individuals, yet we specialize in working with families where neurodivergence is present. We can help navigate legal separations, parenting plans, custody arrangements, 730 evaluations, divorce agreements, co-parenting plans and blended family plans.
During your first session, your counselor will ask you questions about your relationship and whThe legal separation process closely resembles the divorce process. You still file a petition, your spouse files a response, and you have access to the California family court system if you need a judge’s help to solidify a child support or custody agreement.
You also have access to all of the same resources you would if you were divorcing your spouse. For example, you can still undergo divorce mediation, even if you don’t want the decree of divorce once you’re finished.
Also, you can still seek legal advice from a divorce attorney, and the attorney-client relationship will be identical to what it would be if you were getting divorced.
Perhaps most importantly, the terms of your legal separation will be 100% legally recognized, binding, and enforceable. The only difference is that these terms will be stamped into existence on a legal separation judgment instead of a judgment of divorce.
However, if you begin the legal separation process and later decide that divorce is the better option for you and your spouse, you still have the opportunity to file an amended petition and end up with a divorce judgment after all. at you hope to achieve from counseling. They will also provide you with information about their approach and what you can expect from future sessions.
There are a few reasons you might choose legal separation:
Couples who choose legal separation can avoid some of the requirements that make divorce feel overwhelming. One of the biggest barriers to filing for divorce in California is the residency rule: at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before they can file. If you don’t meet that requirement, the court will reject the petition.
Legal separation doesn’t have this restriction. You can file immediately, put temporary structure in place, and receive a binding judgment while you continue to sort out the bigger picture. And if you later decide to convert the separation into a divorce, most of the groundwork is already done.
Divorce also has a mandatory six-month waiting period between filing and finalization. Legal separation does not. If the two of you reach agreements quickly, the court can finalize your separation without delay, giving you the protection of an enforceable order much sooner.
Another difference is how rights and responsibilities function. A legal separation keeps certain marital rights intact. For example, a separated spouse can still make medical decisions if their partner becomes incapacitated, and inheritance rights remain in place—something many parents value when minor children are involved.
However, one major marital right does end at separation: you no longer accumulate community property. After the date of separation, what you earn is legally your own.
Legal separation also allows for easier reconciliation. Divorce is final; if you reconcile, you must remarry. A legal separation can be undone with a simple form—either a Motion to Vacate (if finalized) or a Motion to Dismiss (if still pending). Your original marriage date remains intact, which can matter for future support calculations.
Divorce, on the other hand, ends the marriage completely and allows either person to remarry. While divorce often has financial downsides, there are situations where it creates financial advantages. Some people gain more control over their money, some access retirement funds without penalties during the divorce process, and parents with lower post-divorce household income sometimes qualify for increased college financial aid for their children.
Legal separation and divorce each serve a purpose. Separation offers space, stability, and structure when a couple isn’t ready—or eligible—to fully dissolve the marriage. Divorce offers finality and the freedom to move forward.
When people think about resolving family law issues, they often assume litigation is the only path forward. But mediation offers a calmer, more practical alternative that can reduce stress and lead to healthier long-term outcomes. Below are some of the key reasons families choose mediation over going to court.
1) Communication and Collaboration
Mediation is built around conversation—not confrontation. Instead of arguing against each other in a courtroom, both parties sit down with a neutral guide who helps them talk through concerns and explore solutions that work for everyone. This approach often leads to more respectful interactions and stronger co-parenting relationships down the road.
2) Control and Flexibility
In litigation, a judge makes the final decisions, even though they may know very little about your family. Mediation gives that power back to you. You and your co-parent can create agreements that fit your specific needs, priorities, and family dynamics. This flexibility allows for thoughtful, personalized solutions that a courtroom simply can’t offer.
3) Cost and Time Efficiency
Court cases can take months—or even years—and the legal fees add up quickly. Mediation is usually much faster and more affordable. Sessions are scheduled at your convenience, and the focus stays on problem-solving rather than building competing legal arguments. Most families appreciate the efficiency and the ability to move forward sooner.
4) Emotional Well-Being
Family law conflict is stressful for everyone involved, especially children. Litigation often heightens tension and can deepen divisions. Mediation creates a calmer, more supportive space where emotional needs can be acknowledged and managed. This approach often reduces stress, improves communication, and helps families transition with greater stability and care.
Yes — you will receive a written agreement that clearly outlines all the decisions made in mediation.
This document gives you a roadmap moving forward and can be shared with attorneys, financial planners or filed with the court if needed.
No — private mediation does not replace the court’s required mediation session if you’ve already filed and can’t agree on custody.
The court still requires parents to attend their official Family Court Services mediation.
However, private mediation can help you avoid the court process altogether if you reach agreements before filing. And even if you do have to go through the court’s brief session, most families find that private mediation is where the real, detailed work gets done—especially for parenting plans, neurodivergent needs, and high-conflict situations.
Neurodivergent family systems often require:
This deeper work results in more stable long-term outcomes and greatly reduces future conflict.
High-conflict and special-needs cases require more time because there are more decisions to make, more details to clarify, and more support needed to reach stable agreements. These cases often involve:
1) More Difficult Communication Patterns
Parents may interrupt each other, struggle to regulate emotions, or have difficulty staying focused on problem-solving. It takes extra time to slow the process down, reduce tension, and help both people feel heard enough to reach agreement.
2) More Issues to Resolve
High-conflict families often need to address:
3) Neurodivergent or Special-Needs Considerations
When children have ASD, ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs, medical conditions, or learning differences, plans must include:
4) More Detailed Written Plans
High-conflict families usually need parenting plans that are more specific to prevent future disagreements. This increases drafting time because the agreements must be:
5) More Revisions and Follow-Up
These cases typically involve more back-and-forth clarification because parents require additional support to feel comfortable with the final document.
Yes, most families opt for the Mediation and Parenting Plan package. There are several options available based upon your needs:
Option One: Mediation (No Parenting Plan)
Starts at $5,000
This option is for couples who need support with separation, communication, conflict resolution, or practical decision-making, but do not need a parenting plan.
What this includes:
Why this starts at $5,000:
ND mediation takes time, patience, and structure. Most families require 10–16 hours of work, including both mediation time and follow-up.
Option Two: Mediation + Parenting Plan (Full Comprehensive Package)
Starts at $6,500
This is the most complete support option and includes both mediation sessions and the development of a detailed, ND-informed parenting plan.
What this includes:
Why this package starts at $6,500:
Creating a parenting plan for a neurodivergent or high-conflict family is intensive work. These plans typically require 12–20 hours between mediation and drafting. The higher minimum reflects the depth of detail, emotional containment, and professional expertise required to create a plan that truly works in real life.
Option Three: Stand-Alone Parenting Plan
Starts at $4,500
For families who only need a parenting plan — with or without full mediation.
What this includes:
Why this starts at $4,500:
Even a “simple” parenting plan requires 8–12 hours of combined mediation and drafting to ensure clarity, structure, and long-term workability.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If you're unsure which category your situation falls into, I’m happy to help you identify the best fit during a consultation. Most neurodivergent families choose the Comprehensive ND Mediation and Parenting Plan Package because it provides the structure, pacing, and clarity their situation needs.
Option One: Mediation Only Package - $5000
Option Two: Mediation and Parenting Plan Package - $6500
Option Three: Parenting Plan Only Package - $4500
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