Meet Donna

 For 18 years, I've  dedicated my entire career to helping people navigate through one of the worst times in their lives - divorce. I know because I've been divorced.  I've seen divorce cases take years to complete, costing thousands of dollars, only to end up settling in the end. There is a financial cost to divorce, but there is also an emotional cost to the entire family as well and I became a lawyer to help people. 

When the pandemic changed how we conducted business, I questioned litigation because of the cost, delay and time it was taking to help my clients.  I have always been settlement minded and have volunteered as a settlement attorney for the San Diego Superior Court since 2012. 

In 2021, my family moved to Cookeville, TN where we reside today. After much thought, I believe the best way to help my clients  through a divorce was to become a full time neutral mediator.  

Every family is different with unique needs.  

Olive is my medical alert service dog trained through Golden State Service Dogs.  I have narcolepsy so during a mediation she is usually sitting on my lap. 

My Experience and Qualifications are below: 

-In 2012, Donna was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.   

-Minor’s counsel panel, San Diego Superior Court, Family Law 2018-2021

-Volunteer Settlement Attorney, San Diego Superior Court, Family Law 2012 to present

-Member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists since 2012.

-Member of San Diego Family Law Bar Association since 2012

-Member of South Bay Bar Association

-Executive Board Member of San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2016 -2018.

-President South Bay Bar Association, 2019-2021

-Executive Board member of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2016 -2018

-Co-Chair, San Diego Family Law Bar Association Spring Seminar 2017

-Recipient of the Wiley W. Manuel award