Family law attorney Michael Cotugno Esq. brings over 26 years experience in assisting couples negotiate the terms of their divorce and reaching a final agreement. 

Divorce mediation is done out-of-court, keeping your information private and confidential.

Mediation is a voluntary settlement process where couples utilize a neutral third-party mediator to aid them in finalizing an agreement on issues such as support, custody, and property division.

This comprehensive flat-fee package includes up to 4 hours of mediation (one 2-hour mediation session with up to two 1-hour follow up Zoom sessions) with family law attorney/mediator Michael Cotugno, all phone/email support, prep work, and drafting of all Court required documents.

This includes preparation of the financial disclosure documents and drafting of the final settlement agreement and one revision. We also manage all Court filings, service, and correspondence.

This approach ensures that you are receiving the professional assistance you need to reach an equitable agreement and finalize your divorce while staying out of Court.

Contact us to schedule a free introductory phone call with attorney/mediator Michael Cotugno to discuss your situation and to see our services are a good fit for you.

You can do the call together, as a conference call, or each speak with Michael individually. It's your preference.

If after the initial call, you would like to meet in person, we can schedule an 1 hour consultation at our office for $90.  If you decide to move forward with any of our services, the $90 consultation fee will be credited towards your account.

To start, Michael answers all preliminary questions and concerns while further explaining the legal process as it relates to your unique situation.  Our goal is clear and comprehensive communication throughout the process.  All phone calls and emails are included in the flat fee so you don't have to worry about incurring additional charges for your conversations. 

Each spouse is given several questionnaires to complete. The information is used to assess the situation, draft initial paperwork and to start the settlement discussion. We provide additional guidance as needed if any questions come up while the information is being collected. 

Once all of the needed documents are gathered, the 2 hour mediation session is scheduled.

When all parties are ready, both spouses meet with the mediator, Michael Cotugno, at the same time. Mediation sessions are held primarily via Zoom video conference, but can be held in person at our San Diego office if preferred.

During the session, Michael helps to balance the power between the participants and creates a safe, supportive environment for both parties to fully express their perspectives and interests.

He facilitates the couple through difficult conversations with the goal of helping them reach mutual agreement on all aspects of their divorce.

This includes guiding the participants through the identification of all relevant issues and all of their mandatory financial disclosure requirements.

Using his knowledge of the law, Michael also instructs participants on the fundamentals of the relevant legal issues, and provides creative options and settlement strategies.

Most agreements can be reached in just one 2 hour mediation session. After the session, a draft settlement agreement is circulated between the parties for questions, comments and revisions.  Any additional finalizing details are handled via email, phone and mail, but if needed, the flat fee does include two 1-hour follow up Zoom mediation sessions. 

If additional mediation time is needed beyond the 4 hours that are included in the flat fee, then they may be added a la carte at $300 per hour.

Conscious Divorce founder, Michael Cotugno, Esq. is both an attorney and mediator with over 20 years of experience in family law.  Michael also holds a Masters Degree in Spiritual Psychology, allowing him to bring a grounded, yet compassionate approach in his role as mediator. 

The primary advantage of using an attorney (particularly an experienced family law attorney) is that they are qualified to explain how family law works in California and provide reference points for settlement purposes.  Non-attorney mediators are prohibited from explaining how the law would apply to your situation. 

A mediator, whether an attorney or not, does not provide legal advice to either party and does not strategize with one side against the other. A mediator helps to facilitate an agreement between the parties.

And unlike traditional law offices which require large retainers and bill by the hour, Conscious Divorce stands apart with transparent Flat Fee pricing. With us, you'll know the costs up front, saving you the anxiety of unknown and open-ended legal expenses.