Divorce mediation is a settlement process where couples utilize an independent, neutral person (called a mediator) to aid them in negotiating the terms of their divorce and drafting a final agreement. 

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

Through mediation, YOU decide your future, not the Court.  We believe that choosing to mediate (and not litigate) saves families many thousands of dollars, preserves long-lasting family relationships, and protects children from the animosity that’s inherent in the adversarial nature of a litigated divorce.

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.

This comprehensive flat-fee package includes one 2-hour mediation session, 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 at our office in San Diego.

When all parties are ready, both spouses meet with the mediator, Michael Cotugno, at the same time. This is done in person at our San Diego office. If preferred, another location may be arranged or the session can be done online via video conference.

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 mediation session. Any additional finalizing details are handled via email, phone and mail, saving everyone time, money and stress.

The flat fee divorce mediation includes 1 significant revision of clarified or even renegotiated terms.

If additional revisions are needed beyond what is included, an additional fee may be applied towards the total time spent on additional revisions or renegotiated terms.

While most agreements can be reached in just one mediation session, we recognize that everyone's situation is unique.

If your circumstances are complex, or if you and your spouse need additional time beyond the initial mediation session included in the flat rate package, we do offer additional sessions.

Additional mediation sessions are available in 2 hour increments and can be purchased “a la carte” as needed.

Additional mediation sessions can be purchased as needed for $500 per 2 hour session.

A Family Centered Case Resolution Conference (FRC) is a hearing at which the parties, their attorneys, and a judicial officer work together to develop a plan for managing the case and resolving issues as quickly, fairly, and efficiently as possible.

We provide this service for those needing assistance at the hearing.

There is a flat fee of $300 if Mr. Cotugno attends an FRC, but this can usually be avoided.