I've been a family law attorney in CA for over 30 years, since June, 1992.  I've handled all aspects of family law, including child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence, grandparent visitation, date of separation disputes, prenuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements, and set asides.  I completed a 40 hour mediation course in 2012, but really didn't start including mediations as part of my practice until roughly 5 years ago.  Due to my experience, I know that divorces can be tough financially and emotionally.  I firmly believe that for the most part, mediation is the better way to handle divorce and family law matters versus litigation in court.