Primary Divorce Options in California: Litigation, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce
Friday, August 8, 2025
11am-2pm
WITH A FREE LUNCH!
(see time breakdown below)
with
Betsey Williams, M.S., LMFT.
Mary Molinaro, Esq., CFLS
Melinda Levy, Esq
Lana M. Shearer, Esq., CFLS
Russel Phelps III, CPF, CDFA, ARMA, APMA, MSPFP
3 CE credits
In Person
(1150 Iron Point Rd #150 Folsom, CA 95630)
Lunch included for FREE! Taco Bar from Zocalo!
Description
Divorce is a complex and often emotionally fraught experience with long-lasting implications for individuals and families. Therapists are frequently called upon to support clients as they navigate separation or divorce, but many clinicians are not familiar with the legal frameworks available or how the choice of divorce process can impact a family’s emotional trajectory.
This presentation offers an overview of the three primary divorce options in California: litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce. Each model offers different levels of conflict resolution, privacy, cost, and family involvement. Mental health professionals attending this workshop will gain clarity on how each divorce process works, what roles various professionals play, and how the process choice can affect clients.
Through case examples and discussion, presenters will highlight how therapists can ethically support clients during divorce, make informed referrals, and maintain neutrality while promoting client well-being.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Define and differentiate between litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce as legal process options in California.
- Identify the emotional and psychological implications of each process for individuals and families.
- Describe the therapist’s role in supporting clients through divorce without providing legal advice.
- Recognize when and how to make appropriate referrals to legal and financial professionals involved in the divorce process.
Presenter(s)
Mary Molinaro - With over 35 years of experience in family law advocacy, collaborative law and mediation Ms. Molinaro brings a unique quality of expertise by addressing her clients’ needs in the best way that suits each particular case. Her approach is to provide legal services in a professional but compassionate and personal manner that addresses each case with a focus and attention to detail required for each client’s particular situation in the most expeditious and economic manner possible. Whether your case is complex or straight forward she can help get you to the resolution that is best for you. She is dedicated to client satisfaction. She has established relationships with a broad range of financial, forensic and mental health experts who assist in providing the highest quality legal counsel and guidance to her clients. Ms. Molinaro serves clients locally in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties. Ms. Molinaro serves clients across California virtually. Ms. Molinaro devotes 100% of her practice to the area of family law including litigation, collaborative law and mediation. Ms. Molinaro is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2004.
Melinda Levy - Melinda Levy is an experienced neutral attorney mediator based in Sacramento, California, specializing in divorce and co-parenting mediation and serving clients all over California. As a colleague, Melinda is available as a resource for mental health professionals who may seek divorce and co-parenting information to help their clients during these difficult times. As a divorcee and co-parent herself, Melinda brings a personal understanding to her mediation practice. She is committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of family transitions with empathy and professionalism. Her services are designed to be accessible, offering evening and weekend appointments to accommodate clients’ schedules.
Russel Phelps - Certified Financial Planner professional, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Private Wealth Advisor, and Franchise owner of Trinity Wealth Advisors a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial LLC. Russel has been a financial planner with Ameriprise since 1993 and specialized in divorce advice since 2005. He works with clients in mediation, collaborative and litigation settings either one to one, or with the couple as a neutral. He helps clients feel comfortable making confident financial decisions before, during and after divorce. His office is in Folsom.
Lana Shearer - Ms. Shearer is a Certified Family Law Specialist®, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and has been in practice since 1999. She is a trained and experienced Mediator and Collaborative Divorce Practitioner. She is a member and active participant in the Sacramento Collaborative Divorce Group; the International Association of Collaborative Professionals; Collaborative Practice California, and various independent networking groups with one goal in mind: to increase public awareness of Collaborative Divorce as a superior alternative to handle a divorce with respect, cooperation and transparency, with the support of an experienced team, and to limit the damaging effects of a divorce on the entire family.
Betsey Williams - Divorce is one of the top five stressors an individual can experience in a lifetime. Whether you initiated the divorce or are the person who does not want the divorce, the process can be challenging both personally and professionally. It is helpful to work with a trained professional. As a Collaborative Divorce Coach, my passion is to provide you with emotional support and communication tools. As you navigate legal, financial and parenting concerns, I will be by your side. My communication style is non-judgmental, structured and compassionate.
After a rewarding career working in corporate America as a Real Estate Asset Manager, I returned to my humanistic roots by getting a Masters in Counseling and becoming a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist. It was a privilege to work with individuals and couples who are going through a difficult time in their life by helping them alleviate pain, manage emotions, and improve relationships.
While working with several counseling clients as they went through a divorce, I saw how going to court destroyed families and finances. Through extensive training in the Collaborative Divorce process (as a Divorce Coach and Child Specialist), my coaching expertise helps people get through this stressful time maintaining dignity, self-worth and respect. This process also makes sure that children’s best interests are taken into account through the development of a Parenting Plan.
Sponsored by
Other Details
Time: 11am-2pm
10:45am-11am: Check-in
11am-2pm: CE presentation
Location: 1150 Iron Point Rd #150 Folsom, CA 95630
Please note: Event will not be recorded.
Cost:
Non-member $20
Licensed Member $15
Associate Member $15
Student Member $0 - FREE
Early Bird (ends 2 weeks prior to event)
Non-member $15
Licensed Member $10
Associate Member $10
Student Member $0 - FREE
Lunch included for FREE! Taco Bar from Zocalo!
For questions, more information, accommodations: contact us at sacramentocamft@gmail.com. See specific presentation online in confirmation and reminder emails.
This is an introductory, intermediate, and advanced level course. This program will benefit LMFT, LPCC, LEP and LCSW licensees and pre-licensees. Open to all mental health professionals, both members and non-members.
This course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The Sacramento Valley Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SVC-CAMFT), provider #62279, is approved by CAMFT to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. SVC-CAMFT maintains the responsibility for the program and all its content.
CE credit will be awarded via email after the completion of the course in exchange for a course evaluation. No CE credits will be awarded to persons not attending the presentation in it's entirety. Partial CE credit will not be awarded.
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