Primary Divorce Options in California: Litigation, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce
Friday, July 10, 2026
10:00am-1:00pm
(see time breakdown below)
with Mary Molinar, Melinda Lev, Russel Phelp, Lana Shearer, Linda Tell
3 CE credits
In-person
(1130 Iron Point Rd Building 1150, Folsom, CA 95630)
Sponsored by Finding Common Grounds
(speakers will be hosting and providing lunch)
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.
Educational Goals/Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
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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 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 is a 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.
Linda Tell, RN, MFT is a licensed therapist and registered nurse. She began her career as a critical care nurse and nursing educator. She was licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in 1990. Linda specialized working with couples to promote healthy communication and long-lasting marriage. She became interested in counseling related to Family Law issues and served as a Child Custody Recommending Counselor and a Collaborative Divorce Coach. Linda has been a member of the Sacramento Collaborative Divorce Group since 2008, a member of the Board of Directors, and member of the Interdisciplinary Training team, preparing other professionals in Collaborative Practice.
Other Details
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
9:50am-10:00am (checkin, networking)
10:00am-1:00pm (CE event presentation)
Location: 1130 Iron Point Rd Building 1150, Folsom, CA 95630
Cost:
Non-member $20
Licensed Member $15
Associate Member $10
Student Member $5
Early Bird (ends 2 weeks prior to event)
Non-member $15
Licensed Member $10
Associate Member $5
Student Member $0
“Due to recent notice of event, early bird pricing has been extended to last up until a week before the event. This event only.”
For questions, more information, accommodations: contact us at sacramentocamft@gmail.com. You may also contact Programs Co-Chair Heather Moss at Heathermossmft@yahoo.com.
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.
Event Policies
