Experienced Guidance for Family Law Mediation
Led by David A. Patton, Certified Family Law Specialist
Experienced Guidance for Family Law Mediation
After almost four decades as a Family Law trial lawyer, Mr. Patton has retired from litigation and now offers his services as a Family Law Mediator and Private Settlement Judge.
Mr. Patton has successfully resolved hundreds of cases as a Judge Pro Tem, Settlement Officer, Mediator, Attorney and even a party himself. He is a strong proponent of Mediation, which is almost always faster, less expensive and more amicable than litigation.
Mr. Patton has completed the intensive mediation program at Harvard Law School and the highly respected Mosten Family Law Mediation training. He combines this training with his extensive litigation experience to help parties with thoughtful, efficient, and compassionate dispute resolution.
Mr. Patton’s services include helping parties negotiate difficult issues related to division of assets and debts, child custody, and child/spousal support. He also assists non- represented partes in preparing and filing the necessary paperwork with the court.
Disclosure regarding relationship with lonich pattton ehrlich policastri, mediator independence, shared fee agreement
Mr. Patton is affiliated as Of Counsel with Lonich Patton Ehlirch Policastri (LPEP) for unrelated legal matters and is a former owner of the firm. The firm does not represent parties in mediations conducted by the Mediator.
David Patton provides family law services as an independent neutral. He facilitates settlement discussions but does not represent either party and does not provide legal advice. Participation in Mediation does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Mediation fees are charged by David Patton. He utilizes office facilities and administrative support provided by LPEP and shares a portion of mediation fees in exchange for those services. This arrangement does not increase mediation fees, affect the Mediator’s independence or neutrality, or give the firm any role in the mediation process or outcome.
What Mediation Can Address
Mediation can help families resolve a wide range of issues, including:
Division of assets and debts
Spousal support
Child custody and visitation
Child support
Parenting plans and schedules
The Mediation Process
01
Consultation
Meeting with parties, discuss whether mediation is appropriate, sign retainer agreement for Mediation..
02
Sessions
Joint and, when necessary, private sessions are held to ensure each party has the opportunity to be heard.
03
Information Exchange
Relevant financial and parenting information is shared so decisions are informed and transparent.
04
Negotiation and Agreement
With David’s guidance, parties work toward resolution. Agreements are drafted clearly and in compliance with California law.
05
Finalization
Where court approval is required, LPEP assists with filing to ensure agreements are enforceable.
The Mediation Process
01
Consultation
Meeting with parties, discuss whether mediation is appropriate, sign retainer agreement for Mediation..
02
Information Exchange
Collect documentation from the parties needed for court mandated Disclosures and to identify issues that need to be addressed..
03
Negotiation and Agreement
Meetings with Mediator to address issues and work toward resolution, with both parties having the opportunity to be heard. Once agreements are reached, Mediator will draft into written Stipulations/ Marital Settlement Agreements in compliance with California law.
04
Finalization
Preparation and filing of necessary court documents, including Stipulations/Judgment paperwork.
Why Work with David A. Patton
Certified Family Law Specialist
Recognition by the State Bar of California reflects David’s advanced knowledge and experience.
Trial Experience
With more than 30 years in family law litigation, David understands how courts view issues and can help parties craft agreements that hold up over time.
Balanced Approach
David’s role as a mediator is to facilitate constructive dialogue and guide parties toward practical, durable outcomes.
Is Mediation Right for Your Case?
Mediation may be well-suited if both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith and prefer to resolve disputes outside of court. In cases involving complex assets, sensitive custody issues, or modifications of existing orders, David provides the skill and perspective necessary to reach fair solutions.
Begin the Conversation
If you are considering mediation, we invite you to meet with David A. Patton to learn more about the process and whether it is the right approach for your situation.
Disclosure regarding relationship with Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri, mediator independence, shared fee agreement: Mr. Patton is affiliated as Of Counsel with Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri (LPEP) for unrelated legal matters and is a former owner of the firm. The firm does not represent parties in mediations conducted by the Mediator. David Patton provides family law services as an independent neutral. He facilitates settlement discussions but does not represent either party and does not provide legal advice. Participation in Mediation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Mediation fees are charged by David Patton. He utilizes office facilities and administrative support provided by LPEP and shares a portion of mediation fees in exchange for those services. This arrangement does not increase mediation fees, affect the Mediator’s independence or neutrality, or give the firm any role in the mediation process or outcome.
Contact Us
LONICH PATTON EHRLICH POLICASTRI
1871 The Alameda, Suite 400, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: (408) 553-0801 | Fax: (408) 553-0807 | Email: contact@lpeplaw.com
LONICH PATTON EHRLICH POLICASTRI
Phone: (408) 553-0801
Fax: (408) 553-0807
Email: contact@lpeplaw.com
1871 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126
Located in San Jose, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri handles matters for clients in northern California, specifically San Jose and Silicon Valley. Our services are available to anyone within the following counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Francisco. For a full listing of areas where we practice, please click here.
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DISCLAIMER
This web site is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Nothing in the site is to be considered as either creating an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri or as rendering of legal advice for any specific matter. Readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. No client or other reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information contained in Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri Web site without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue.
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