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Law & Mediation Offices of Shawn D. Skillin
591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 802
San Diego,
California
92108
Phone: 619-299-4880
Fax: 858-455-8472
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Shawn D. Skillin has been providing services in the area of family law since 1996. The focus of her practice is MEDIATION and COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE. In addition, she has been appointed by the Family Court to represent children in difficult divorce cases.
With her background as a critical care nurse, she is adept in dealing with families in crisis. This background, as well as her additional training and experience in mediation and collaborative divorce, enable her to assist her clients in navigating through the complex divorce process.
Divorcing couples have options!
Mediation:
Shawn acts as a neutral mediator, educating both parties on the process of divorce. Shawn assists the parties in resolving their own divorce issues and then prepares and files the paperwork with the Court. In mediation, the parties maintain control over the process of divorce, how quickly or slowly the process moves along, and the parties control the outcome. While the mediator may provide general background on divorce law, she does not provide advice to either party. However, each party may consult with his or her own attorney at any time in the process. Parties should never have to appear in Court. The process is confidential and most financial information also remains confidential. Mediation is the most economical way to divorce!
Estimated cost: $3,500 - $8,000 depending on the complexity of the issues and the number of sessions required to reach agreement.
Collaborative Divorce:
In collaborative divorce, the divorcing parties work with a team of professionals who guide them not only through the legal process but also through the financial issues and the emotional issues involved in their divorce. Each party has his or her own attorney and coach.
The attorney provides the party with legal advice, represents the party in negotiation sessions, and prepares legal documents. The parties and their attorneys sign an agreement which is then filed with the Court stating that they will not litigate their divorce issues. If one party changes his or her mind and withdraws from the collaborative process, both parties must then retain new lawyers.
The Coach: a trained mental health professional who works with the client to manage the emotional issues specific to his or her divorce.
The Financial Specialist: the parties work together with a neutral financial specialist who provides advice on the division of property. He or she may also provide advice on any tax or financial planning issues needing to be addressed.
The Child Specialist: if children are involved, a trained mental health professional experienced in working with children is available to meet with the children to assess their developmental needs and any other emotional concerns which may arise. The child specialist is also a neutral party who works with both parties.
All members of the team work together to provide the divorcing parties with a custom crafted divorce agreement suited to the specific needs of the family. As in mediation, the parties maintain control over the process, the timing, and the outcome of their own divorce. Personal information, disagreements, and most financial information remain confidential. Most parties never appear in Court.
Estimated cost: $12,000 to $20,000 depending on the complexity of the issues and the number of professionals involved in the team.
About Shawn Skillin:
Education
- University of San Diego School of Law, Juris Doctor, December 1994
- San Diego State University, School of Nursing, BSN, 1984
Memberships & Licenses
- Member, San Diego County Bar Association
- Member, Collaborative Family Law Group of San Diego
- Member, East County Family Law Collaborative Group
- Member, California State Bar, admitted to practice 1995
Other
Shawn is the mother of two boys and is active in her community. A past Little League President and PTA Vice President, she is a strong advocate for all children.
Please email us for additional information.
