Law Office of Bruce W. Somers - Sonoma County California Family Law Attorney

Family Law Approaches

Taking the Right Approach to Your Family Conflict in California

At the Law Office of Bruce W. Somers, located in Santa Rosa, California, I have spent the past three decades guiding my clients through the family law system to meet their needs in the way that is best for their family. When it comes to family conflicts, taking the right legal approach is important in reaching the solution you want.

Certified Family Law Specialist* | 30 Years of Experience

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I believe that it is almost always better to resolve disputes through cooperation rather than allowing a judge to make decisions for your family. Judges are limited in the orders they can make. Mediation, collaborative law and cooperative law offer the opportunity to craft an agreement that works best for your family.

Resolving Family Law Disputes

There are multiple ways to resolve a family dispute. Together, we will work through your options and determine an approach that works for you:

  • Litigation — In litigation, we go to court. If going to court is necessary I will always be very well-prepared. Collecting all of the necessary information before court and preparing you for the reality of trial is a very important part of litigation. 
  • Mediation — As a mediator and attorney, I can help you come to an agreement in multiple ways. If I act as the mediator in your situation, I will not give either party legal advice, but I will work with you to find a solution that is in everyone's best interests. However, I am also available to act as your lawyer during mediation. Together with a neutral mediator and the other party, we will work out an arrangement that everyone can agree to.
  • Cooperative Law — In cooperative law, we try to stay out of court. Everyone involved exchanges information and works to find a solution that works for everyone. In the end, we should not end up going to court. This is often best for families with children because it is often less stressful.
  • Collaborative Law — In collaborative law we agree to stay out of court. Everyone signs an agreement at the outset that we will not go to court. If you and the other party are unable to reach an agreement, you will both need to obtain new attorneys and start the process over again. Similarly to cooperative law and mediation, the goal is to reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.

Contact Me

I encourage you to call 707-544-2300 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation at my Sonoma County office. We will discuss your situation and find an approach that meets your needs.

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Note: I cannot accept credit card payment for bankruptcy matters

Law Office of Bruce W. Somers
2544 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 204
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 707-544-2300
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At the Law Office of Bruce W. Somers, I represent clients throughout Northern California, including those in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Windsor, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Sonoma, Cloverdale, Forestville, Cotati, Bodega Bay, Sea Ranch, Guerneville, Sonoma County, Lake County and Mendocino County.

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