About Ginger

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When people look back on their Collaborative Divorce or Mediation process, they know their decisions made sense at the time. They are likely to honor their agreements and consider new ones when necessary. Children benefit from co-parents who get along. Spouses who went their separate ways are free to create new relationships.

I have helped 252 couples end their marriages without going to court. They created durable agreements using Collaborative Divorce or Mediation. I worked with them and other divorce professionals to satisfy the needs and interests of all family members. They found win-win solutions.

All win-win divorce addresses 3 issues. I have experience in all these areas.

I do my work out of court, because the people involved know best what they need. Collaborative Divorce or Mediation creates structure to help people feel safe enough to talk about their needs. We set ground rules and prepare agendas for meetings. We make sure people are ready to have discussions before we have them.

Since conflict is a normal part of life, Collaborative Divorce or Mediation teaches conflict management. We practice skills like speaking and listening respectfully. We normalize feelings. We pause and take breaks.

By encouraging honesty and transparency, Collaborative Divorce or Mediation helps each person express their viewpoint. It allows them to feel seen and heard. They become willing to explore new possibilities. Finally they reach mutually beneficial agreements.

I practice Collaborative Divorce or Mediation because I enjoy working with a team of interdisciplinary professionals dedicated to supporting whole families – two collaborative divorce lawyers and two neutral professionals, one a financial analyst and one a divorce coach. With our guidance, people navigate their financial, emotional and legal aspects of their relationship transition. Couples move on as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. We talk about financial and emotional costs often so that people know what, where, how and why they are spending their time and energy.

Collaborative Divorce or Mediation are two ways to divorce with professional support. People support themselves with discussions over the “kitchen table.” Some hire lawyers to get information and advice. There is no “right” way to divorce. People can start with one process and change to another. If and when people begin their divorce process, our hope is that they find people who listen to what they need and either satisfy their needs or refer them to someone who can.

We believe that a good divorce allows for satisfying relationships with family members and with new people. Whether people transition from spouses to co-parents, or go their separate ways, they do so with a sense of freedom, confidence and accomplishment.

Credentials

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1982	Joined the Washington State Bar Association
1990	Trained in Divorce and Parenting Mediation
2003	Educated about Collaborative Divorce Law
2006-2007	Chaired King County Collaborative Law’s Family Law Practice Group
2006	Co-founded Cascadia Collaborative Divorce Practice Group
2023	Joined Cascadia’s Collaborative Divorce’s Website Committee

Experience

In my over 40 years of Collaborative Divorce or Mediation work, I have helped 90% of my clients create out-of-court agreements. With my professional advice and the input of others, they found ways to cope with the stress of divorce, which is second only to death of a spouse. My calm and reassuring presence served them. By encouraging respectful dialogue, they created satisfying and durable agreements.

I have also helped couples create pre-nuptial agreements, which outlines who receives what if they divorce. I also prepared or reviewed divorce documents for people who were doing it themselves, mediating with another professional or had questions. I have advised many people about how to manage conflict. I currently work primarily over Zoom. I meet in person by mutual agreement.

I empathize with and have compassion for people making relationship changes. I am a member of the Religious Society of Friends, (Quakers), whose values I share below. My work aligns with my values.

My Values

Philosophy on Work and Life

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I enjoy supporting people who are either going through divorce or creating a pre-nuptial agreement. I help people create the safety they need to begin to speak and listen to one another. I practice and teach conflict management skills. I treat people with kindness and respect.

We all have gifts to share and challenges to overcome. We need one another. I am grateful for experiences of peace, joy and ease.