Introduction
Litigation is not the only path through divorce, and Emily De Falla built her practice around that conviction. De Falla Law & Mediation, with offices in Danville and Walnut Creek, California, specializes in mediation and collaborative divorce, guiding couples toward cooperative, respectful engagement that creates new beginnings rather than prolonged courtroom battles. Her down-to-earth, practical approach helps families reach sensible solutions faster, at lower cost, and with less stress for both parents and children.
Practice Areas
Mediation
As a mediator, Emily De Falla serves as a neutral facilitator helping couples reach agreements on all aspects of their divorce, from property division to parenting arrangements. Mediation allows both parties to maintain control over the outcome, rather than leaving decisions to a judge. The process is typically faster and less expensive than traditional litigation.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce brings together each spouse, their attorneys, and other professionals in a structured process designed to resolve all issues without going to court. The firm guides clients through this non-adversarial approach, which prioritizes both parties’ interests and aims for agreements that honor everyone’s priorities.
Child Support
The firm assists with child support calculations and agreements, ensuring that arrangements meet California’s legal requirements while reflecting the financial realities of both parents.
Child Custody and Visitation
Custody and visitation arrangements are addressed through the firm’s mediation and collaborative processes, focusing on the children’s stability and well-being while respecting both parents’ relationships with their children.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is a central issue in many divorces. The firm helps couples reach fair support agreements through negotiation and mediation, considering factors such as marriage duration, earning capacity, and standard of living.
Division of Property and Debts
California’s community property framework requires the division of marital assets and debts. The firm facilitates property division through non-adversarial processes, working to achieve outcomes that both parties find acceptable.
Division of Retirement Accounts
Retirement accounts often represent significant marital assets and require careful legal treatment during divorce. The firm ensures that retirement account divisions comply with applicable laws and court requirements.
Post-Divorce Modifications
When circumstances change after a divorce, modifications to support, custody, or other terms may be necessary. The firm assists with these modifications, using mediation when appropriate to avoid returning to court.
Prenuptial Agreements and Marital Agreements
For couples entering marriage or seeking to formalize financial arrangements during marriage, the firm prepares agreements that address property rights, support expectations, and other relevant terms.
Attorney Profile
Emily De Falla brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to family law, focusing on helping couples construct new beginnings through cooperative processes. Her practice specializes in faster, cost-effective, non-adversarial alternatives to traditional divorce litigation. De Falla’s mediation and collaborative divorce work aims to reduce the emotional toll on families, particularly children, by replacing courtroom conflict with structured negotiation and mutual respect.
Location and Contact
De Falla Law & Mediation maintains offices at:
- 185 Front Street, Suite 203, Danville, CA 94526
- 1990 N. California Blvd, Suite 800, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Call (925) 309-4550 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce?
In mediation, a neutral mediator helps both parties reach agreement. In collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney, and the entire team commits to resolving issues outside of court. Both are non-adversarial alternatives to litigation.
Is mediation appropriate for all divorces?
Mediation works well for couples who are both willing to negotiate in good faith. In situations involving domestic violence, significant power imbalances, or complete unwillingness to communicate, other options may be more appropriate. The firm can discuss which process best fits your circumstances.
How does collaborative divorce reduce stress for children?
By resolving conflicts through cooperation rather than courtroom battles, collaborative divorce reduces parental tension and models respectful communication. Children benefit when their parents can work together constructively, even during separation.
Does the firm handle modifications after the divorce is final?
Yes. The firm assists with post-divorce modifications to custody, support, and other terms when circumstances have changed, using mediation when possible to avoid returning to court.