Education and Background

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Kathleen obtained a J.D. degree from DePaul  University School of Law.  Watching snow piling to the rooftop one New Year’s Day made the decision to move to Southern California easy.  After a divorce – and then death of her former husband -- Kathleen raised three children in the sunshine of southern California.  Thirty years later, Pasadena is home.  Kathleen treasures the warm weather, good golf, Southern California friendships, and Mexican food. 

Kathleen is a Certified Family Law Specialist, and has been licensed as an attorney in the State of California since 1980.   In private practice since 1982, Kathleen estimates that she has helped over 900 families through the divorce process.

I value you and your family.   As a trained collaborative professional, I seek to provide you with the support and protection you need during this important legal and  emotional process.  Your divorce is an opportunity for you to grow emotionally, to focus your attention on the needs of your children and to set your financial goals.   A team of trained financial professionals assist you to identify your goals and to formulate a plan.

Does a litigated divorce meet the needs of the 21st century family?  Parents today understand that divorce is often a reality; but, the process of divorce does not need to hurt children, fester years of anger, and create economic havoc.  Divorce is not about winning.  It is not about losing your family.  Divorce is about reorganizing your relationships and priorities.  It is an opportunity for change.  Collaborative process will help you and your family reach these goals.

Practice Specialties

  1. •Past President of CP-Cal

  2. •Trained in a two day program under the direction of Susan Gamache, R.Psych., AAMFT, and Nancy Cameron, BFA, LLB. April 2003.

  3. •Participated in the 2003, IACP conference in Vancouver, Canada, the 2004 IACP Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, and the 2005 IACP conference in Atlanta, Georgia. 

  4. •Member of the “Collaborative Practice California” statewide steering committee, 2004 – present.

  5. •Participated in the first California Statewide Conference, March 2006, Sonoma California.

  6. •Member of the Board of Director’s of Longsdon School, a non-public school for emotionally distressed girls.  2006 – present.


Memberships and Honors