A Different Way To Divorce
What Is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is an out-of-court option to resolve all aspects of a divorce –Parenting, Legal, and Financial. Working with a team of professionals, couples and families keep control of the outcome by creating solutions tailored to their family, personal, and financial goals and circumstances.
A Better Way
- Private and confidential
- Preserves family relationships
- Less/no time in court
- You decide the outcome
- Informed decisions – Financial, Family, and Legal
- Agreements you can rely upon
Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County Announces New Board of Directors
Orange County, CA – June 22, 2024 – Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County (CDSOC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors for the upcoming term. The new board brings together a diverse group of experienced professionals committed to helping families navigate the complexities of divorce through collaborative, out-of-court solutions.
Founded in 2003, CDSOC has been a pioneer in advising couples in Orange County and Southern California on alternatives to traditional divorce litigation. Our members, including family law attorneys, licensed mental health professionals, and credentialed financial professionals, are specially trained in collaborative practice, mediation, and conflict resolution.
New Board Members:
President: Julia Sky King
President-Elect: Bruce Fredenburg
Luncheon Coordinator: Bruce Fredenberg
Secretaries: Paula Swensen
Treasurer: Kristine Rushing
Membership Chair: Amy Clews
Speaker’s Bureau Chair: Kristin Bachman
Advertising, Marketing, and Social Media Chair: Carol Hughes
Website Coordinator: Victoria Kirilloff
Member at Large/Professional Outreach: Diana Martinez
The Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County has seen firsthand the damage that traditional court processes can inflict on families, especially children. By adopting a team approach, CDSOC members strive to provide the best possible legal advice, emotional support, and financial guidance. Our family law attorneys help clients reach fair and respectful settlements, while our mental health professionals support clients in managing stress and creating practical parenting plans. Additionally, our financial professionals assist in dividing assets and planning budgets for maintaining two households.
By working under the collaborative practice model, CDSOC guides families through the transition with respect and compassion, allowing them to make the best possible decisions about their futures in a non-adversarial manner.
Member Spotlight
Paula J. Swensen
Paula Swensen is a member of the Family Law Section of the Orange County Bar and member of the State Bar of California. She has also served as an arbitrator on the Orange County Bar Association Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee, and in that capacity has adjudicated numerous proceedings as the sole arbitrator. Assisting divorcing parties with their transition to the next chapter of their lives with dignity and respect has been the hallmark of Ms. Swensen’s law practice.
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Blogs from CDSOC
- Listening To Understand Is Key for Effective Coparent CommunicationThis blog has been adapted from Dr. Carol Hughes’ article published in Psychology Today, February 28, 2026 The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply. ~ Mahatma Gandhi Key Points Misunderstood feelings can fuel conflict and distance after gray divorce Understanding does not mean agreement. It means… Read more: Listening To Understand Is Key for Effective Coparent Communication
- Why Some Adult Children Become Estranged from Parents During and After Divorce
The estrangement of adult children from their divorcing parents is a complex and emotionally charged phenomenon that arises from a mix of emotional, psychological, and social factors. Divorce can disrupt familial bonds, creating ripples that affect immediate family members and multiple generations. However, repairing these fractured relationships is often possible with patience, dedication, and professional… Read more: Why Some Adult Children Become Estranged from Parents During and After Divorce - Divorce Solutions Where A Spouse Suffers From Mental Illness
Legal solutions exist for spouses who want a peaceful divorce, even where one of them suffers from serious emotional issues or mental illness. In a collaborative divorce and in some mediated divorce cases, the divorcing couple selects not only attorneys for legal help, but also mental health professionals as divorce coaches. These coaches assist with… Read more: Divorce Solutions Where A Spouse Suffers From Mental Illness