Diana L. Martinez

Since 2007, Diana L. Martinez has dedicated 100% of her legal practice to out-of-court, informed, and family focused solutions. The destruction Ms. Martinez saw while battling divorce cases in court, led her to this re-structure. The reality is that few people enter a divorce ready to make legal and financial agreements on support, parenting, and asset and debit allocation. Even fewer enter divorce with the trust and confidence that their soon-to-be ex will be open, honest, and "fair". Ms. Martinez provides her clients with the tools to prepare themselves emotionally, financially, and legally, so that all discussions are productive. She does this by working with financial, communication, mental health, and child specialists. Only when her clients are in control of their emotions, understanding of the children's needs and concerns, communicating productively and in a balanced way, and informed of their financial picture and steps necessary to reach their financial goals, do they start making final decisions on support, parenting, and asset and debt allocation. If you are committed to doing what it takes to resolve out-of-court, respectfully, with dignity and a focus on your family, we are here to help.

University of Southern California School of Law

Juris Doctorate (1998)

Honors: Honors in contracts

University of California, Riverside

Bachelor of Arts (1995) | English Literature

Honors: Honors graduate

Professional Mediator and Observer

Mosten Mediation

2010 - Current

Model mediation tools and process in civil harassment cases. Prepare mediation law students for mediation, answer student questions after mediations. Observe and critique students during civil harassment mediations.

Collaborative Attorney

Law Offices of Diana L. Martinez

2009 - Current

Representing individuals during divorce, separation, and post-judgment modifications through a solution-focused, no-court, team process. Draft all necessary legal documents, advise clients on legal realities, costs, consequences, and options.

Attorney Mediator

West Coast Mediation

2007 - Current

No-Court solutions for families and individuals in conflict. Consulting on legal matters, drafting necessary legal documents, mediation.

Collaborative Divorce Education Institute

Divorce Options Attorney Presenter

2011 - Current

Activities: Educating individuals who are considering or going through divorce on the process, options, fees and costs of litigation, mediation, and collaboration. Training and educating attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals on the topics of Collaborative divorce and Mediation.

Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association

Board Member

2010 - Current

International Association of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2010 - Current

Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County

Member

2010 - Current

CultureCounts.net

Trainer and Lecturer

2009 - Current

Activities: Educating and training attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals in the topic of Cultural diversity in Family Law cases.

Los Angeles Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution

Panel Attorney

2007 - Current

Activities: Court appointed mediator for English and Spanish speaking litigants in family law cases. Issues include spousal support, child support, child custody and visitation, division of assets and debts.

Southern California Mediation Association

Member

2007 - Current

California State Bar  # 198876

Member

1998 - Current

California

Since 1998

• Free Consultation
  One hour orientation and introduction.
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Mediation is "pay-as-you-go" - there is no retainer; Flat fee document preparation serves are also offered; Deposits required for Collaborative Representation and consulting.

Q. DIVORCE...what do u do if u can't afford an attorney???

June 3, 2012

A: Too often, people CAN afford an attorney, they just don't want to. When this is the case, understand that this can lead to later, very costly problems.

If you qualify (and they do review your financial disclosures and supporting documents), you may be able to get free legal aid - you will have to research such agencies in your area. There is the Harriet Buhai center in Los Angeles and Inland Valley Justice Center in San Bernardino county.

You may also, if possible, retain an attorney to bring a motion for attorneys fees so that the court can order your spouse to pay all or a portion of your legal fees. But there is no guarantee that you will succeed on this. You will have to talk to an attorney first - many offer free initial consults or a small fee (less than their hourly rate). It is well worth the investment. ... Read More

Q. Is it legal for my divorce attorney to speak to my soon to be ex-husband's mother? I never gave my permission to do so.

June 3, 2012

A: I think you need to have a conversation with your attorney about this. What was his purpose in speaking to her? It isn't normally something that attorneys do. Is she the one calling the shots? Is he trying to locate your soon-to-be ex? Your attorney is free to do whatever is required under the California State Bar rules of professional conduct and duties owed to a client. If s/he is gathering information, s/he does not need to get your permission for each thing s/he does. It sounds like you may be in a litigated process and that you and your attorney have really not spent much time planning what will be done. So, again, I suggest you speak with your attorney. As to whether or not it is "legal", I can't really think of any law s/he has broken by speaking with your mother-in-law.

You may want to consider another divorce process that allows you to have a bit more say in the planning and processing of your divorce. The fact that you have asked this question seems to indicate that you have a problem with your current counsel. If you cannot work it out, you may want to do some research in finding a representative who is more in line with your goals and who can better help you manage your expectations.

I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck. ... Read More

Q. How do i get my spousal support increased?

June 3, 2012

A: You will have to look at your divorce judgment documents. It should specify if the support is a fixed amount or under what conditions you may request additional support. Under standard language, the support is modifiable upon a showing of a change in circumstances. Often, however, the language included references that the support is sufficient to meet the marital standard of living and that no increase in the payers income will warrant a substantial change in circumstances such that it would be a basis for an increase in the support amount. You need to read you judgment.

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