Expert Family Law Services in Sonoma County
Welcome to the Law and Mediation Offices of Thomas D. Wright. If you need real mediation solutions in a divorce or any other family law matter, you can trust our experienced attorneys to provide high-quality, compassionate, and experienced mediation.
What is Family Law Mediation?
Family law mediation is a voluntary, “self -directed” and confidential process that starts with the hiring of a trained mediator/facilitator to aid the parties’ in the creation of their own written settlement, according to their own unique, but mutual primary objectives. The order or judgment has the same force and effect as an order or judgment created by a family law judge in a family law court room.
Mediation requires the parties to come to that forum with an open mind. It requires that the parties be civilized with one another and be patient with the “process” of exchanging ideas and solutions. Mediation requires the parties to establish their own set of acceptable goals and objectives, and to work towards mutually acceptable final court orders. The process cannot succeed without first having an absolute commitment by both parties to hear the other party out. Each party must allow the other party to complete their primary thought, without interruption. Both parties should come to the mediation with faith that:
- They will both be heard and understood
- That the process does work,
- And that the facilitator will work hard towards assuring “both parties” create a mutually acceptable final order”.
Why choose Family Law Mediation for my dissolution or disputed family law issue?
AT FIRST, it may seem more efficient, less time consuming, and less costly to just go to court and let the experienced, knowledgeable family law judge create the family law orders or judgment.
However, in a mediation the parties can, together, creatively assemble what they both need in a mutually beneficial order. The only other practical requirements for mediation are cooperation, trust, civility, and the willingness of a party to let go of some “things” to get something else. (Good faith negotiation)
The court process is a very different experience than mediation. Once in court, the parties are before a judge who will be restricted as to what evidence he/she can legally consider. Also, the judge, in making his/her ruling, may not ever know historic and present family needs that may be important to one or both of the parties. Whereas those important details can be openly discussed in a mediation and integrated into the party’s self -created orders.
Besides being self -directed, mediation is most often a much more efficient, less expensive and less time- consuming method than the court process. The party’s control the schedule of their mediations outside the court’s crowded calendar. Mediation may be stressful, but it is “self- directed stress”.
Once in court, the parties have little or no control over the final order(s)the judge ultimately creates in the case. In a court battle there are often “winners” and “losers” at the end of the court process, resulting in “angry feelings” by one party or both sides. The “emotional fallout” between the parties may predictably affect whether they can both comfortably attend future family events and celebrations.
Why should I consider licensed Attorney Mediator Thomas Wright to be the Mediator- Facilitator in my family law case?
With over 40 years of family law experience, Thomas D. Wright is a trusted mediator in Santa Rosa, California, dedicated to helping represented individuals and families resolve complex legal matters with respect and empathy. Thomas brings a deep understanding of family law issues, from divorce and custody to business valuations and support arrangements. His career is distinguished by an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting his commitment to high ethical standards and effective advocacy.
Thomas uses his extensive background to guide clients through mediation, focusing on practical solutions that prioritize long-term well-being. He understands the complexities of family dynamics and offers clients a structured, balanced approach to reach resolutions that honor everyone involved. At the Law and Mediation Offices of Thomas D. Wright, clients find a professional and compassionate environment aimed at minimizing conflict and fostering collaborative solutions.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Victor Frankl, Holocaust Survivor
To the mediation participant:
“In your upcoming mediation discourse, take a long moment to really listen to the words said to you by the other party. Be patient and take time to consider some emotional or trigger words you might hear before you respond. Wait a moment more. Think about all the possible responses you might provide or the questions you might ask about the statement. Considering possible responses, there are statements you can make that will likely end the dialogue. On the other hand, there are statements you can make, questions or carefully phrased issues you can raise, that may stimulate thought and further constructive conversation. The thoughtfulness of your response may set the tone for the entire interaction and may positively alter the ultimate result of the mediation.“
Testimonials
“His kn“
“I confidently recommend Tom to anyone who is faced wth the challenge of finding the right lawyer for their divorce, especially those involving children. Tom is straightforward, endlessly knowledgeable, and maneuvers through the twists and turns of complicated family law matters with the upmost level of professionalism. Tom gets things done quickly, efficiently, with a successful end result in mind at all times, and keeps you focused on what makes that happen. Tom’s years of experience in Sonoma County makes him connected and resourceful, and his mindfulness of keeping things even and balanced for the kids never waivers. I could not have made a better choice in the world of searching for the right attorney, where so many people waste valuable time and money. Tom made a very challenging time less stressful in every way.”
Karen Cornwell
“Tom Wright represented me in a very difficult child custody case. He was professional and thorough. He explored every aspect of the case. I would highly recommend him.“
“Mr. Thomas Wright Law Offices and his staff were always professional and courteous going the extra mile, working tirelessly for best interests of this client! We will be forever grateful.for their help.“
“I received everything I deserved and didn’t settle for anything less. Tom has a stellar reputation in the legal community and it’s clear he and his team cares for their clients. Hands down I would recommend Tom in a heartbeat.“
“Tom is an incredible attorney. He represented my sister in her divorce from an extremely abusive man in a high conflict custody case. Tom’s performance throughout the entire ordeal was top notch- he simply could not have been better- and my sister got everything she asked for. His knowledge of the law is immense, but more than that, he has unbelievable instincts.
Tom and his entire staff are superb, knowledgeable, helpful, understanding, and caring. Throughout this ordeal, we got to know all of them very well and were amazed at the lengths they to which they went to ensure my sister and her children were protected in every respect. I thank them all, from the bottom of my heart, and cannot recommend them highly enough.“
“Tom turned what could have been a terrible situation into a much better one. I’ll always be grateful. Tom knows and understands the family law judges, facilitators, and mental health professionals, and is an excellent litigator. He is very bright, with a fantastic ability to grasp complex situations and motivations. Special attention, responsiveness, and professionalism from his staff, too. Tom represented me against a high-conflict co-parent, and helped return stability for our child.“
“Tom Wright has represented me since 2011 in an ongoing divorce involving high conflict custody issues and complex financial/business issues involving business valuation and separate property tracing issues. He represented me in mediations as well as in court more times than I can count, including custody trials and protective order requests. Tom is straightforward, fair and honest. His advice and representation has been outstanding. Each court appearance has been successful, despite equally competent opposing counsel. Tom’s paralegal is very knowledgeable, responsive, professional and wonderful to work with. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated, strong team to represent me. I am very thankful to have been referred to Tom by my original attorney who could not handle the high conflict case. I highly recommend the Law Firm of Thomas Wright.“
“Mr. Thomas Wright Law Offices and his staff were always professional and courteous going the extra mile, working tirelessly for best interests of this client! We will be forever grateful.for their help.”
Renaissance Healing & Learning Cotati