San Diego · LGBTQ+ Divorce and Family Mediation
Same-Sex Divorce Mediation That Already Understands Your Family
California divorce law applies equally to every marriage. But the history behind your relationship, your property and your children may not fit the standard timeline. Scott Levin helps couples work through it privately and respectfully, and with the details handled right.
You will not have to educate your mediator about your family before he can help.
Why Scott in particular
Same law, but sometimes a different history
Many same-sex couples built their lives together before they could legally marry. Scott knows that the dates and documents behind your relationship can change how property, support and parentage should be analyzed, and he identifies them at the start so nothing is overlooked. For a deeper look at the law, see Scott’s guide to same-sex divorce in California.
Situation
Why it matters
How Scott handles it
Years together before marriage
Living together does not automatically create a marital community, so the wedding date may not tell the whole story.
Scott maps your timeline, including any domestic partnership, before negotiating anything.
Registered domestic partnership
You may need to end a partnership, a marriage or both.
He confirms which relationships must be ended and prepares the documents to cover each correctly.
Parentage and children
Legal parentage may depend on adoption or a parentage judgment, not only biology or marital status.
He raises parentage early and tells you when a specific court process or independent advice is needed. Detailed parenting plans follow.
Retirement and benefits earned over time
Benefits may have built up across different legal eras and statuses.
Scott identifies what is community property and reviews beneficiary issues with you.
Your home and finances
Title, contributions and agreements can be more complicated than they look.
As a CDFA®, he makes the numbers understandable before you negotiate. See how assets are divided in mediation.
Mediation that respects you
A private negotiation, not a courtroom battle
Mediation keeps your negotiations private and reduces the personal and financial issues that must be argued in open court. It also lets the two of you make decisions together. Scott is neutral. He meets with each of you individually as well as together, and he will not go forward if either person is not participating voluntarily or if financial disclosure is incomplete.
Respectful language, correct names and pronouns, and a focus on the decisions in front of you are simply how Scott works.
You are never an “exception”
Scott is a member of the LGBTQ+ Family Law Institute.
How it works
Private conversations. Clear information. A complete agreement.
Free consultation
Scott learns your history, explains how mediation works and tells you honestly whether it fits.
Map the history
You review your relationship timeline, legal status, property and parenting history together, and flag what needs closer attention.
Organize the finances
Both of you share complete financial information, and Scott helps you understand what it means.
Negotiate and agree
Scott explains California law neutrally and helps you explore solutions that fit your priorities. See how the mediation process works.
Finish the legal work
Scott drafts your settlement agreement and can prepare the uncontested court filings through judgment.
What clients say
Kind words from people Scott has worked with
“My (now) ex-husband found Scott through very positive reviews on Yelp. After Scott helped us successfully navigate this difficult time in our lives, I understand why he gets such high ratings. Scott is good at keeping spouses on task. He is thorough in his responses to questions. He is both kind and patient when emotions run over (like in my case, while crying). He made the process very smooth for both of us. I highly recommend Scott as a mediator for divorces.”
KevinMediation Client · Google review
About Scott
Attorney, neutral mediator and financial analyst
Scott Levin has practiced California family law since 2004 and has conducted more than 2,500 mediations. He is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and he works with couples and families of every structure.
California State Bar No. 234458.
- 22+ years of California family law experience
- 2,500+ mediations conducted
- Attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®
- Experience with complex financial and parenting matters
- Drafting and uncontested filing through judgment
- Video or in-person meetings anywhere in California
Questions
Same-sex divorce mediation FAQs
Is the divorce process different for same-sex spouses?
The basic California process is the same. The analysis can be more complex when your relationship includes a registered domestic partnership, years together before marriage, parentage questions or benefits earned across different legal statuses.
Does living together before marriage count as marriage?
Not automatically. A registered domestic partnership, written agreements, title and other facts can still affect the analysis, and Scott looks at all of them.
Can mediation cover parentage as well as custody?
Scott can identify and discuss parentage issues. Some situations need specific court procedures or independent legal advice, so it is best to raise them early.
Can we mediate if we are both married and registered domestic partners?
Often, yes. Scott first determines which legal relationships must be ended and makes sure the agreement and filings address both correctly.
Do you work with clients outside San Diego?
Yes. We meet by video throughout California and in person in San Diego.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the issues involved. Scott explains the scope and fee at the free consultation, before you commit.
Feel understood before you make important decisions
A free, confidential consultation will show whether mediation is right for your family.
San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law · 9820 Willow Creek Road, Suite 410 · San Diego, CA 92131
Serving San Diego County and clients throughout California by virtual meeting.
Scott acts as a neutral mediator and does not represent either spouse. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page. This page is general information, not legal advice.