You didn't plan for this. But you can choose how you go through it.

If you're considering divorce and you're worried about what it will cost your family — financially, emotionally, and in terms of your relationships — you're asking the right questions.

The traditional divorce process puts you in front of a judge who doesn't know your family, hands control of your future to attorneys working against each other, and often leaves everyone — especially children — worse off than they needed to be.

There is a different way.

What is Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative Divorce: A Better Process for Families Who Want to Do This Right

In a Collaborative Divorce, you and your spouse each have your own attorney — but instead of fighting in court, everyone works together at the table. A specially trained team that may include financial professionals, divorce coaches, and child specialists joins the process to help you make fully informed, thoughtful decisions.

The result is a settlement built around your family's specific needs — not a one-size-fits-all ruling from a judge who met you once.

It's the right fit if you and your spouse:

• Want to stay out of court and protect your privacy
• Have children and care deeply about co-parenting well
• Want to reach agreements together rather than have decisions imposed on you
• Are willing to work toward resolution, even if you don't agree on everything yet
• Want to move forward with your lives — and your family relationships — intact

I've Seen What Court Does to Families. That's Why I Don't Practice That Way.

I'm Lana Shearer, a Certified Family Law Specialist with over 25 years of experience in California family law. I began my career as a litigation attorney — and I watched firsthand as the courtroom process tore apart families who deserved so much better. Spouses who came in willing to cooperate left as adversaries. Children caught in the middle. Resources depleted. Futures left to a stranger's decision.

I built Shearer Law and Mediation around a different belief: that most families going through divorce are capable of making their own decisions — if they have the right support, the right information, and a process designed to bring out the best in both of them rather than the worst.

I am a trained Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, an active board member of the Sacramento Collaborative Divorce Group, and a Delegate for Collaborative Practice California. This isn't just a service I offer. It's the work I've chosen to dedicate my practice to.

"Family Court is No Place for a Family."

How It Works

A Clear Path Forward

1. Start with a Conversation We'll meet — by phone or Zoom — to understand your situation, answer your questions, and help you decide if Collaborative Divorce is the right fit for your family. No pressure, no commitment.

2. Build Your Team Together, we assemble the right professionals for your case — financial neutrals, divorce coaches, and child specialists as needed — all trained in the Collaborative process.

3. Reach Your Agreement — Together In a series of structured meetings, your team guides you and your spouse through every issue in your divorce: property, support, parenting, and more. You make the decisions. We make sure they're fully informed, legally sound, and built to last.

How We Can Help

• Collaborative Divorce — The full team-based process for couples who want to navigate divorce with expert support, out of court
• Divorce Mediation — A neutral mediator guides you and your spouse to agreement
• Divorce Coaching & Consulting — Guidance and strategy if you're already in a process with another attorney
• Document Preparation — Ensuring your legal documents are complete, correct, and enforceable

We serve clients virtually throughout all of California, with evening and Saturday appointments available.

Not sure where to start? That's exactly what the first conversation is for.

Whether you're early in the process or you've already been considering your options for months, a consultation with Lana is the clearest next step you can take. You'll leave with a better understanding of your options — and a sense of what's possible for your family.

Schedule a Consultation Here