Emphasizing Resolution over the Myth of "Winning"

Protecting Children + Preserving Relationships

Facilitating Your Next Chapter with a Focus on the Future

I Emphasize Resolution Over the Myth of “Winning” In Divorce

As a reformed litigator, I reject the notion that zealous advocacy demands “winning” in court. I champion couples through cooperation and conversation to build livable solutions in divorce, parenting disputes, and financial conflicts. You know what’s best for your family, not the courtroom judge.

MEDIATED DIVORCE

A better way to move on

Mediation FAQs

 

Spouses are empowered to reorganize their families for happier, healthier futures.

Cooperation happens in a more comfortable environment.

Flexibility brings efficient and calmer strategic decision making.

Relationships are preserved, privacy is prioritized, and children are protected.

Costs are controlled by avoiding contentious and time-consuming fights.

Step-by-step guidance to help you complete your financial disclosures with clarity and confidence

 

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A breakdown of what documents to gather—from income to assets, debts, and expenses
  • An overview of required California forms and how to complete them
  • Tips for organizing, sharing, and reviewing disclosures with your spouse or mediator
  • Common mistakes to avoid (and how to get help if you’re unsure)
  • Next steps after disclosure, and how this process sets the stage for settlement
Checkout Our free Checklist
Purpose of financial disclosures in divorce mediation cover

Attorney Advantage

Over 20+ years of court appearances, settlement conferences, and private negotiations, NEIL FORESTER has seen all types of family law cases, from simple and straightforward to complex and contentious. He brings expertise and an insider perspective about the realities of family court — an advantage to your mediation.

Family Law Specialist

The Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) designation is awarded by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization. It means that Neil maintains a higher level of accountability to continuous learning and achievement in the field of family law. When you are making decisions about the most important parts of life — your children, home, income, retirement, and relationship with your spouse — the higher-price expertise means peace of mind.

Certified Arbitrator

As a Certified Arbitrator and Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Neil offers a modern take on alternative dispute resolution. Learn more here.

Advanced Law Degree

Neil earned his LL.M. (Master of Laws) from the internationally recognized Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. The program is recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report. Pepperdine has been recognized by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, California Dispute Resolution Council, American College of Civil Trial Mediators and the International Academy of Mediators.

Insider Perspective

With over two decades of experience, Neil can predict where potential problems crop up with proposed agreements. He can anticipate issues that may arise a few years down the road. And perhaps most importantly, he can very clearly advise how an argument will likely play out in a particular court/county or in front of a particular bench officer in Northern California.

Technology Tools

Neil’s clients benefit from all of the specialized attorney platforms necessary to address substantive issues, and the forms to facilitate process issues, including DissoMaster, Propertizer, LawYaw, Westlaw, and Executioner.

Portrait of Neil Forester in a green sweater with a background of trees
Portrait of Neil Forester wearing glasses and a grey suit

Kindness from our clients & community

Neil is among a short list of practitioners recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, Sacramento, Family Law (2025, 2026)

Best Lawyers® Sacramento

"I wanted an attorney who would listen to my concerns, complaints, and even demands, but still keep me on the high road."

Client Larisa B.

Neil is certified to arbitrate family law cases by the AAML. (August 2020)

Certified Arbitrator

Through peer-voting and editorial review, Neil is selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers and Sactown Magazine’s Top Lawyers. (2017-2025)

Super Lawyers & Top Lawyers

“I am an attorney so I understand the service aspect very well. Neil was responsive and kept me well informed. He explained options as clearly as the law allows and made recommendations that resulted in a settlement without the expense of litigation."

Client Stuart A.

With endorsements from judicial officers and opposing counsel, Neil was inducted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2019.

Fellow

“I had a very difficult divorce case and my wife’s attorney did everything possible to fuel the flames. Neil was able to help me resolve many custody and support issues in a collaborative fashion to minimize the costs and obtain a quick resolution."

Client Dr. Steven B.

In 2019, the Placer County Bar Association honored Neil with its annual Pro Bono Award, for a decade of service to WEAVE.

Pro Bono Award

In 2014, Neil received a Hero of Human Services Award from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, recognizing his role as a chief architect of the redesigned WEAVE Legal services for survivors. 

Human Services Award

“One of the things that really stands out is that Neil has retained a personal knowledge and interest in the case even years after trial.”

Client Ned M, Retired Seal

Neil holds the Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) designation, awarded by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in 2012.

Certified Specialist

“I appreciate Neil’s approach. He’s very calm-mannered, reasonable and tries to discuss the risks and benefits of different options.”

Client Dr. Steven B.

I Emphasize Resolution Over the Myth of “Winning” In Divorce