About2024-11-09T22:37:28-07:00

About Us

I’ve Been Where You Are

Having experienced firsthand how devastating conflict can be, I understand how it can consume your life and distract you from what truly matters. It can disrupt your sleep, impact your work, strain your relationships, and take a toll on your mental health.

But there’s hope. My mission is to help you calm the turmoil and restore peace in your life.

This conflict can end, and together, we can find the path to resolution.

woman of color sitting on stairs

Meet Your Mediator

Expert Special Needs Divorce Mediation Nationwide!

Meet Claudia Brown Coulter, the trusted mediator for families with special needs children facing divorce. With over 21 years of experience as a public school teacher and specialized mediation training from Pepperdine University School of Law, Claudia combines empathy, expertise, and practical knowledge to help families reach peaceful resolutions that prioritize their children’s well-being. Her unique blend of educational insight and mediation skills equips her to expertly handle the complexities of special needs divorce cases, offering compassionate and effective online mediation services nationwide.

As President of the Southern California Mediation Association and leader of the Family Mediation Institute in Southern California, Claudia is a respected figure deeply committed to promoting peaceful conflict resolution. She also contributes to the Western Justice Center, where she supports initiatives to foster harmony within communities. Her extensive background ensures that families receive the support they need to navigate this challenging time with understanding and professionalism.

Woman in Yellow Blazer

Claudia Brown Coulter

Founder & CEO

Client Testimonials

“With the difficult decision to divorce, I am so grateful that I found Claudia! Throughout the entire mediation process, Claudia was incredibly patient, understanding, sympathetic, thorough, and informative. She was also very responsive to all questions and requests. Because of her, the divorce was actually far less difficult and burdensome. Thank you, Claudia, for helping us.”
D.P.

“Claudia was amazing. She listened with attention and presence. She provides a softer landing during a challenging and very emotional time.”
V.P.

“Hopefully, … I don’t need these services again 🙂, but I would definitely recommend you all. Claudia’s facilitation helped keep our divorce as peaceful and amicable as possible.”
– R.F.

“Claudia helped facilitate and INCREDIBLY peaceful experience. Highly recommend!”
– K.F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a lawyer present during mediation?2024-07-29T23:03:44-07:00

Yes, you can have a lawyer present during mediation if you wish. While the mediation process is designed to be a collaborative and informal process, it is still important for you to have legal advice to help you understand your rights and responsibilities and to ensure that any agreements you reach during mediation are fair and reasonable. It is important to note, however, that while having a lawyer present during mediation can be beneficial, the process is designed to be less formal and less adversarial than litigation. Therefore, it is important to work with a lawyer who is experienced in mediation and who can help you navigate the process effectively.

What are the advantages of mediation?2024-07-29T23:03:27-07:00
  1. Cost-effective: Mediation is generally much less expensive than litigation or other forms of dispute resolution.
  2. Time-efficient: Mediation can often be completed in a much shorter period of time than litigation or arbitration.
  3. Voluntary: Mediation is a voluntary process, and the parties have control over the outcome of the dispute.
  4. Confidential: Mediation is a confidential process, and the parties can speak freely without fear of their statements being used against them in court.
  5. Flexible: Mediation is a flexible process that can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the parties.
  6. Preserves relationships: Mediation is a less adversarial process than litigation, and it can often help to preserve relationships between the parties.
  7. Win-win outcomes: Mediation is a collaborative process that can lead to win-win outcomes, where both parties feel satisfied with the resolution.
  8. Less stressful: Mediation can be a less stressful process than litigation, as it allows the parties to have more control over the process and outcome.
How long does mediation typically take?2024-07-29T23:03:10-07:00

The length of a mediation session can vary depending on the complexity of the dispute, the number of parties involved, and the progress made during the session. The mediator will work with the parties to develop a schedule for the mediation process that takes into account the needs and availability of all parties involved. The mediator may also set deadlines for certain steps in the mediation process, such as the exchange of information or the completion of certain tasks. Ultimately, the duration of mediation will depend on the needs and preferences of the parties, as well as the progress made during the mediation process.

How does mediation differ from litigation or arbitration?2024-07-29T23:02:53-07:00
  1. Mediation is a voluntary process, while litigation and arbitration are often mandatory. 
  2. Mediation is a collaborative process where the parties work together with the mediator to find a mutually acceptable resolution. Litigation and arbitration are adversarial processes where the parties are pitted against each other and the outcome is determined by a judge or arbitrator.
  3. Mediation is a confidential process. Litigation and arbitration are public processes where court records and transcripts are available for public review.
  4. Mediation is a flexible process that can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the parties. Litigation and arbitration are often subject to strict rules and procedures that limit the parties’ ability to control the process.
  5. In mediation, the parties themselves decide on the outcome of the dispute, while in litigation and arbitration, the outcome is decided by a judge or arbitrator.
What happens if the parties can’t reach an agreement during mediation?2024-07-29T23:01:31-07:00

If the parties cannot reach an agreement during mediation, they are free to pursue other options for resolving their dispute. Mediation is a voluntary process, and the parties are under no obligation to reach an agreement.

How much does mediation cost?2024-07-29T23:01:14-07:00

The cost of mediation can vary depending on a number of factors, including the mediator’s hourly fees, the complexity of the dispute, the number of parties involved, and the duration of the mediation sessions. Depending on the case there may be other costs associated with mediation, such as fees for administrative services, venue rental, and travel expenses. 

It is important to note that the cost of mediation is generally much lower than the cost of litigation or other forms of dispute resolution. In addition, the cost of mediation can be significantly reduced if the parties are willing to work together and to make a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute.

I do offer a free consultation to discuss the needs of the parties. 

Is mediation binding?2024-07-29T23:00:58-07:00

Mediation is not binding unless the parties agree to make it binding by signing an agreement. Once signed it can be enforced through the courts like any other contract.

What is the role of a mediator?2024-07-29T23:00:43-07:00

A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates the negotiation process and helps the parties to identify their needs, interests, and concerns. The mediator’s role is not to make decisions for the parties or to impose a solution on them. Instead, the mediator’s goal is to help the parties to reach a voluntary agreement that meets their needs and interests. The mediator is not a judge or an arbitrator, and does not have the authority to make decisions or impose a solution on the parties.

What is mediation?2024-07-29T23:00:27-07:00

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution in which a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps parties in a conflict to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator helps the parties to communicate with each other and to identify their needs, interests, and concerns. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties or impose a solution on them, but rather facilitates their discussion and negotiation. Mediation is a voluntary process, and the parties can choose to end it at any time.

What is your refund policy?2024-07-29T23:00:10-07:00

You have the right to rescind the mediation contract within 24 hours of funds received. If you wish to cancel, please email claudia@pivotalpeace.com within 24 hours of the funds received. We will immediately refund your payment, minus the credit card processing fees of 4%, to the original payment on file.

If you request a cancellation outside of the 24 hour window, you waive any rights to receive any portion of a refund, unless Pivotal Peace terminates services. We understand that things happen, and that sometimes you and your spouse may decide to go another direction, or reconcile once you’ve begun the divorce process. If you so choose, you will be able to discontinue your use of the Pivotal Peace at any time.

Once fees are received and your first session has been completed, refunds for service are unavailable. The case will be placed in holding for one year from the original purchase date. Clients may schedule appointments to mediate or consult in this time. After one year the fees are forfeited.

How do I prepare for mediation?2024-07-29T22:59:43-07:00
  1. Identify your interests and goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through mediation and what your underlying interests and concerns are. This will help you to stay focused on the big picture during the process and to identify potential solutions that meet your needs.
  2. Gather relevant information: Collect any documents or information that may be relevant to your case, such as contracts, receipts, or correspondence. This will help you to present your case effectively during mediation and to support your position.
  3. Consider your options: Think about potential solutions to the dispute and what you would be willing to accept in order to resolve the matter. This will help you to be more flexible during the negotiation process and to identify potential compromises.
  4. Practice active listening and effective communication: Mediation requires active listening and effective communication skills. Practice these skills before the mediation so that you can effectively listen to the other party and convey your own ideas and concerns.
  5. Consult with an attorney: It is often helpful to consult with an attorney before the mediation to help you understand your legal rights and obligations and to help you prepare for the process.
Go to Top