Sara Sturtevant, J.D., is a licensed California attorney specializing in mediation and family law.  She was Associate Dean at the Monterey College of Law, and ran the Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management.  Before joining the Monterey College of Law, Sara worked at the Self Help Center at the Monterey County Superior Court.  Sara was educated at New College of California’s School of Law, University of Houston, and Modesto Junior College.  Sara believes that mediation should be the first choice in ending almost any relationship. While going to court may be necessary in a small minority of cases, mediation is the best approach where a post-divorce relationship is necessary or desired.