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For years I litigated family law cases, and really enjoyed that aspect of my practice. Going to court and fighting for my clients was challenging and rewarding. However, for the majority of family law clients, litigation is not the best way to resolve conflict, and any attorney worth their salt will tell you that. Children get caught in the middle, money is spent on fighting in court rather than on living expenses or college funds, and everyone's life is put on hold for months, sometimes years. When I became an attorney in 2000, I took both litigation and mediation clients, and it has been interesting over the years to compare the two practices. In litigation, while my clients enjoyed "winning", sometimes they lost. Sometimes their relationships with their children were irrevocably changed. And none of my former clients every told me at the end of a case that they would do it all again the same way. In mediation, on the other hand, partners reported high levels of satisfaction. People felt heard, and maintained their self respect in the process. No one was taken advantage of, and people were able to bring their relationship to a close without more pain and upset. Parents were given the power to chose their own parenting plans, rather than a judge or mental health professional telling them what the plan would be. And parties appreciated all the funds that were saved in a collaborative process that wasn't motivated by pain, fear or anger. For all these reasons, I now only provide mediation services. I wish to help people with their family law matters in a way that is supportive of their mental health, financial wellbeing and most importantly, better outcomes for their children. There will be parent-teacher conferences, back to school nights, college, weddings, grandbaby birthdays, and everything in between. Mediation is the best first step to ensuring that even if parties cannot remain together, they remain good co-parents.
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2000
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10 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Jeff | September 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Expert knowledge and experience, and above the bar advice
I can highly recommend Dana. She helped guide me through my divorce over about 2 to 3 years. My best advice to you is, listen to her and take her suggestions. She knows her stuff, and I would have been much better off if I had followed her advice and wise counsel front the start. Her rates frankly ...
Posted by Brian | August 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
6 Stars
Let me start by saying if I could give a 6 star rating for Dana Santos I would without hesitation. I interviewed well over 20 attorneys before my initial phone call with Dana. I came to know of Dana from secondary referrals while interviewing other attorneys. It was clear that she was highly rega...
Posted by Mark | November 04, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
100% Strongly Recommend Dana Santos
Few months ago I had received a court summons notifying me that my daughter's mother was filing for sole physical and legal custody. Being a Disabled Veteran living in Texas I didn't understand how to respond or what my options were at the time. Many law offices were too busy and weren't willing to m...
Posted by Melissa | September 27, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
Yes, I recommend Dana Santos.
I retained Ms. Santos for both my Legal Separation (in 2009) and Divorce (early 2012). She worked with me on a timeline that made me comfortable and she never let anything fall through the cracks, always keeping me informed of what was coming next. I had interviewed several divorce attorneys before...
"I've known Dana for many years and consider her to be an outstanding attorney. I would recommend her without reservation on any family law matter."
"Dana is well respected among her colleagues and there's good reason for it. She's kind, smart, thoughtful, knowledgeable and an excellent advocate. Whether representing adults or kids, she's an attorney I endorse."
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2008
Specialist, Family Law Since 2008, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2003
Pro Bono Service, Contra Costa County Bar Association
2001
Certificate of Appreciation, STAND
2000
Cert. of Specialization w/ Distinction Public Interest Law, Golden Gate University School of Law
1999
Am Jur, Trial Advocacy, Golden Gate University School of Law
N/A
Volunteer Appreciation (multiple years), Superior Court of Contra Costa County
2002 - 2004
Associate, Whiting, Fallon & Ross
1999 - 2002
Intern, Associate Attorney, Law Office of Marcia Lassiter
2014 - Present
Santa Cruz County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2012
Contra Costa County Bar AssociationEditor, Contra Costa Lawyer
2008 - 2012
Contra Costa County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors, Director
2005 - 2010
Contra Costa County Bar AssociationFamily Law Section Board of Directors, Director
2000 - 2012
American Inns of Court, Robert G. McGrathMember
2000
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
BA
2012
Social Media, A Lawyer’s Guide
2014
English