Debbie Cotton

Debbie Cotton is an experienced Litigator and Mediator and understands how stressful the legal process can be for those involved. Debbie uses those experiences to assist parties in reaching an amicable resolution through mediation. Debbie’s post graduate studies in early childhood development led her to a 16 year practice in the area of Family Law, and having children in her local schools brought her into education, where she has served on her local school board from 2004 – 2016. Debbie now serves the community as a Mediator focusing on high conflict cases. Education Western State College of Law, J.D., 1996 UC Irvine, B.A., 1990 Certifications Mediation, The Mediation Center, 1999 Texas Credentialed Distinguished Mediator Licenses California Texas Listed on the Orange County, California Court panel Temporary Judge Elder Caring Coordinator Probate Mediator Elder Mediator ADR Training 2022 Advanced Family Mediation 2022 40-hour Mediation Training 2021 Mental Health and Mediation: Promoting the Well-Being of Disputants 2019 Elder Caring Coordinator 2019 Elder Care Mediation 1999 DRPA Mediation Training Memberships California State Bar, since 1997 OCBA (Orange County Bar Association), since 1996 Associations AAM (Association of Attorney Mediators), since 2022 APFM (Academy of Professional Family Mediators), since 2022 ATLA (Association of Trial Lawyers of America), 1993 – 1999 CAOC (Consumer Attorneys of California), 1996 – 1999 CAALA (Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles), 1998 – 1999 CWL (California Women Lawyers), 1997 – 2004 Delta Theta Phi Fraternity, since 1996 NAFE (National Association for Women Executives), 1994 – 1996 OCWLA (Orange County Women’s Lawyers), since 1995 SAEPC (San Antonio Estate Planners Council), since 2021 SCMA (Southern California Mediation Association), since 2015 Strathmore’s Who’s Who, 2006 – 2011 Texas Association of Mediators, since 2022 William P. Gray Legion Lex Inn of Court, 2001 – 2014 WSUAA (Western State University Alumni Association), since 1998 Versed in all areas of Family Law, including: Dissolution of Marriage Child/Spousal Support Child Custody Division of Community Property Trained in the areas of: Conservatorships/Guardianships Family Law Special Education Elder