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