Lauren has been my attorney for the past 3 years and I could not be more pleased with how she (and the rest of her team) handled my case from beginning to end. Throughout this terribly trying experience (which included multiple hearings for divorce, custody, and child support disputes) my confidence in Lauren has never faltered and I was able to find comfort in the fact that she always had my and my daughter’s interests in mind. I was well informed, well prepared, and had clear expectations throughout the entire process, and I was never disappointed or surprised in court. I have already personally recommended her to one other person (who has retained her) and will do so to anyone who finds themselves in this difficult situation.
sensible split advisory —
Navigate Mediation with a Family Law Attorney in Your Corner
resolve your divorce Sensibly
WITHOUT GETTING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF IN THE PROCESS
The problem —
Mediation is not a level playing field - unless you make it one.
You chose mediation because you want to keep the process civil, protect your family, and avoid a long, expensive court battle. That instinct is right. But mediation is still a legal negotiation with real financial and legal consequences that will follow you for years.
Without understanding what the law actually entitles you to, what your financial disclosures really mean, or whether the settlement on the table is fair — you’re negotiating blind. And the decisions you make in that room are very difficult to undo.
You don’t need a litigator. You need a trusted legal advisor who understands both the law and the human experience of divorce — someone who will make sure you walk out of that room knowing you got it right.
"Going into mediation without legal guidance is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make."
~ Lauren M. Fair, Certified Family Law Specialist
What's included —
Everything you need to mediate with confidence.
The Sensible Split Advisory is a comprehensive legal advisory engagement — not a coaching program. You get the full benefit of working with an experienced Certified Family Law Specialist who is entirely focused on your outcome.
01
Strategic Sessions
Up to 8 sessions to prepare for each mediation session, debrief after, and make informed decisions at every turn.
02
Email Support
Direct access to Lauren between sessions. No question is too small when the stakes are this high.
03
Financial Disclosure Guidance
Expert assistance completing your financial disclosures accurately — one of the most consequential and misunderstood parts of the divorce process.
04
Settlement Proposals
Professionally drafted settlement proposals that reflect what you're legally entitled to and position you to negotiate from a place of clarity and confidence.
05
Agreement Review & Redlining
Thorough legal review of your draft marital settlement agreement with recommended edits — so you understand exactly what you're signing before you sign it.
06
Strategic Guidance
Ongoing counsel on how to advocate for yourself, navigate conflict, and stay focused on the outcomes that matter most to your future.
If mediation doesn't work out, you won't be starting over.
Sometimes mediation breaks down — even with the best intentions on both sides. If that happens, you don’t have to start the process of finding an attorney from scratch, explain your situation again, or lose the ground you’ve already covered.
As a client of the Sensible Split Advisory, you have a clear pathway to full-scope legal representation through Fair Cadora, APC — a firm whose founding partners are both Certified Family Law Specialists with decades of combined experience in San Diego family law.
Your case history, your financial picture, your goals — we already know all of it. That continuity is valuable, and it’s yours.
Seamless Transition to Full Representation
If your mediation doesn’t resolve and litigation becomes necessary, Fair Cadora, APC can take over as your attorneys of record at our standard representation rates. No redundant intake. No retelling your story. Just continuity from the attorney who already knows your case — and is ready to advocate for you in court.
ABOUT LAUREN —
The best of both worlds — legal expertise and genuine human understanding.
Most people going through divorce mediation face a difficult choice: hire an attorney and feel like the process becomes adversarial, or go it alone and hope they don’t miss something critical. The Sensible Split Advisory was built to offer a third path.
Lauren Fair has spent nearly two decades in California family law — in the courtroom, at the negotiating table, and as a certified coach helping women navigate the emotional and strategic complexity of divorce. She understands what the law requires, what mediators are actually doing in that room, and what it feels like to make high-stakes decisions under pressure.
When you work with Lauren through the Sensible Split Advisory, you’re not getting piecemeal support without legal advice, an unnecessarily aggressive litigator who will blow up mediation, or inaccurate AI advice. You’re getting a collaborative Certified Family Law Specialist with specialized training who is fully invested in helping you reach a settlement you can live with — and feel confident about for years to come.
Credentials
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Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
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17+ years practicing family law exclusively in Southern California
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Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Divorce Coach, specifically trained in pre-mediation divorce coaching
- Trained in the Collaborative Divorce process
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Formally trained mediator
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Certified Co-Parenting Specialist
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Founding Partner of Family Law Firm, Fair Cadora, APC
Prepare, plan for, and confidently navigate the divorce mediation process through individualized support and skill building.
The 4 Keys to Success:
The Mediation Process &
What to Expect
You understand and can navigate the mediation process.
You know what is expected of you in the mediation room.
Deciding What You Want & Developing Settlement Proposals
You know what you'll be asking for as a resolution.
You will know what terms you should accept.
Negotiating & Advocating for Yourself in the Mediation Room
You have a plan for obtaining the results most important to you.
You can advocate for yourself and negotiate the issues in dispute.
Creating a Protocol for When Emotions Run High & Conflict Happens
You know what to do when emotions run high and conflict ramps up.
Ready to go into mediation prepared?
The first step is a strategy session. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and determine whether the Sensible Split Advisory is the right fit for where you are in your process.
What Clients Are Saying
Lauren has been my attorney for the past 3 years and I could not be more pleased with how she and her team handled my case from beginning to end.
Peter Hudack
I'm so grateful to Kevin and his entire team for the tireless work they put into my case. Kevin is a fantastic attorney, very knowledgeable, results driven, and compassionate.
Having never been through any type of legal proceeding prior to this experience, I learned quickly that having the right attorney behind you makes a world of difference. I’m so grateful to Kevin and his entire team for the tireless work they put into my case. Kevin is a fantastic attorney, very knowledgeable, results driven, and compassionate. He took the time to explain each step of the process to me, to discuss different possible outcomes, to share his expert opinion, but always allow me to make the best decisions for my situation. I was terrified going into this process but always felt confident with Kevin as my attorney. Fair Cadora is a wonderful firm to work with.
Erin
The moment I went into consultation with Lauren I felt at ease and relieved that finally someone is willing to listen and understand.
This review is long overdue. I am very thankful to Lauren Fair. I was her client back in 2012. I was having a difficult time with my daughter’s father but the moment I went into consultation with her I felt at ease and relieved that finally someone is willing to listen and understand. I didn’t have much money, I even lost my apartment in order to retain her services. My child and I were legit homeless. She is compassionate and willing to go out and above for her client. I am truly grateful. She got it done in one go. No headache or mess for me. I had a smooth experience. Thank you Lauren.
Grace Aula
Lauren Fair has been an amazing lawyer. She is attentive, knowledgeable, compassionate, hard working, and an amazing advocate to have on my side.
Lauren Fair has been an amazing lawyer. She is attentive, knowledgeable, compassionate, hard working, and an amazing advocate to have on my side. I feel lucky to have her through this difficult time and trust in her judgment completely. Her expertise and attention to detail is astonishing. I would recommend Lauren to anyone who needs a supportive and strong lawyer on their side!
Robynn Cavaliere
I worked with Lauren Fair and her staff for over a year and a half. The entire time they were responsive, professional, honest and very informative.
I worked with Lauren Fair and her staff for over a year and a half. The entire time they were responsive, professional, honest and very informative. Lauren walked me through the entire process step by step. When a court date or decision needed to be made. She was honest and prepared me for all the scenarios. Her knowledge and commitment to her work shows. I always received timely responses from her and all staff members. I can not thank them enough for all they did for me. I am now divorced and was granted an out of state move away. I highly recommend Lauren Fair. She truly cares about her clients and their best interest.
Desiree P.
Divorce is difficult as it is so having a great lawyer helping you makes a big difference.
I felt very much at ease when approaching Lauren Fair Cadora to help me with my divorce. She explained things so I could understand. I was able to contact her with any questions or concerns at any time. Divorce is difficult as it is so having a great lawyer helping you makes a big difference.
Patti Koch
Let's Talk
We understand that figuring out your next steps in your divorce can be overwhelming and stressful.
The decisions you make early on in the divorce process can seriously impact how long your divorce takes, how much it costs, and how much control you have over the outcome.
The first step is to reach out to us. We’ll help you take it form there.