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Attorney, Administrative Hearing Officer and Mediator

I am a UC Hastings–trained San Francisco Bay Area Collaborative Practice Attorney, Mediator and Administrative Hearing Officer, with many years of diversified experience.

In 1992 I phased out my litigation-oriented law practice and devoted most of my energies towards education, training and experience in various Alternative Dispute Resolution modalities, including traditional mediation and administrative law.

The Collaborative Practice method can be used for resolution of any dispute, provided there is the motivation to resolve the dispute respectfully and a continuous relationship between the parties. Issues involving the business community, employment, car dealer services, real property law, family law and inheritance can be resolved out of court using the Collaborative Practice method or other types of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution).

Because I have been doing neutral work and have been a jurist for more than a decade, and have worked in general practice for many years, I am competent and comfortable applying Collaborative Practice and ADR protocols to a wide variety of disputes.

Collaborative Law is the wave of the future today.

— Stephania Francone

Choosing a legal professional you feel comfortable with, and who is able to support and honor your values, is of utmost importance.

David of Capitola wrote recently:

“The reason I chose Stephania Francone as my attorney for my divorce was her genuine concern for my mental well-being during our initial meeting. Throughout the process she continued to ensure that I was being taken care of as a person and as a client. Her knowledge and experience were priceless throughout the process.”

Areas of Practice

Collaborative Practice with both general
and family law applications
Administrative Hearing Officer for California Municipalities
Civil Law Mediator and Arbitrator
Probate Law Mediator and Arbitrator
State licensing issues for car dealer services, business owners,
medical professionals and drivers

My law and mediation offices are located in quaint Capitola Village, where I have been since 1999. I am available to conduct mediations and be a member of Collaborative Practice teams throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I am also available to preside at administrative hearings for municipalities throughout California.

Discourage litigation. Point out to your neighbor
how the nominal winner is often the real loser —
in fees, expense, and waste of time.

— Abraham Lincoln, 1850

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