Frequently Asked Questions

What family law services do you offer?
At Telfer Family Law & Mediation, we provide a wide range of family law services, including collaborative divorce, divorce mediation, child custody and child support matters, alimony, high-net-worth divorce and complex property division, premarital and postnuptial agreements, negotiated settlements, and limited representation services.

What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party helps you and the other person resolve disagreements and reach mutually acceptable agreements. Rather than having a judge make decisions for your family, you remain in control of the outcome. The mediator facilitates productive conversations, helps identify options, and guides you toward practical solutions, but does not take sides or make decisions for either of you. Mediation is often faster, less expensive, and less stressful than going to court.

How do I know whether mediation is right for me?
Mediation is a good fit when both people want to resolve their issues outside of court with the help of a neutral professional. You do not have to agree on everything to begin—mediation is designed to help people work through disagreements and reach practical solutions. The key is that both of you are willing to participate in good faith and work toward resolution. If you need someone to advocate solely for your interests rather than remain neutral, collaborative representation or divorce consulting may be a better fit.

What is Collaborative Divorce, and how is it different from mediation?
Collaborative Divorce is a team-based process designed to help families resolve their divorce without going to court. Each spouse has their own collaboratively trained attorney, and the team is customized to meet the family’s unique needs, but it typically includes two attorneys, a neutral financial professional, and a family facilitator or mental health professional. Together, the team helps the family address legal, financial, parenting, and communication issues so they can make informed, lasting decisions. In mediation, by contrast, one neutral mediator works with both people to facilitate agreements but does not advocate for either person. Both approaches are committed to respectful problem-solving, preserving relationships, and helping families reach durable agreements outside the courtroom.

What is the difference between mediation and limited scope representation?
In mediation, Diana serves as a neutral mediator, helping both people communicate, explore options, and reach mutually acceptable agreements. She does not represent either person or provide individual legal advice. With limited scope representation, Diana is your attorney, but only for the specific tasks you choose. Instead of hiring an attorney to handle every aspect of your case, you can receive legal assistance with particular needs, such as legal advice, strategy, reviewing or drafting documents, preparing for mediation, negotiating specific issues, or answering legal questions. This allows you to receive professional legal guidance while maintaining greater control over your case and legal costs. It is a flexible, cost-conscious way to get real legal advice exactly where you need it, and nowhere you don’t.Neither approach is better—they simply serve different needs. If you are looking for a neutral professional to help both of you reach agreement, mediation is likely the better fit. If you want legal advice and advocacy for yourself on selected aspects of your case, limited scope representation is the right choice.

Can you help with parenting plans and child custody?
Yes. Diana helps parents develop parenting plans and resolve custody, parent-time, and child support issues through mediation, Collaborative Divorce, limited representation, and negotiated settlement—all outside of court. Her focus is on creating child-centered agreements that meet the unique needs of your family while reducing conflict and fostering healthy co-parenting relationships. She does not litigate custody disputes because too often, families spend tens of thousands of dollars fighting over their children—money that could have been used for college, extracurricular activities, or building a secure future for them. Diana believes children benefit most when parents invest in solutions rather than conflict.

Isn’t mediation required in Utah anyway?
In many Utah divorce cases with contested issues, courts do require the parties to attempt mediation before trial. But there is a meaningful difference between checking a court-ordered box and choosing mediation early as your primary path. Starting with mediation by choice usually means less conflict, lower cost, and agreements you both actually shaped, rather than terms handed down to you.

Do you represent clients in court or litigation?
No. Diana’s practice is dedicated exclusively to helping families resolve disputes outside of the courtroom through mediation, Collaborative Divorce, limited scope representation, and legal consulting. She believes that out-of-court processes are often less expensive, less stressful, and more effective at preserving relationships while giving families greater control over the outcome. If your matter requires contested litigation, Diana will let you know honestly and help you transition to an attorney whose practice is focused on courtroom representation. Even then, she may still be able to assist behind the scenes with case strategy, settlement negotiations, or consulting in coordination with your litigation attorney. You will always have a clear path forward.

Can you help with pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements?
Yes. A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is not about planning for divorce—it is about intentionally designing your financial future together. The process creates a safe, structured environment to have important conversations about finances, expectations, assets, debts, inheritances, and future goals before misunderstandings arise. Diana’s collaborative approach helps couples communicate openly, make informed decisions, and create an agreement that reflects their shared values and gives both partners confidence as they build their life together.

What if my spouse already hired a litigation attorney?
Do not assume that your case is destined for court. Many cases still settle through negotiation, mediation, or other out-of-court processes even after one spouse hires a litigation attorney. While it may affect whether Diana is the right attorney to represent you directly, she can help you evaluate your options, develop a settlement strategy, or coordinate with litigation counsel when appropriate. The first step is understanding your situation so you can choose the path most likely to resolve your case efficiently and with as little conflict as possible.

Does my spouse have to agree for mediation or collaborative divorce to work?
Yes, both processes require both people to participate willingly. If your spouse is not on board yet, that does not mean you are stuck, and it does not mean it will never happen. A consultation can help you understand your options, and limited scope representation can support you individually in the meantime.

Can Diana represent both of us?
No attorney can represent both spouses in a divorce; that protects both of you. What Diana can do is serve as a neutral mediator working with both of you, which is different from representation, or represent one of you in a collaborative or out-of-court process while your spouse has their own counsel.

How long does the family law or divorce process usually take?
Every family law matter is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. The length of the process depends on the complexity of the issues, how quickly information can be gathered, and the willingness of both parties to work toward resolution. In general, mediation, Collaborative Divorce, and other out-of-court processes are completed much more quickly than contested litigation because the parties—not the court’s calendar—control the pace. During your consultation, Diana can provide a more realistic timeline based on your family’s unique circumstances.

How do I get started with Telfer Family Law & Mediation?
Getting started is simple. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your circumstances, answer your questions, and explore the legal options available to you.

What happens in the consultation?
The consultation is a working session—not a sales call. Diana will learn about your situation, answer your questions, and help you identify the process and next steps that best fit your family’s needs. Together, you will discuss the key facts of your case, your financial picture, your legal options, and practical strategies for moving forward. By the end of the meeting, you will have a clearer understanding of your options, whether Diana is the right fit for your matter, and what to expect in terms of fees and next steps.

Will a consultation be useful if I’m not ready to hire anyone?
Yes, truly. Many people schedule a consultation before they are ready to begin the divorce process because they want to understand their options and how to prepare. Diana can help you evaluate the different paths available, explain what to expect, discuss steps you can take now to protect yourself and your family, and identify information that will be helpful if you decide to move forward later. Even if your next step is simply to think things over, you will leave with greater clarity, a practical roadmap, and no pressure to hire anyone or make an immediate decision.

What should I gather before I reach out?
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us. It is helpful to have a general understanding of your finances, a list of your biggest questions or concerns, and a sense of what matters most to you and your family. If you decide to schedule a consultation, our intake process will guide you through the information and documents that will be most helpful. There is no need to have everything organized before taking the first step.

How much does it cost to hire a family law attorney or mediator?
The cost depends on the services you need and the complexity of your situation. Because our practice focuses exclusively on out-of-court resolution, most clients spend significantly less than they would in a contested divorce. Whether you choose mediation, Collaborative Divorce, limited scope representation, or assisted negotiations, you pay only for the level of professional support your family needs—not the expense of prolonged litigation. During your consultation, we will discuss the options available, explain our fees, and help you choose the approach that best fits your goals and budget.

What if I’m not sure which service is right for me?
That is completely normal. Many people are unsure which process or level of support is the best fit when they first begin exploring their options. We recommend starting with our “Which Type of Support Is Right for Me?” guide, which explains each service in plain language and includes a simple self-assessment to help you narrow your choices. If you are still unsure after reviewing the guide, a consultation is designed to help you evaluate your situation and determine the approach that best fits your family’s needs and goals.

What happens if we start out of court and it stops working?
While most families are able to reach agreements outside of court, not every case is a good fit for an out-of-court process. If your matter becomes truly contested or litigation becomes necessary, Diana will discuss that with you honestly and help you transition to an attorney whose practice is focused on courtroom representation. Whenever appropriate, she can also continue to assist behind the scenes with settlement strategy, negotiations, or consulting in coordination with your litigation attorney. Choosing an out-of-court approach first does not limit your options—it simply gives your family the opportunity to resolve the matter in a less costly, less stressful, and more collaborative way before turning to litigation.