DIVORCE WITH DIGNITY - LOS ANGELES
Vala Zarrabian, Esq.
Attorney and Certified Mediator
Divorce With Dignity – Los Angeles — Operated by Law Office of Vala Zarrabian, APC.
We were stuck in arguments and couldn’t make progress on even simple decisions. Vala helped us slow down, hear each other, and finally build a parenting plan we both feel good about. I walked away with so much more peace and clarity than I thought possible.
The legal steps felt overwhelming before we found Vala. She made everything clear, organized, and manageable. Having one person guide us through both the agreements and the paperwork made the whole experience so much less stressful.
We knew our son’s services and routines needed real protection in our agreements. Vala took the time to understand every detail and helped us create a plan that supports him in both homes. Her patience and care were exactly what we needed during such a scary time.
Meet Vala — Calm. Clear. Client-Focused.
I’m Vala Zarrabian, attorney and neutral family mediator. Clients describe me as grounded, empathetic, practical, and steady — someone who:
- Listens first, then helps clarify options before offering solutions
- Brings complex issues down to earth
- Helps both people feel heard and respected
- Supports agreements that work in real life
Before focusing on family conflict resolution, I worked in personal injury law and in the operation and management of commercial real estate investments — experience that strengthened my negotiation, contract, and problem-solving skills.
As a co-parent myself, I also understand how important it is to support children’s routines, needs, and stability during transitions.
If you’re looking for a calmer process with clear structure and steady guidance, I’m here to help.
In mediation, I serve as a neutral facilitator and do not represent either party.
What We Can Work Through Together In Mediation
- Parenting plans and schedules
- Division of property and financial agreements
- Child and/or spousal support discussions
- Co-parenting communication tools and problem-solving
- Post-divorce adjustments and agreements
Additional Services
When appropriate, I also offer support outside the mediation process, including:
- Prenuptial and posnuptial agreements
- Limited-scope court filing support
- Professional coordination with third-parties for specialized financial preparation
- Will & Trusts for family protection
Every family is unique. Your solution should be too.
More Than Documents – A Supported Holistic Process
No matter which route you choose, you’ll receive a process that feels organized, steady, and human in the process–including:
- Child-centered planning that prioritizes stability and routines
- Careful organization of financial and logistical decisions so nothing gets lost in the shuffle
- Structured next steps ( checklists, timelines, and filing logistics) to keep momentum and reduce stress
- Connection to trusted outside support when helpful — therapists, parenting coordinators, financial professionals, disability or school advocates, and more
- Consistent communication and check-ins so you’re never wondering what happens next
You will never be handed a stack of papers and sent on your way — this is a supported transition, not a transactional one.
Ultimately, you stay in control — with clarity, steady guidance, and real support from beginning to end.
Support for Families Raising Children with Disabilities or Neurodivergent Needs
Some families need extra care in planning — especially when a child has autism developmental differences, or disability-related needs.
As a parent and advocate, I bring a practical, child-centered lens to the process so your plan can account for real life — including:
- Protecting routines, therapies, and services
- Creating transitions that are predictable and manageable
- Building clear communication structures around school, medical, and support needs
- Thinking ahead about what your child may need as they grow
No family should feel like they have to navigate everything alone. My goal is to help you create a plan that is workable, respectful, and genuinely responsive to your child’s day-to-day needs.
Specialities
- Remote Mediation (California)
- Co-Parenting Mediation
- Parenting Plans
- Property & Financial Agreements
- Child/Spousal Support Discussions
- Post-Divorce / Post-Judgment Adjustments
- Special Needs-Informed Mediation
- Limited-Scope Legal Services
- Wills & Trusts Planning
More about Vala
MORE ABOUT VALA:
I believe peaceful outcomes are possible even in hard situations. My role is to provide structure, calm, and a compassionate path toward resolution. I help clients find the mutually beneficial outcomes that keep dignity and respect intact — especially when communication is strained.
MY APPROACH:
- Holistic — legal, emotional, financial, and logistical needs aligned
- Child-aware — protecting stability during big transitions
- Practical — agreements designed to work in day-to-day life
- Confidential & neutral — a space where everyone feels respected
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
- Licensed Attorney, State Bar of California #350497
- Juris Doctor (JD) — Southwestern Law School
- B.A. Economics, Business Management — University of California, Santa Cruz
- Personal Injury law experience & long term experience operating and managing commercial real estate and business interests
- Mediation & Family Law Training Certified
- Member, COPAA — ongoing education in disability and family advocacy
Contact Vala
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, or worried about the future — Vala can help you find a clearer, calmer path forward.
Important Disclosures:
Mediation (Neutral Role). Mediation is a voluntary, non-adversarial process. When serving as a mediator, Vala Zarrabian acts as a neutral facilitator and does not represent or advocate for either party. In the mediator role, she does not provide legal advice to either party or predict legal outcomes. Any agreements reached are the result of the parties’ own decisions. No attorney-client relationship is formed when she is acting as a mediator.
Paperwork + E-Filing Support (Administrative / Self-Represented). For couples who are already in full agreement and proceeding as self-represented, services may include neutral administrative support to prepare and organize required court forms based on information the parties provide, and to coordinate e-filing as a ministerial step when available. This service does not include legal advice or legal representation for either party.
Limited-Scope Legal Services (Separate Attorney Service). In some matters, limited-scope legal representation may be offered to one party for a defined task only by separate written legal services agreement. Vala Zarrabian does not serve as both mediator and attorney in the same matter at the same time. Where she has served as the mediator in a matter, any later attorney role in that same matter requires the informed written consent of both parties, confirmed in writing, and must be ethically permitted.
Independent Legal Counsel. Parties are encouraged to consult independent legal counsel of their choosing at any time, and especially before signing or filing any agreement or court documents.
About Divorce With Dignity
For over 30 years, Divorce With Dignity has helped individuals and families navigate divorce with respect, transparency, and compassion. Our structured process supports informed, peaceful resolutions while helping clients avoid unnecessary conflict, expense, and stress.