About Lori Black Ogene, J.D. | Certified Mediator in Monterey, CA
Ready to speak with Lori directly?
Serving Monterey County families since 2010. Remote sessions available.
A Career Dedicated to Families
If you are searching for a compassionate, experienced, and knowledgeable professional to guide your family through difficult transitions, I welcome you to learn more about my background and approach. As Lori Black Ogene Monterey divorce mediator, I bring more than 20 years of legal and family mediation experience to the people and families I serve throughout Monterey County.
Since founding my mediation-focused practice in 2010, I have helped individuals and families resolve divorce, custody, parenting, and estate planning matters with dignity, clarity, and respect. My goal has always been to create a less adversarial process that protects families, reduces unnecessary conflict, and helps clients move forward with confidence. Working with Lori Black Ogene Monterey divorce mediator, means choosing a process focused on clarity, respect, and long-term solutions.
A Career Dedicated to Families
Lori’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to supporting families.
My legal and mediation career has always centered around helping people navigate important life transitions with compassion and professionalism. Over the years, I have worked with individuals and families facing emotionally difficult circumstances, including divorce, parenting disputes, financial restructuring, and long-term planning decisions.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism in 1989 before completing my Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Southern University Law Center in 1992. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1993 and spent years building legal experience that would later shape my approach to mediation and conflict resolution.
That legal foundation gave me firsthand insight into how stressful and expensive litigation can become for families. It also reinforced my belief that many disputes can be resolved more effectively through cooperation, communication, and informed decision-making rather than courtroom battles.
Today, my family mediation experience allows me to help clients understand both the emotional and practical sides of divorce and family transitions. I believe people deserve guidance that is honest, respectful, and focused on long-term stability for everyone involved.
Since returning to Monterey in 2018, I have continued serving families throughout Monterey County with a personalized and solutions-focused approach to mediation.
From Divorce With Dignity to Monterey Divorce Mediation
In 2010, I founded Divorce With Dignity Monterey to provide families with an alternative to adversarial divorce proceedings. My goal was to create a process where couples could work toward fair agreements in a calmer, more constructive environment.
The philosophy behind divorce with dignity monterey continues to shape my work today. I believe mediation gives families the opportunity to maintain greater control over important decisions involving parenting, finances, property division, and future planning.
After returning to Monterey in 2018, I continued building my mediation-focused practice under the Monterey Divorce Mediation & Family Solutions name while maintaining my longstanding professional connection to DWDignity Monterey. My email address, lbogene@dwdignity.com, reflects that continuing affiliation and professional history.
Over the years, I have seen how mediation can help families reduce emotional strain, preserve co-parenting relationships, and avoid unnecessary legal expenses. My experience as both an attorney and mediator allows me to explain complex legal processes in clear and practical language while remaining neutral throughout the mediation process.
20+ years of legal experience. On your side, as a neutral.
Lori is a J.D. and certified mediator. She understands the law and the courtroom, which is exactly why she chose mediation as the better path for families.
Education & Credentials
As an attorney mediator monterey families can trust, I believe transparency and professional credentials matter. My educational background, legal training, and mediation experience all support the work I do for clients throughout Monterey County.
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum laude — Southern University Law Center, 1992
- Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism, 1989
As a certified mediator monterey ca, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, and client-focused dispute resolution throughout every stage of the mediation process.
My legal background helps me explain timelines, documentation requirements, and procedural considerations in a way that is approachable and easy to understand. While I do not represent either party during mediation, I help create a balanced and informed process where both individuals can participate constructively.
I also remain actively involved in community and civic organizations, including the NAACP and the League of Women Voters.
My work as a certified mediator monterey ca focuses on helping families reach fair, practical agreements while reducing conflict and supporting long-term stability.
Professional Recognition & Awards
Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive professional recognition for leadership, service, and dedication to the communities I serve.
Awards & Recognition
- Outstanding Performance Award (2007)
- Shooting Star Leadership Award (2007)
These recognitions reflect the values that continue to guide my mediation practice today: professionalism, empathy, integrity, and service.
I understand that family disputes are deeply personal. My responsibility is to create a respectful environment where clients feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the process.
Lori's Approach to Mediation
I believe mediation works best when people feel safe, respected, and informed. My role is not to take sides or escalate conflict. My role is to guide productive conversations that help families reach workable and lasting agreements.
Many clients come to mediation feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future. I focus on helping people break difficult issues into manageable steps while keeping communication constructive and solution-oriented.
Whether clients are navigating divorce, parenting arrangements, or estate planning decisions, I strive to create a calm and professional process that prioritizes clarity and long-term stability.
Remote mediation services are also available for clients throughout California who prefer the convenience and flexibility of virtual meetings.
Services & Specialties
I provide mediation and family support services designed to help clients resolve disputes respectfully and efficiently while protecting their long-term interests.
Services Include:
- Divorce mediation
- Child custody mediation
- Parenting plans and co-parenting agreements
- Pre-marital and post-marital agreements
- Estate planning services
- Wills and living trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
- Guardianship provisions
- Family transition support
Why Choose Lori for Divorce Mediation in Monterey
Lori brings more than 20 years of legal and mediation experience helping families navigate divorce, custody, and long-term planning matters with clarity and professionalism. Since founding her mediation-focused practice in 2010, she has remained committed to creating respectful, solution-oriented processes that reduce conflict and support healthier family transitions.
20+ Years Experience
Lori brings more than two decades of legal and mediation experience helping individuals and families navigate complex personal and financial transitions. Her background allows her to guide conversations with professionalism, clarity, and a practical understanding of long-term family needs.
Certified Mediator Since 2015
As a certified mediator, Lori focuses on helping both parties communicate productively and work toward fair, informed agreements. Her mediation approach emphasizes neutrality, respectful dialogue, and constructive problem-solving rather than adversarial conflict.
Florida Bar Admitted
Lori earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1993. Her legal background helps clients better understand procedures, timelines, documentation, and important considerations throughout the mediation process.
Serving Monterey County Since 2010
Since founding her mediation-focused practice in 2010, Lori has worked with families throughout Monterey County on divorce, custody, parenting, and estate planning matters. Her long-standing connection to the community reflects her commitment to accessible and compassionate family support services.
Remote Mediation Available Across California
Clients throughout California can participate in mediation sessions remotely through secure virtual meetings. Remote services provide added flexibility, convenience, and accessibility while maintaining the same personalized guidance and professional support.
Mediation-Focused Practice
Lori’s practice is centered on helping families resolve disputes outside of costly and emotionally draining courtroom litigation. She believes mediation creates opportunities for healthier communication, better cooperation, and more sustainable long-term agreements.
Family & Estate Planning Experience
In addition to divorce and custody mediation, Lori assists clients with wills, living trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and guardianship planning. This broader experience allows her to help families prepare thoughtfully for both immediate and future needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lori Black Ogene a licensed attorney?
Yes. Lori holds a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Southern University Law Center (1992) and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1993. As a mediator, she represents neither party — her role is to facilitate fair agreement. Her legal background helps her explain complex issues in plain language and guide both parties through the documentation process.
What certifications does Lori hold as a mediator?
Lori has been a certified mediator since 2015. Her certification reflects both formal training and demonstrated competency in family law mediation.
What is Lori's connection to Divorce With Dignity?
In 2010, Lori founded Divorce With Dignity Monterey, a mediation-focused family law practice offering an alternative to adversarial divorce. After returning to Monterey in 2018, she focused her practice under the Monterey Divorce Mediation & Family Solutions name. Her email — lbogene@dwdignity.com — reflects her continued affiliation.
Does Lori offer remote mediation sessions?
Yes. Remote mediation is available via Zoom and other video platforms for clients anywhere in California. All services — divorce mediation, custody, and estate planning — are available remotely through her divorce mediation services in Monterey practice.
What types of cases does Lori handle?
Lori handles divorce mediation, custody and parenting plan mediation, co-parenting agreements, estate planning (wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, guardianship provisions), pre- and post-marital agreements, and related family transitions. Learn more about custody mediation and parenting plans.
Take the First Step Toward a Dignified Resolution
Contact Lori today for a confidential consultation. Response within one business day.
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Phone: (831) 216-8800
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Email: lbogene@dwdignity.com
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Office:
484b Washington Street, Monterey, California 93940, United States
