Mediation & Legal Representation
Two Different Roles. One Clear Boundary.
Knauf Santos Law represents family law clients. Erica Knauf Santos also serves as a neutral family law mediator—but never for a matter in which Knauf Santos Law represents either participant.
Why the Distinction Matters
Representation and mediation are not interchangeable.
A family law attorney represents one client. The attorney gives legal advice, advocates for that client’s interests, develops legal strategy, and owes professional duties to that client.
A mediator has a different job. The mediator is neutral. The mediator does not represent either participant, does not give either side individual legal advice, and does not decide the case. The mediator helps the participants and their attorneys work through disputed issues and explore whether agreement is possible.
Keeping those roles separate protects the integrity of the mediation process and gives everyone involved a clear understanding of who represents whom.
Two Roles
Know which relationship you are entering.
Knauf Santos Law
Legal Representation
Knauf Santos Law, PLLC is a Washington family law firm representing clients in divorce, parenting disputes, child support, maintenance, property division, modifications, protection-order matters, and other family law proceedings.
When KSL represents a client, KSL’s attorneys advocate for that client’s individual interests and provide legal advice based on the facts and circumstances of the case.
KSL Mediation
Neutral Mediation
When Erica Knauf Santos serves as mediator, she serves as a neutral—not as either participant’s attorney.
Her role is to facilitate negotiation, help identify and narrow disputed issues, explore potential resolutions, and support a productive settlement process. The participants decide whether agreement is reached.
The Rule
KSL does not represent a party in a matter Erica is mediating.
If Erica is serving as the neutral mediator, Knauf Santos Law does not represent either participant in that mediation.
If Knauf Santos Law represents a client who is going to mediation, the parties use a different mediator. Erica does not switch roles and mediate a case in which KSL is counsel.
There is no overlap: advocate in one matter, neutral in another—but never both in the same matter.
Which Do You Need?
Choose the service that matches your situation.
I need a lawyer to represent me.
You are looking for legal advice, advocacy, strategy, or representation in a Washington family law matter.
I need a neutral mediator.
You and the other participant are looking for a neutral professional to help work through disputed family law issues and explore settlement.
KSL already represents me and we are mediating.
Your KSL attorney remains your advocate. The mediation will be conducted by an outside neutral rather than Erica.
Looking for Legal Representation?
Knauf Santos Law is a Seattle family law firm serving King and Snohomish Counties.
Since 2006, Knauf Santos Law has helped individuals and families navigate Washington family law matters involving divorce, parenting plans and custody disputes, child support, property and debt division, maintenance, modifications, and other complex family law issues.
The firm’s role is advocacy: helping clients understand their legal options, evaluate risk, prepare for negotiation or litigation, and make informed decisions about the next stage of their case.
If you are looking for a Seattle-area family law attorney rather than a neutral mediator, the main Knauf Santos Law website explains the firm’s attorneys, services, and representation process.
Looking for Mediation?
Keep the neutral role neutral.
If neither participant is represented by Knauf Santos Law and you are looking for neutral family law mediation, explore the mediation process, attorney information, scheduling, and intake through KSL Mediation.