David Musselman is the founder and owner of Common Ground Mediation, a pioneering divorce mediation firm established in 2004. As Utah’s most experienced divorce mediator, David has conducted more mediations than any other mediator in the state and is recognized as one of the most seasoned practitioners in the country.
David’s journey in mediation began well before founding Common Ground Mediation. In 1999, he established the Divorce Mediation Institute of Utah as a founding member and senior partner. Prior to that, he served as a partner at Musselman, Bradley and Cross, where he first began developing his expertise in mediation services.
A trailblazer in the field, David holds the distinction of being the first non-lawyer admitted to the Utah Court Mediation Roster. He played an instrumental role in promoting mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method before it became mandated by Utah law. His innovative approach to divorce mediation includes being the first practitioner to introduce flat-fee services, demonstrating his commitment to making mediation more accessible and reducing financial anxiety for clients.
David’s groundbreaking contributions to divorce mediation extend beyond his pioneering fee structure. He developed revolutionary alimony buyout concepts, creating formulas and strategies for determining alimony that are now widely adopted by attorneys and judges throughout Utah. These innovative approaches have transformed how financial settlements are calculated and implemented in divorce cases across the state.
As a passionate advocate for voluntary mediation, David has demonstrated that even the most complex divorce cases can be resolved efficiently without adversarial attorney involvement. His approach enables couples to complete their divorce process in less than a month, dramatically reducing both the emotional and financial toll of traditional divorce proceedings.
Through his streamlined mediation process, it is estimated that David has saved Utah divorcing couples over $250 million in attorneys’ fees. This significant cost reduction has allowed countless couples to preserve their retirement savings, pensions, and home equity that might otherwise have been depleted through prolonged legal battles.
David’s understanding of divorce dynamics runs deep, both professionally and personally. As a father of six and having experienced divorce both as a child and an adult, he brings unique insight and empathy to the complex nature of family dissolution and its impact on relationships. This personal experience informs his approach to mediation, allowing him to navigate the emotional and practical challenges that clients face with genuine understanding and expertise.
His academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree and advanced certification in Organizational Communication and Mediation from the University of Utah. This formal education, combined with over two decades of practical experience, has established David as a respected authority in divorce mediation.
Through Common Ground Mediation, David continues to demonstrate his commitment to providing effective, compassionate, and affordable divorce mediation services. His extensive experience, pioneering methodologies, and innovative approaches to conflict resolution have helped countless families navigate the challenging process of divorce with dignity, efficiency, and mutual respect while preserving their financial futures.
Never one to rest on his laurels, David is currently at the forefront of another revolutionary development in divorce mediation. He is pioneering the development of the industry’s first AI mediator, a groundbreaking initiative that promises to further streamline and transform the divorce process. This innovative application of artificial intelligence technology demonstrates his ongoing commitment to making divorce mediation more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective for couples facing the challenges of separation.
This latest innovation continues his legacy of introducing transformative solutions that reshape the landscape of divorce mediation.
Liz Eckman brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a rostered divorce mediator, supported by a long history of high-level professional roles. Her career includes experience as a paralegal, CPA assistant at a leading communication company, and co-owner of an innovative business developing medical-grade infrared LED therapy beds. She has also successfully owned and operated other small businesses, honing exceptional skills in negotiation, problem-solving, and collaboration—key strengths she applies to her work in mediation.
After moving back to Utah in 2020 and navigating her own divorce, Liz sought an amicable and efficient solution through Common Ground Mediation. Inspired by the process and its emphasis on fostering healthy co-parenting relationships, she joined CGM to help others achieve practical, collaborative outcomes during life’s transitions.
Liz is dedicated to utilizing innovative tools and technologies to streamline mediation processes, ensuring they are more seamless, efficient, and tailored to each case individually. By embracing advancements that streamline workflows and improve outcomes, she helps set a higher standard for mediation in the industry. She embraces the philosophy that “growth and change are essential; when you stop evolving, you stop thriving.”
As a single mother of three and a guardian to three additional children, Liz has personal insight into the challenges of co-parenting and fostering. Her experiences provide her with empathy and a unique ability to guide families toward solutions that promote harmony and well-being. Outside of her work, Liz loves staying active, enjoying activities like biking, hiking, and running—anything under the sun with her littles. She also dedicates her spare time to animal rescue, supporting animals in need. Liz’s combination of professional expertise, innovative thinking, and compassion make her a trusted leader in divorce mediation.
Hello my name is Katlyn, I have been helping prepare divorce documents in Utah since the beginning of 2024. I have helped prepare documents for over 50 divorces with a variety of clients and special circumstances. A senior in the SUU nursing program, I live in sunny southern Utah with my two cats.
Saydee is a compassionate and dedicated Case Manager with over 4 years of experience in Customer Service. Her exceptional communication skills ensure that our clients’ needs are met effectively and comprehensively.
Having navigated her own divorce, Saydee offers invaluable insight and empathy to individuals facing similar challenges, establishing a genuine connection with both women and men during these trying times.
In her free time, she is a Licensed Yoga instructor, passionately promoting the balance between life, work, and family. Saydee integrates her expertise in yoga and breathwork into her daily routines, enriching her life and the lives of her clients.