Soquel Family Lawyers

Our practice covers all aspects of family and matrimonial law in all of the Bay Area counties, primarily focusing on Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, and San Francisco counties. We will expertly navigate you through your family law matter, whether it involves termination of a domestic partnership, paternity, custody, visitation, domestic violence, adoption, guardianship, support, an annulment, legal separation, or post-judgment issues. Regardless which of these processes you are dealing with, we understand the strain and pressure that these matters inevitably put on clients and the necessity of providing strong representation. Therefore, we strive to make the entire process as easy...

Michèle Bissada is a Principal at Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada, in Silicon Valley and serves as a neutral throughout California. She is a Certified Specialist in Family Law (CFLS), Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), and member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). With over 30 years of experience, Ms. Bissada is a seasoned mediator with a prominent litigation background. She specializes in both complex financial and high-conflict custody matters. Highly committed to her practice, she has achieved notable success assisting parties in resolving the most...

Throughout her legal career, Vanessa has practiced exclusively in family law. With her legal training and knowledge, she provides compassion and advocacy for her clients. Vanessa’s experience working on a broad spectrum of family law matters include divorce, pre-divorce counseling and planning, premarital agreements, complex marital property issues, high conflict child custody disputes, child and spousal support issues and domestic violence prevention and defense. Vanessa protects her clients’ assets and the best interests of her clients and their children. She represents clients in public court and before private judicial officers. In addition, she serves as a consulting attorney for clients...

"Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." Erin Farley brings over 24 years of legal experience to the firm. She is well-respected in the community for her work and was voted in 2013 and 2015 as the Best Attorney in Petaluma by the Argus-Courier's People's Choice Awards. Ms. Farley's work focuses on dissolutions, child support, child custody, spousal support, post-judgment support, comprehensive property division, and prenuptial agreements. Ms. Farley brings experience, insight, and compassion to what is likely the most emotionally difficult of court proceedings. Ms. Farley is a member of the...

Mr. Tabayoyon is an experienced trial attorney that focuses on personal injury and family law matters, including federal and state trial litigation.

Rhoda Chandler is a Super Lawyers "Rising Star" and a Certified Family Law Specialist as designated by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Chandler is a native Californian, born and raised in Los Angeles, where she graduated from California State University Los Angeles. Prior to obtaining her law degree Ms. Chandler was an executive with one of California's largest Fortune 500, New York Stock Exchanged, retail grocery companies and brings that extensive business and management experience to the practice of law. Ms. Chandler obtained her Juris Doctorate at Creighton University School of Law where she was a member...

Member of California and Federal Bar. Managing partner, current practice involves civil litigation, personal injury litigation for plaintiffs, defense, Probate, Consumer law, Family Law. As an Attorney, I am quite proficient in pleading and practice procedure, legal research in the library, web and computer, judicial procedure and rules of evidence. I have tried over a 200 court and jury trials. I have arbitrated and mediated over 500 cases. I have had experience with Superior, Appeals and Federal courts. I am a hearing officer for the City of Stockton and County of San Joaquin and a Pro...

The Davalos Law Firm is committed to providing the legal help you need by first examining and reviewing the case, understanding your needs and wishes surrounding the outcome and with honesty and integrity delivering the best possible results for you. We specialize in the following law areas Family, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, Landlord Tenant, Real Estate and Foreclosure Defense.

Mr. Luna grew up in Porterville, California which is located in rural Tulare County. He joined the United States Air Force, immediately out of high school, where he worked hydraulic systems on the F-111 Aardvark.

After leaving the United States Air Force, he moved back to his hometown and enrolled in community college. Suffice it to say, it took Mr. Luna a few years of stumbling through various courses, before he found his passion in the law. While in community college, he enrolled (at the prompting of a local attorney) in an ABA approved Paralegal Program and the rest is...

Scott Mitchell is highly experienced in a wide range of legal matters, including bankruptcy, personal injury, criminal defense, and divorce. He has handled thousands of cases, developing an in-depth knowledge and a nuanced understanding of many areas of the law. Nothing substitutes real-world experience and proven knowledge, and with Attorney Mitchell, you have access to a seasoned attorney who knows the ins and outs of many state and federal courts. He works hard for his clients in order to get the right results. If you would like to see how Attorney Mitchell can help you, call for a FREE consultation.

Crabtree Law PC is a full service, bi-lingual (SPANISH), family law firm dedicated to delivering personal, practical, and effective representation at an affordable cost. We are conveniently located in Walnut Creek, California. Attorney Maria Crabtree received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Communications from the University of California at Davis. She later returned to the University of California, Davis and earned her J.D. degree. As a sole practitioner, Ms. Crabtree is dedicated to helping families navigate through the complexities of the laws and policies that rule family law issues. Dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody...

I am a founding partner at Lewellen Family Law Group P.C., where our practice is devoted entirely to family law. As a trial attorney and mediator, I handle cases that involve high conflict situations and complex legal challenges in family law litigation. I am recognized by the State Bar of California as a certified family law attorney. Throughout my career, I have advised clients ranging from straightforward divorces to those entangled in intricate financial and custody disputes. My deep-seated experience in complex family law litigation and premarital agreements equips me to guide my clients through difficult times to secure favorable results....

Kristine is an experienced litigator with extensive training in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Kristine returned to school in 2005 as a single parent following her own divorce, and her commitment to her clients is grounded in having personally experienced the stress and uncertainty that often goes hand in hand with even the most amicable of divorces.

Kristine strongly believes in the importance of reducing the level of conflict whenever possible, regardless of which process option is utilized. This is particularly true when there are children

Kristine can assist with premarital agreements, parentage actions, post-marital agreements, dissolution and legal separation, and with...

Paul W. Thorndal is a partner at Wald & Thorndal. He specializes in divorces of all kinds with an emphasis on gay divorce. Mr. Thorndal is a Certified Family Law Specialist (The State Bar of California Legal Specialization). Wald & Thorndal's practice areas include: Divorce, Dissolution & Contested Parentage Actions for all families; Custody Disputes; Mediation; Marvin Actions. Legal services provided at both the TRIAL and APPELLATE level. Assisted Reproduction; Adoptions of All Kinds; Family Contracts; Parenting Law including Surrogacy; Donor Contracts for Egg and/or Sperm Donations; Pre-Nupital Agreements; Co-Parenting Agreements; Domestic Partnership Agreements; Name Changes.

Jacob Harker is a San Francisco Bay Area attorney. Mr. Harker has set up and run his law practice in a cost-effective and practical manner. He has done so in an effort to pass on the savings to his clients. As an attorney, Mr. Harker sees his practice as taking the lead in a new era of legal services.

Colby combines aggressive advocacy and compassion to assist clients through difficult times. Dedicated to helping clients navigate through complex legal matters with integrity, Colby has a tough yet sensitive approach to divorce and family law. Common sense and tenacity are hallmarks of his advocacy. Colby is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a B.A. in Rhetoric, with a minor in Celtic Studies, and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco (USF) School of Law, where he was the Student Commencement Speaker at his law school graduation, the Co-Chair of the USF Public...

Rachel is an Attorney at Doyle Quane. She practices exclusively family law and specializes in high asset cases. Being admitted as an attorney in both Australia and California, Rachel can assist with both Australian and California family law matters.

I've always had a passion for law and justice. As such, I gave up a business career in my mid thirties to obtain a law degree. I graduated from law school in 2001. While in school, I received multiple awards and honors, including top 5% of my class in the first year, as well as a merit scholarship. I received special training in trial work, earning certificates in litigation, public interest law, and mediation. My law practice began in commercial litigation, where I had certain aptitudes and strengths due to my business background....

CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST At the Law Office of Dianne Drew Butler C.F.L.S., we have worked closely with men and women across the Central Valley in California since 1986. We know that the legal process can be complicated and take great care to carefully explain the law and process to you so that you have a realistic idea of what to expect. We will help you understand your rights and options so that you can make good decisions that are in your best interests. Our Credentials We offer clients extensive experience and knowledge in family law matters, having focused our practice exclusively...

Robin M. Birnbaum practices exclusively family law, having done so since 2010. Robin’s experience as a mediator, litigator and Minor’s Counsel gives her a unique perspective into the practice of family law and she is able to offer creative and strategic solutions to address the most challenging and complex family law matters, including child custody, domestic violence and support.

Robin is a Certified Family Law Specialist, having been certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization in July 2016. Robin is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of California, Family Law Section...

Family law issues, being deeply personal, can significantly disrupt your life. I approach these sensitive matters with compassion and care. I will be straightforward in evaluating the unique aspects of your case, clearly outlining your options, and providing realistic advice on how to proceed. For over 32 years, I have committed myself to assisting families in navigating the complexities of their legal issues. I have encountered a diverse range of families and challenges, which has broadened my knowledge and allowed me to offer high-quality representation to my clients. I ensure that each client receives the focused attention they deserve and strive...

I am one of a handful of Certified Family Law Specialists, as certified by the California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization, in the Stanislaus and San Joaquin area. Family law is my favorite area of the law as I greatly enjoy the ability to help people navigate through the court process. I know that I go to court every day but that my clients don't. I understand that this process can be overwhelming and often, emotionally driven. My job is to be certain that my clients understand best case scenarios and worst case scenarios so...

For 22 years, I have devoted my career as a lawyer to helping parties resolve their conflicts efficiently, effectively and respectfully. I believe the quality of a mediated resolution, and of the mediation process, to be as important to the parties as the fact of resolution.

Ashley is founder of Talbot Law Firm. As an attorney in the firm’s emerging business practice, Ashley counsels startups with incorporation, early stage financing, employment issues, intellectual property protection, technology licensing, commercial partnerships and various other corporate transactions. Ashley believes that understanding a company’s vision and priorities is important to devising strategies to solve legal problems so companies can focus on their goals. Ashley has nearly 3 years in-house experience representing entrepreneurs in a wide range of corporate, commercial and intellectual property matters. Ashley received a J.D. from University of San Francisco School of Law and a B.A. in...

Mr. Mastro was born in Oakland, grew up around the East Bay, and has spent his life living throughout the Bay Area, from San Francisco to San Jose. Mr. Mastro graduated from the Santa Clara University School of Law in May 2006. He then passed the California State Bar Examination in July 2006 on his first attempt. Thereafter, Mr. Mastro became a Deputy Public Defender in San Joaquin County, representing clients in all manner of criminal cases, in a high-volume capacity. In 2009, Joe decided to return home to open his own law firm. Since then...

Kate Reder is an associate attorney at Wald & Thorndal. She specializes in family formation, divorce, and dissolution for both traditional and non-traditional families. Firm practice areas include: Divorce, Dissolution & Contested Parentage Actions for all families; Custody Disputes; Mediation; Marvin Actions. Legal services provided at both the TRIAL and APPELLATE level. Assisted Reproduction; Adoptions of All Kinds; Family Contracts; Parenting Law including Surrogacy; Donor Contracts for Egg and/or Sperm Donations; Pre-Nupital Agreements; Co-Parenting Agreements; Domestic Partnership Agreements; Name Changes.

Before starting my family law practice, I worked for 5 years at a non-profit, where I successfully litigated in court on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their children. I obtained Temporary and Permanent Restraining Orders, Child Visitation and Custody Orders, as well as Child Support. Since 2007, I have offered amicable, uncontested divorce and separation options for those who want to stay out of court, including high conflict and complex cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness. I provide services as a Mediator (neutral third party), Collaborative Divorce attorney (using a team approach),...

Before merging her law office with Tammy J. Mercado’s, Mary Whipple opened her own law practice in the summer of 2008. Prior to that Mary was an associate attorney at the Law Office of Cummins & Holmes, a full-service civil litigation law firm in San Ramon. The majority of her experience is in family law, which includes divorce, custody, support, prenuptial agreements, and domestic-violence restraining orders. Mary has also represented clients in a variety of non-family-law cases, including juvenile dependency, probate, breach of contract, and employment disputes, to name a few. Previously, Mary worked as a contract attorney for O’Melveny...

Shelley M. Kennedy is a family law attorney and private mediator with Lawhon Law & Mediation, P.C.

Shelley's mediation practice includes high-asset dissolution of marriage matters including division of property, preparation of complex financial models, calculations for various settlement options, as well as determination of support. In addition to Shelley’s experience in financially complex matters, her practice also includes mediation for couples with smaller estates.

Shelley serves as a Settlement Conference Master for the San Francisco Unified Family Law Courts and as a volunteer attorney for the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Pro Bono Family Law Project.

Shelley has participated in over 200...

We are a small law office offering family law and divorce related services to the people of the San Francisco Bay Area. We provide individuals and families with the help they need to resolve family law issues surrounding dissolution of marriages or domestic partnerships (divorce), adoption and surrogacy, prenuptial agreements, child custody, spousal support (alimony), and offer counsel and legal services to couples contemplating marriage or domestic partnership. We pride ourselves in being able to offer resposive and personalized service at affordable rates. By eliminating the crippling overhead and high management salaries that are common among larger Bay Area law firms,...

Attorney Stratte's passion is family law. She brings significant experience with trials, highly contested dissolutions with custody, division of high value assets, and alternative dispute resolution to assist her clients with compassionate resolution of these deeply personal legal issues. In addition, she has many recent wins at long cause trials in property division, domestic violence restraining orders, custody, contempt of court and fee awards, among other successes. Attorney Stratte received her Bachelor of the Arts from the University of California Berkeley in Women's Studies, located in Berkeley, California. Thereafter, she received her professional doctorate in law from Southwestern Law School located...

Ms. Szeto-Wong completed her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley. She obtained her law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law and has been litigating civil rights, family law, and employment cases in state and federal court since 2012. Ms. Szeto-Wong has a successful track record including favorable verdicts and awards in the millions of dollars. She is bilingual in English and Cantonese.

30 years of practice experience in Divorce Law; 12 years of Real Property practice prior to that; Real Estate Broker 20 years. Corporate background; business valuations; division of property. Years of trial experience, but love collaborative law and am a highly trained mediator. Highly skilled with custody of children at once heartbreaking and often cruel. Serious trial experience with false sexual abuse allegations; true sexual abuse allegations. Empathic, concerned, and compassionate, yet can draw boundaries because every minute I am engaged in your case; you will receive an hourly bill. Trial lawyer Trained Child Counsel Mediator Collaborative Law Practitioner

Attorney with over 30 years of experience representing clients in Divorce and Family Law matters. Certified Specialist in Family Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. My practice includes representation in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody; child visitation; child support; spousal support ; division of community property (including high value assets); annulment; paternity; and drafting marital settlement agreements. I am also available to provide limited scope representation or consultation for self-represent parties. Representing clients throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

Anne M. Whatley has been practicing family law for over 20 years, and has experience in all aspects, including divorce, custody, support, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, domestic violence, and any other family law issue.