Top Best Family Lawyers | 14650 Available

Alexcis Wichtowski was born and raised in the Sonoma wine country. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in History from Santa Clara University and went on to law school at Syracuse University in New York. During law school Ms. Wichtowski focused on family law and domestic violence work by participating in the Children’s Rights and Family Law Clinic and Family Advocacy Program, becoming a Family Law and Social Policy Certificate Recipient.. After passing the California State Bar, she began her career as a volunteer attorney at Sonoma County Legal Aid, where she represented domestic violence victims in obtaining restraining orders and in custody and visitation proceedings. She went on to work as a Staff Attorney at the Marin County Family and Children’s Law Center, providing direct representation to low and middle-income residents in all areas of family law. Ms. Wichtowski has also been admitted to the Washington State Bar since 2007.. Ms. Wichtowski is passionate about helping people, which is why she chose to focus her practice in the area of family law. She excels in connecting with her clients on a human level and is especially adept at breaking down difficult legal concepts into everyday language. Ms. Wichtowski approaches family law with both compassion and a sharp analytical mind.. In her free time, Ms. Wichtowski enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and playing with her Boston Terrier, Chloe Bean. Her guilty pleasures include Nacho Cheese Doritos, Sour Patch Kids, and Starbucks.

One of my passions is for the earth's ecosystems.  I went to UC Berkeley as an undergraduate and graduated with a BS in Environmental Science.  Before going to law school I worked for the City of Concord for a few years doing environmental planning.  I learned to draft blueprints and made maps of local flood plains, earthquake areas, waterways, the water district, waste management,  electrical power and streets. I loved the job.  My mom kept pushing me to go to Law School because no one else in my large extended family was a lawyer- that's 14 aunts and uncles and 60 first cousins.. After law school I worked at a firm doing family law, which I loved. I had studied family law under Professor Justice Donald King, who is often referred to as the father of modern California family law.  I was eventually recruited to work for a management consulting firm where I stayed for 20 years. They paid for me to get my LL.M. in taxation. This is a post-doctorate degree.  I found I loved taxes. We advised management for Fortune 100 public corporationson about the federal tax compliance of their retirement trusts.. The consulting firm in which I was a partner eventually went public.  Anyone shareholder over age 52 was offered a severance package and a large lum sum. I decided to take the package.  This turned out to be a godsend because my only sister, Jennie, had had a recurrence of breast cancer. Because I had the time, I was able to help care for my sister and spend time with her until she died at age 60.  I still miss her every day. The time I spent with her was the greatest blessing I ever received.. I was able to not work for 3 years. During that time I got a master's degree in Environmental Science.  I worked for 4 years for the Delta Vision Foundation doing legislative analysis of the implementation of the 2009 Great California Delta Water Act. It was a wonderful experience.. About 10 years ago I started my own law practice--just after Jennie died. I was able to use my knowledge and experience in family law matters and testamentary trusts. I decided to focuse on these two areas eventually expanding to wills and trust, probate and trust administration for individuals.. I am a volunteer park ranger for the Mt. Diablo State Park.  After training I receive a real authentic part vest and a hat, both of which I am extremely proud of. I am a "rover" meaning I hike the trails and help visitors with questions and problems.  I also volunteered to do environmental education activities.. Personally, I have a wonderful husband who is a retired Vet and retiree deputy police chief. We have 2 kids, both of whom are out of the house--mostly.  We have a 90 pound white goldendoodle named Romeo, who is serving as a replacement for the kids.

The Law Office of Mujdah Rahim exclusively handles family law matters, such as divorce, legal separation, paternity, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, restraining orders, premarital and postmarital agreements, and modification and enforcement.. Whether it is legal advice, pleading preparation, negotiation, consultation, mediation or litigation; she zealously pursue her clients' interests while enjoying a reputation for her dedication and skill.

Michael Geller grew up in San Francisco, CA. He attended the University of Southern California for his undergraduate studies, the City University of New York for his medical training, and Santa Clara University School of Law for his legal education. Michael then opened The Geller Firm to help with Family Law.

I became a family law attorney to help families work through one of the most difficult times of their lives and come out of it with as minimal damage as possible. As the child of divorced parents, I have first-hand knowledge of how divorce can impact not only the children involved, but the entire family unit. Though a divorce is never the end goal of marriage, sometimes it is necessary for the health, welfare, safety and happiness of all the people involved. I was lucky in that my parents divorced amicably and were able to reach agreements without the help of a lawyer, unfortunately, that is not the case for every person or family going through a divorce or legal separation. As your attorney, it is my goal to compassionately and effectively advocate for you in the most cost-efficient manner practicable. I strive to resolve cases through negotiation and settlement, but will proceed to litigation if necessary.. Family is such an integral part of my life and most of my free time is spent with my immediate and extended family. We will find any excuse to get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and laughs. As the child of divorced parents, I always enjoyed two of everything: two birthdays, two Christmases, two Thanksgivings, etc. As an adult, I have continued that tradition because it allows me to see all of my family without missing any big milestone or holiday. Now that I have a little family of my own, it is even more important to me to make sure he sees everyone during these times.. When I am not with family, I can usually be found with a good book (usually a psychological thriller) in my favorite reading chair. I enjoy having lunch with my friends and colleagues, or date nights with my husband, Jacob. I highly encourage all my clients to partake in some form of self-care, for me it is attending singing lessons and subjecting my husband to karaoke nights in Berkeley.

Holly Gutkovsky is a dedicated attorney who handles a wide range of family law and divorce issues, including child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, premarital agreements, and many others.. Going through a divorce or custody dispute is the most difficult and painful thing most people will ever have to face, and no two situations are ever the same.  It is important to consider how the litigation process will affect your family, and most importantly, how to ensure that your children are impacted as little as possible.  Holly's approach is to spend time getting to know each and every client and the details that matter in their own individual situations, so that she can pursue the best legal strategy while keeping the best interest of each family as the focus.. Holly's style of practice emphasizes the importance of mediation and the amicable resolution of custody and visitation issues, with the goal of minimizing conflict between parents, and ensuring a stable and harmonious environment for children to thrive.  She strives to reduce the amount of stress felt by her clients during the litigation process by working with opposing counsels and parties, and keeping the lines of communication open.. Holly is also well-versed in the adversarial process, and has been litigating on the Law and Motion calendars in San Mateo, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties since her first year of practice.  She has dedicated her career to the practice of Family Law, and is passionate about her work.. Before becoming a licenced California attorney, Holly earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco, School of Law, and her undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California, San Diego.  When she isn't fighting for her clients in court, you can usually find Holly enjoying beautiful Lake Tahoe, honing her culinary skills, or hiking through Redwood Regional Park with her dogs.

Scott J. Lantry is a Certified Specialist in the field of Family Law and is a Partner with the law firm Whiting, Ross, Abel & Campbell, LLP. Mr. Lantry exclusively practices family law and is committed to empowering his clients to resolve disputed issues on terms most favorable to the client and his/her children, either by mutual agreement or by focused and efficient family court litigation.. Continuously since 2017, Mr. Lantry has been selected for inclusion in the Northern California Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List. Less than 2.5% of attorneys in Northern California are named to Rising Stars.. Mr. Lantry acted as lead trial counsel in Superior Court proceedings that led to the published appellate decision In re Marriage of MacIlwaine, a case that made new law in California regarding the treatment of extraordinary income from stock option compensation that may exceed the needs of the minor children. (In re Marriage of MacIlwaine (2018) 26 514.) Mr. Lantry has since gone on to represent and advise both support payors and support recipients in cases where the payor’s income arguably exceeds the children’s needs under section 4057(b)(3), and where the support obligation is based on income from all forms of equity compensation.. Mr. Lantry has been qualified to testify as an expert in the field of California Family Law.. Mr. Lantry joined Whiting, Ross, Abel & Campbell, LLP in 2004, working as a File Room Clerk. When he passed the California Bar in 2008, he became a member of the team of family law attorneys at the firm. Mr. Lantry took a two-year hiatus from the firm during which time he represented airlines and aerospace companies in civil litigation primarily in the United States District Courts of California. Since his return to the firm, he represents clients through all phases of family law litigation including filing of initial court documents, complying with all discovery and disclosure requirements, settlement proceedings, and trial.

As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Derrick is experienced in negotiating and litigating a wide range of complex family law issues. He prioritizes guiding his clients through these often difficult and emotional processes with expertise and efficiency to ensure swift resolution.. In addition to his expertise in family law matters, Derrick also brings clients years of experience accounting for billion-dollar hedge funds as well as his prior experience litigating criminal court cases.. Prior to launching Roehn Law Offices LLP, Derrick practiced law at two of the most prestigious family law firms in the East Bay: the Law Offices of Joseph Wolch, and previously the Law Offices of Peter G. Loewentstein.. Derrick graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and earned his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Barbara with a major Business Economics and a minor in Global Peace and Security.

Attorney James Fishel took the California Bar Exam in February of 1990 and passed on his first attempt. James was admitted to the California Bar in July 1990. In 1990, James established his practice in Northern California. James enjoys helping individuals and small businesses solve their legal problems and challenges.. James loves "techie" stuff. He designed and set up the computer network for his office. He even laid all the CAT-6 cable. He picks his own routers and switches. He has written several computer programs designed to make the office more efficient.. James Fishel is a current member of the following organizations; The California Bar, The Contra Costa County Bar Association, District of Columbia Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association.. James Fishel has over 25 years experience practicing law. James Fishel has the goal of providing his clients with the support and guidance they need in the often complicated and emotional challenges of broad array legal issues and challenges.. James loves being an attorney and he really enjoys helping people solve complicated and difficult legal problems. He tries to be a very friendly and comfortable person. His style reflects his personality. Instead of working in a fancy and intimidating high rise, James chooses to work in a small business that he shares with a Home Health Care Agency. His office is not pretentious. He likes to make his clients feel relaxed and at ease when coming to his office. If he is not appearing in court for the day, you will often find him in his office blue jeans or sometimes even shorts instead of a suit. His goal is to make the process of finding solutions as painless as possible.

Prior to law school, Rebecca obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies and worked as a paralegal.  During law school, she focused on family law and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.  Upon receiving her law degree, she received Certificates for her work Family Law and Public Interest.  Rebecca grew her practice with family law and domestic violence law at the Family Justic Center in Concord, California.  She now is an associate attorney continuing this work in Walnut Creek, CA.

Attorney Uma Subramanian is a family court lawyer with a passion for justice. With more than 25 years of experience in legal practice, I will be on your side to resolve your case during your time of conflict resolution, mediation and justice. I have maintained my law practice since 1993.. I provide complete legal representation in the areas of family law including divorce/separation/annulment, child custody, child support, spousal support, assets/debts division, restraining orders, etc. I engage in meaningful and respectful negotiation for successful and amicable settlement of the case.. Every client is extremely important to me and I strive to get the best possible results to my clients in their best interests. I understand the difficulties of my clients when facing a legal problem and I diligently work with my clients in representing them to achieve the best possible outcome for them. I have dealt with most difficult cases diligently with integrity. I am committed to excellence and effective diligent representation.. I am a member of the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, the Contra Costa County Bar Association and the Alameda County Bar Association.

Matthew S. Buttacavoli was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1972.  Matthew graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine (B.A., 1995) and cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law (J.D., 1999), where he served as Executive Editor of the San Diego Law Review and received the General George W. Hickman, Jr. Award for excellence in Constitutional Law.. Matthew was admitted to the California Bar in 1999, and was admitted to the United States Supreme Court Bar in 2003.  He was also admitted to the United States District Court for the Central and Southern Districts of California. Matthew is an alumnus of the Family Law Trial Institute, a nationally preeminent program which for more than twenty years has provided advanced education, training and instruction in trial practice. He is also an alumnus of the Advanced Business Valuation Institute.  He has been named a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.. In June 24, 2014 after being nominated by the Public Law Center's Board of Directros. Mathew S. Buttacavoli was awarded the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for pro bono legal services by the State Bar of California Board of Trustees in recognition for his voulantary provision of legal services to the poor or disadvantaged, improving the law and the legal system and increasing access to justice.. Matthew’s publications include “Must Post-Termination Procedural Due Process Include a Full, Trial-Like Evidentiary Hearing? A Critique of Townsel v. San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board,” San Diego Law Review, Vol. 36, No. 4 (Fall 1999).  Matthew has also been a guest speaker for the Litigation Section of the Orange County Paralegal Association.. Matthew is a member of the Board of Directors of the Constitutional Rights Foundation - Orange County.  He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Veterans Legal Institute. Matthew is a member of the Orange County Bar Association Family Law Section, and is a Past President and curernt Board Member of the Italian-American Lawyers of Orange County (Lex Romana).  He sits on the Resolutions Committee of the Orange County Bar Association and is a Founding Fellow of the Society of Fellows of the Orange County Bar Foundation.  Matthew has also served on the Orange County Public Law Center’s Volunteers for Justice Dinner Committee and its Silent Auction Committee and served as the Silent Auction Committee’s co-chair through 2013. Matthew is an Ambassador Member of the National Italian-American Foundation, a member of the Federalist Society, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Region 85.. Although, Matthew currently limits his practice to Family Law, his previous legal experience includes general civil litigation, business and contract disputes, complex products liability and construction defects, real estate, title and escrow, mortgage and finance, wrongful death, torts, and appeals.

Attorney Skelly is a midwestern transplant from Iowa. She has been in Florida for the past 11 years. While attending school full time for her Master’s degree, Attorney Skelly also worked full time in social services helping children and their families who were involved in the child welfare/dependency system.. Attorney Skelly has an extensive professional background in child welfare and social services having worked for 18 years in the field. She has substantial knowledge and training in this area. After deciding to go to law school, Attorney Skelly attended Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School at their Riverview campus. She completed their accelerated program and finished law school in just over two years. She graduated magna cum laude with honors. Attorney Skelly received several honors and awards while in law school such as receiving the certificate of merit awards for Research and Writing, Family Violence Practice, and Secured Transactions. This means she earned the highest grade in her class. She also received the Alumni Distinguished Student Award which is awarded based on academic accomplishment, demonstrated leadership, meaningful extracurricular activities, and post-graduate plans.. In her free time, Attorney Skelly enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and exploring the beautiful state she has called home for the past 11 years.. In her legal career, Attorney Skelly started out at the State Attorney’s Office in Fort Myers, FL. She helped prosecute several cases and has done both jury and bench trials. Attorney Skelly has also worked for a family law firm under a board certified marital and family law practitioner where she gained tremendous knowledge in the area of family law which includes divorce, paternity, child custody/parenting plans, alimony and child support as well as domestic relations issues such as domestic violence injunctions. Attorney Skelly is also certified as a Guardian ad Litem and can serve as a Guardian ad Litem in family court cases.. Attorney Skelly is a proud member of the Florida Bar, the Lee County Bar Association, the Stann Givens Family Law Inn, the Calusa Chapter of the American Inns of Court, and the American Bar Association.