Top Best Family Lawyers | 21185 Available

Born and raised in Tacoma, Jeff attended Charles Wright Academy before travelling the country pursuing his passion for ice hockey.  Jeff played hockey for the Utica Pioneers in Utica, NY while earning his undergraduate degree in business marketing.. Upon graduation Jeff returned home to Tacoma.  He graduated from Seattle University a few years later with his law degree and a masters in sports administration and leadership.. Jeff is currently involved as a board member with the First Tee of the South Puget Sound, Hockey Players Assemble and UP Cares.  Jeff has a passion for helping those who are in need.. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and hockey.

Elizabeth Vaughan believes that in addition to an educated mind, a caring heart and a listening ear are essentials for a family lawyer.  She has been practicing law in Virginia since 2003, developing a special expertise in child welfare and the best interests of children in family law matters.  In 2024, Elizabeth founded Vaughan Family Law.. In addition to serving private clients in family law cases, Elizabeth is a certified Guardian ad Litem for Children and a Certified Child Welfare Specialist through the National Association of Counsel for Children. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.

Prior to opening her own practice, Lori was an associate at a large Albany law firm where she concentrated her practice on family and matrimonial law.  In particular, she focused her practice on military divorce. Lori continues to focus her practice in matrimonial law, family law and criminal defense.   Lori compassionately and aggressively advocates for her clients in every case to receive favorable resolutions.

Personal Interests:

Terri Harrington  has received the 2016 and 3017 Super Lawyer award. and has been a litigation attorney for over 35 years.   She has  dedicated herself to  conflict resolution since 1997 and Collaborative Law since 2001.  She specializes in helping couples divorce in an amicable manner. She is a dedicated mediator who helps couples reach full agreement and helps them with the divorce paperwork.   She  teaches non adversarial communication, peacemaking for lawyers and mediation skills.  Terri has the  highest peer review rating for both legal ability and ethical standards with Martindale Hubbell and believes she was put on this earth to help families.  She is very knowledgeable about family law but also about conflict resolution and is a trained conflict coach and mediator.  She  provides unbundled legal services so that her clients get only the help they need in the most efficient way.. Terri has served as President of the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals for two years, as President of the Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, and President of the Rocky Mountain Collaborative Law Professionals. She has been a  board member of the family law section executive council for over 8 years.. Terri is a frequent speaker at the University of Colorado Law School, the Family Law Institute and the collaborative law organizations.. Terri has served as a guardian ad litem for many children and has represented thousands of parents.. Areas of practice include: Family Law, domestic disputes, child support, custody, parenting time, children, visitation, domestic partnerships, prenuptial agreements, collaborative divorce, high net worth divorce, modifications of parenting time and child support, contested divorce, uncontested divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, mediation, and collaborative practice.

Kaitlyn is a passionate advocate and works tirelessly to meet the goals of her clients, understanding that family law matters can be overwhelming and highly emotional. Kaitlyn brings a level head to the table and is cognizant of her client's time and resources. Kaitlyn enjoys working with her clients to find creative solutions that work for their unique set of circumstances and family. When Kaitlyn is out of the office, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two children.

Craig Van Thiel is a licensed California attorney specializing in family law matters for over eight years. Specializing in complex family law matters, Mr. Van Thiel has built a reputation for bringing even the most complex family law matters to a just and cost efficient resolution.. Mr. Van Thiel Graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor's degree in political science. He continued his legal education at the University of San Diego School of Law and received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1998. He has also received a degree in Comparative Criminal Law and International Human Rights from the University of San Diego, Dublin Institute on International and Comparative Law.. Before entering private practice Mr. Van Thiel worked for the State Child Support Enforcement Unit and is uniquely aware of the inner workings of the enforcement unit as well as the complexities of child support establishment and enforcement. In private practice Mr. Van Thiel has asserted himself in the North County legal community as an expert in complex family law litigation. Mr. Van Thiel however, prides himself with his ability to bring even the most complex cases to an amicable agreement without the cost of litigation.

We can handle all your family matters.

I focus my efforts to ensure that my clients understand the legal process and make well informed decisions.  I am an aggressive advocate while remaining focused on global settlement.. As the managing partner, I can appreciate the complexities that business owners face during a divorce.. I am experienced in drafting and reviewing prenuptial agreements, which ensures my clients' interests are protected so that if unfortunate and unexpected circumstances arise, they have an "insurance policy" to protect their separate property interests.

I practice law because I want your legal experience to be better than mine was. When I was a child, I was the victim of sexual violence. As a teen, I was a plaintiff in a civil action and a witness in a criminal case. It was scary, disempowering, lengthy and confusing.. I don’t want you to feel that way, ever. It’s stressful and unproductive. It leaves you exhausted instead of ready to embark on a fresh start. I understand how intimidating the legal process can be, especially when there are real and significant changes going on your life. It is my practice to listen to what you need – your priorities, intentions, goals and concerns. Working with you, I  use my expertise, passion and outside-the-box problem solving thinking to craft a legal strategy that will get you where you need to go. Whether you want full representation or a little help along the way, I vow to truly hear you and give you the no-nonsense legal advise and aggressive advocacy that you deserve.. I specialize in all areas of family law, with special attention to complicated divorces and post-judgment modification or enforcement actions, LGBT legal matters and pre/post marital agreements.. When I am not wrestling with the law, I am a mom, yoga and hiking enthusiast, avid Etsy and vintage shopper and I love music and foreign films. In my ‘former’ life, I was an elite gymnast and Waldorf student in Southern California.

Michelle Jacobson-Kwok graduated from San Francisco State University with Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology, and was on the Dean's List. She received Law Degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. While in law school, Ms. Jacobson-Kwok served as a law clerk for the United States Attorney's office Environmental Unit, where she handled land use, Indian gaming and environmental law cases for the federal government. She also volunteered as a law clerk at "East Palo Alto Community Legal Services" where she assisted tenants in housing disputes. Ms. Jacobson-Kwok was also an investor advocate in USF's nationally recognized "Investor Justice Clinic", where she prepared cases for NASD arbitrations after investors had lost substantial amounts of money in the stock market due to the advice of unscrupulous broker/dealers.. In her current practice Ms. Jacobson-Kwok works primarily on family law and domestic violence/civil harassment cases. She particularly enjoys the satisfaction of seeing a case to its conclusion as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. She has handled hundreds of cases including child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, division of assets, domestic violence, civil harassment and mediations.

O'Neil Law Firm is a respected law firm advocating for clients in Environmental Law, Family Law and Adoption cases. Based in Oakland, we are familiar with the courts of the Oakland area throughout all of California. Our attorneys have the necessary skill to help you resolve your legal problem. No matter what your case involves, we are focused on your success. Please read our profiles to learn more about our professional backgrounds.. Knowledgeable attorneys handle multiple areas of the lawO'Neil Law Firm has a thorough understanding of California law. Our lawyers work hard to help you get the best possible results in the following practice areas:. Environmental Law: Due to the complexity of environmental laws, it is important for businesses to be represented by attorneys who are familiar with the law. Our lawyers have significant experience in environmental law and have the skills necessary to successfully guide you through the legal process.. Family Law: Changes in your family structure pose many challenges. Whether you are pursuing adoption, experiencing marital conflict, or facing another issue close to home, you need a family law attorney who can help you find solutions for your legal problems. We answer all of your questions as we guide you through your family law matter.. Adoption: Adopting a child should be a joyous occasion for your family. However, the process can be complicated and frustrating. Our experienced attorneys help clients through the adoption process, bringing your child home as soon as possible.. Child Support: When parents go through a divorce, they have to decide how to best support their children. At our firm, our goal is to protect your children’s right to financial security. Our experienced attorneys are here for you during your child support case.. Divorce: Choosing to dissolve your marriage can be stressful and overwhelming. There are many decisions you have to make, such as child custody and spousal support. During your divorce, you need an experienced attorney to advocate for the best interests of you and your family. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you through the divorce process.. Obtaining Domestic Violence Orders: At our firm, our experienced attorneys provide skilled representation to clients seeking orders of protection. We can help you seek a restraining order to protect you and your family.. Defending Against Domestic Violence Orders: At our firm, our experienced attorneys provide skilled representation to clients fighting to avoid restraining orders. We help defend your rights when you are facing the prospect of arestraining order.. Child Custody: When you are going through a divorce, the well-being of your children is always a top priority. Our attorneys have significant experience in all aspects of child custody law. We are dedicated to protecting your right to raise your child in a healthy environment.. When you retain the services of O'Neil Law Firm, you can be assured that your attorney is fully qualified to take on your case.. Contact our reputable California law firm todayO'Neil Law Firm sees your case through from start to finish. Let our lawyers work with you to address your legal concerns. Our office is conveniently located in Oakland. Call our firm at to arrange your free consultation or contact the firm online.