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2024

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Best Family Lawyers in San Jose

Our Recommended Top 17

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Jose Family Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

586

Reviewed

358

Curated

17

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich is a local practice that primarily handles family law matters in San Jose and nearby areas. Cvietkovich creates tailored legal strategies for domestic relations cases involving divorce, child support and custody, and domestic violence. He assists his clients in securing restraining orders and navigating contested divorce procedures that may be resolved through trial or mediation. Cvietkovich is a sixth-generation resident of the metro who previously worked as a public defender representing juveniles in delinquency court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (34)
Google
4.7 / 5 (29)
Avvo
4.3 / 5 (15)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
300 S 1st St Ste 228, San Jose, CA 95113

Why choose this provider?

Magdalena Law Group is a solo-practice firm with a primary focus on family law cases. Founded in 2013, the firm represents clients dealing with contested or uncontested divorces and domestic partnership dissolutions in the San Jose area. Attorney Chattopadhya guides clients through the difficulties of family law matters, including child custody and support, alimony, domestic violence, restraining orders, and family law appeals and modifications. She is board-certified in family law and recognized as a Certified Family Law Trial Advocate.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Magdalena Chattopadhya - Founder12 yrs
Moksha Smith - Senior Attorney10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (50)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (24)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1840 4th St Ste 200, Livermore, CA 94550

Why choose this provider?

With Livermore and Walnut Creek, Family Law Group LLP is a civil litigation law firm working with the people of San Jose. The firm's attorneys have a collective experience exceeding 75 years, and they mediate in cases involving divorce and separation, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and property division. They also have experience negotiating between spouses in same-sex marriage matters. Attorneys at the firm have received AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Katharine Hooker - CEO/Managing Partner18 yrs
Shane Nielson - Managing Attorney8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1520 The Alameda Ste 200, San Jose, CA 95126

Why choose this provider?

Hoover Krepelka LLP is a civil litigation law firm that has been serving the people of San Jose since 1960. The firm's family lawyers help clients finalize prenuptial and postnuptial agreements as well as obtain temporary restraining orders in domestic violence cases. It also mediates between spouses during divorce proceedings and negotiations involving child and spousal support and property division and finances. The law office is commended by its clients for its attorneys' personalized service and integrity.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Hoover - Partner23 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (82)
Google
4.6 / 5 (60)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (56)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
255 N Market St Suite 150,, San Jose, CA 95110
  • Postnuptial Agreements
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Ginny Bedi Law PC caters to the residents of San Jose who have concerns under family law. The firm handles matrimonial matters and drafts prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to govern the property relations between couples during and after marriage. It also seeks restraining orders to protect victims of domestic violence and files petitions for child support. Its services extend to family-based immigration. Principal attorney Ginny Bedi, who practices family relations and migrant law, personalizes solutions to fit unique clients and contexts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (14)
Google
3.7 / 5 (9)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
171 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA 95136
  • Domestic Violence
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Sandra J. McManus stresses the importance of out-of-court settlements in handling domestic disputes in San Jose. To protect clients' interests, McManus litigates cases involving divorce, property division, and custody modifications. Additionally, she renders mediation and private judge services to families and couples who want to settle issues out-of-court. At present, she serves on the Family Law Executive Committee of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the board of directors of the Pro Bono Project of Santa Clara County.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
4.4 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1042 W Hedding St Ste 260, San Jose, CA 95126

Why choose this provider?

Since 2013, Foreman & Rugile has offered legal representation to residents of the greater San Jose area. The firm provides legal assistance to those wishing to file for divorce as well as those receiving a petition for divorce. Attorneys work directly with clients to create custom legal strategies and assist with other relevant matters, including child support and custody, alimony, and division of debts and assets. The firm also serves as advocates for clients dealing with domestic violence issues.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Danella Rugile - Principal12 yrs
Danella Rugile - Partner12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (14)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1150 N First Ste 110, San Jose, CA 95112
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Evans Law Offices assists people in San Jose by taking care of their family law concerns through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. The firm handles cases involving divorce, asset distribution, contentious and uncontested discovery, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child custody, and domestic abuse. It also advocates for its clients by working to resolve child support disputes and establish the appropriate amount to pay. One of the firm's partners, Brette L. Evans, has been practicing law since 1995.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1550 The Alameda Ste 315, San Jose, CA 95126

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Marilla J. Ronald has handled family law cases for clients in the San Jose area since 1992. Attorney Ronald walks clients through the complex and often difficult process of divorce and handles related issues, including child custody and visitation, spousal and child support, and division of property. She is an experienced mediator and works to help clients settle disputes without litigation but prepares for court if necessary. Attorney Ronald is certified in family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Marilla Ronald - Principal34 yrs
Marilla Ronald - Principal/Sole Practitioner34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1035 Minnesota Ave #H, San Jose, CA 95125
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Merrisa Coleman-Bishop counsels the locals in San Jose and neighboring areas. The firm represents clients dealing with a variety of family law matters, including divorce, spousal support, paternity, domestic partnerships, and child support and custody. Additionally, its lawyers assist clients who are considering filing for bankruptcy and are seeking or facing domestic violence restraining orders. Merrisa Coleman-Bishop, the firm's attorney-at-law, is a sole practitioner working directly with her clients to provide solutions tailored to their legal needs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
3.6 / 5 (12)
Yelp
3.9 / 5 (7)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (6)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2076 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Why choose this provider?

Allan & Martelle LLP is a San Jose-based law firm that handles family law issues. The firm takes cases involving divorce, annulments, and legal separations. Attorneys guide clients through the legal process and assist with related matters, including child custody and visitation, support, property division, and alimony. Attorneys Heather Allen and Eva Martelle are certified in family law and represent clients through negotiations, mediation, collaborative law, and litigation. The firm also assists clients with guardianship, stepparent adoptions, and prenuptial agreements.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Heather Allan - Managing Partner20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1871 The Alameda Ste 335, San Jose, CA 95126

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Matthew J. Rudy has provided legal services in the greater San Jose area since 2012. The firm represents clients dealing with matrimonial issues, including divorce, domestic partnership dissolutions, child custody and visitation, alimony and child support, and division of complex properties. Attorney Rudy also assists clients with the difficulties of domestic violence and restraining order matters. His firm provides negotiation, mediation, and litigation services to help clients secure favorable outcomes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Matthew Rudy - Founding Attorney17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (8)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
465 N Whisman Rd Ste 100, Mountain View, CA 94043

Why choose this provider?

Martha Parker, Attorney at Law has been assisting clients in the greater San Jose area with family law matters since 1994. She represents clients through all stages of the divorce and dissolution of domestic partnership process, including negotiations, hearings, mediation, and trial. Attorney Parker also handles divorce-related issues, including child custody and visitation, spousal and child support, and property settlement matters. Additionally, she is a strong advocate for clients facing family violence issues or parental kidnapping cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Martha Parker - Principal31 yrs
Michael Pascoe - Managing Partner12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
255 West Julian Street Suite 501, San Jose, CA 95110
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

Based in San Jose, the Law Offices of Andrew G. Marcellino represents clients across the local metro. It provides legal counsel to individuals in family law cases. The firm has experience resolving disputes involving child support, paternity, and child custody. It also advocates for clients facing criminal charges, including burglary, domestic violence, and DUI. Andrew Marcellino, the firm's founder, has over 15 years of legal experience. Before becoming a lawyer, Marcellino worked in finance roles for companies like Lucent Technologies, Inc.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.6 / 5 (29)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (19)
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2155 S Bascom Ave Ste 100, Campbell, CA 95008

Why choose this provider?

The Family Law Offices of Mark A. Erickson has been serving the residents of San Jose for over 35 years. Founder Mark Erickson has been certified in family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization, and he takes cases involving domestic violence protection orders, child custody and visitation, legal separation, divorce and annulment, and property division. From 2008 to 2014, Erickson was honored by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyer.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jean Nishimura - Associate29 yrs
Matt Erickson - Partner13 yrs
Mark Erickson - Partner45 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (7)
Google
4.5 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
116 E Campbell Ave Ste 3, Campbell, CA 95008

Why choose this provider?

Hepner & Pagan LLP is a full-service family law firm that represents clients in the San Jose area from an office in Campbell. The firm offers divorce mediation, collaborative law, and litigation services to secure the rights of their clients. Attorneys work directly with clients to resolve many divorce-related issues, including custody, support, alimony, and division of property. The firm also assists clients with prenuptial agreements and post-judgment modifications. Attorneys Emily Hepner, Chelsea Pagan, and Alexandra Simocko were named Rising Stars by Super Lawyers for year 2018 and 2019.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Emily Hepner - Partner8 yrs
Chelsea Pagan - Partner9 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (9)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (9)
Google
3.9 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1570 The Alameda Ste 226, San Jose, CA 95126

Why choose this provider?

Foster Hsu is a bilingual family law firm representing the residents of San Jose and the nearby communities. The firm helps the victims of domestic violence obtain restraining orders against their aggressors and find places to stay. It also works with clients to create prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Additionally, the firm mediates in cases involving divorce, child custody and support, and property division. Partner Lydia Hsu was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star by Thomson Reuters in 2019.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kara Foster - Partner11 yrs
Lydia Hsu - Partner10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.