Best Family Lawyer in San Francisco
Sarah Summerall
Family Lawyer
consuming. Our mission is to take that very complex task and make it as organized, friendly, and user-friendly as possible. We honor that this is a courageous, kind, and completely optional process for our clients be going through. We want to hold a welcoming space for people to complete this task that will really benefit their families and our communities.
I believe the best estate plan is the plan that reflects what the client actually wants. Usually what the client wants is to reduce the time, expense, and overall burden of administering an estate. Death is already really hard, death with a two-year complicated task list (the probate process) is a burden no one should have to bear.
Clients have told me that what is different about our practice is that we spend more time listening. We listen to what the clients want and then double-check our understanding by asking some follow-up questions and providing additional information, then listening again.
I strongly believe it is the attorney’s role to make sure the client understands what they are signing, and those documents reflect the client’s wishes. I have had too many clients come in with a document that they signed where they did not understand the impact that document would have on their life, they did not really understand what they were signing, or it does not reflect what they wanted. That’s a professional failure on the attorney’s part.
Valerie Fenchel
Family Lawyer
Valerie Fenchel is the CEO and founder of Fenchel Family Law PC. Her legal services empower men and women to navigate marriage and divorce toward more vibrant futures. She advises clients, devises strategies, and works with therapists, actuaries, and forensic accountants to settle or litigate cases. As a witness to the damage caused by divorce over the course of her career as a family law attorney and educator, Valerie has gained extensive experience in helping families in crisis.
Valerie is actively involved in the legal community. She is the lead attorney of Shalom Bayit’s Pro Bono Legal Panel, Secretary of the Jewish Bar Association of San Francisco, and is completing a fellowship on the board of the Jewish Community High School of the Bay.
Valerie previously managed the care and education for children and is passionate about protecting the best interests of children. She excels at crafting parenting plans, negotiating settlements, and litigating custody battles on behalf of parents that are able to put their child’s needs first. She has experience helping parents of newborns, toddlers, special needs children, and defiant teenagers. She understands that every child is different and that each child’s parenting plan and care must be narrowly tailored to meet his/her needs, either by agreement or court order.
Bronwyn Kay Galloway
Family Lawyer
Dignity embodies the essence of being worthy of honor and respect, and that’s precisely what our approach aims to uphold. In a refreshing departure from traditional courtroom battles, we offer a collaborative paradigm focused on honoring the partnership and transitioning into separate lives with respect and understanding.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to guide you through an amicable divorce process that’s both peaceful and cost-effective. Unlike litigating matters with divorce lawyers, our mediation process not only saves you thousands of dollars but also ensures a better outcome. We facilitate conflict resolution, assist with child support calculations, and handle all necessary paperwork to finalize your uncontested divorce swiftly and fairly through the family court system.
In California, a significant percentage of divorces are amicable, and our office fosters an environment where you’re never pressured into anything that doesn’t feel right for you. If reaching an agreement is possible, you may not even need to step foot in court. We take care of everything, allowing you to focus on navigating your new path forward with grace and confidence.
At Divorce With Dignity, transparency is paramount. There are no retainers or hidden costs. Our diverse clientele, including some fellow attorneys, reflects our commitment to understanding and supporting individuals from all walks of life through this challenging process.
We know it’s not easy, but rest assured, we’re here to support you and your children every step of the way. Let us help you achieve a peaceful resolution as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
Michael Geller
Family Lawyer
Michael Geller is an attorney licensed by the State Bar of California. 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 started his legal career in Family Law where he was trained by a Certified Family Law Specialist. He then opened The Geller Firm to help with Family Law and Personal Injury matters in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Diana Romanovska
Family Lawyer
Ms. Romanovska is a San Francisco family law attorney, licensed to practice in both California and Germany. She is a certified Family Law Specialist in San Francisco and unique in her field, a rare divorce attorney who is able to provide legal counsel, representation, and mediation services in English, Russian, and German in order to better serve her clients.
Ms. Romanovska previously worked as a prosecutor in the Office of the District Attorney of the Regional Superior Court of Berlin, and for several large firms including Beiten Burghard & Wegner, and Linklaters Oppenhoff & Raedler. She was awarded the Outstanding Pro Bono Award for Family Law Cases by the Justice and Diversity Center for her volunteer work with the Bar Association of San Francisco in 2012 and 2013. She was also selected to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list for her high standards of client care and in-depth knowledge of the law. Ms. Romanovska received her J.D. with a concentration in family law from the Freie University School of Law, a research University located in Berlin and one of the most prominent universities in Germany. She received her Master’s Degree (LL.M.) in US Legal Studies from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco.
Ms. Romanovska has been a resident of San Francisco since 2009. She was born in Kiev and lived there until the age of 15, when she moved with her family to Germany. Living in such diverse places has given Ms. Romanovska an understanding of different cultures that helps her thoughtfully practice law and be better connected with each of her clients. When Ms. Romanovska moved to San Francisco, she decided that she wanted to start a boutique family law firm so that she would have the time to really connect with her clients and make a difference in each matter. Ms. Romanovska also has a personal understanding of what it is like to go through a divorce, having been through one herself. This personal experience allows her to empathize with her clients and understand what is important to them.
Ms. Romanovska is regarded as one of the best divorce attorneys in San Francisco. Her breadth of experience in California divorce law includes the areas of child custody and visitation rights; child, spousal and domestic partner support; domestic violence restraining orders; and asset and property division. Beyond Ms. Romanovksa’s expertise as a divorce lawyer, she also specializes in other family law matters including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, as well as the enforcement of premarital and post-marital agreements.
Sam Amin
Family Lawyer
Haitham (Sam) Amin is a trial attorney, and a social media legal influencer. Founder and principal attorney of Amin Law, P.C. Sam prides himself in resolving complicated legal issues for clients in quick and efficient manner. Through numerous prestigious awards and accolades, Sam has been recognized as a warrior in the legal field. When he is not litigating or advocating for clients, Sam is video recording, and actively providing short legal advice to his younger audience on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Before starting his private practice, Sam did Public Defender work in Solano County and was Deputy Public Defender at The Marin Office of the Public Defenders. Sam pursued law because he wanted to help the general public understand complex legal issues. He took his gift for connecting with others and his ability to simplify complicated matters of law and put them to use as a passionate advocate for his clients. Sam became a lawyer to help people, but his approach goes much further than that. He always has the “win” in mind for his clients, whatever it looks like in each individual case. As a criminal defense and personal injury attorney, Sam works toward quick, positive outcomes for his clients.
Sean Patrick Joyce
Family Lawyer
For 20 years Sean Joyce has been providing exceptional legal representation to clients facing a host of Family Law issues, including Divorce, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Paternity Actions, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Premarital Agreements and Post Nuptial Agreements.
Mr. Joyce’s representation of clients has always been highly effective due to a unique combination of legal knowledge, Courtroom skill, financial expertise and a strong commitment to providing thoughtful, cost-effective solutions for clients. It takes a skilled, experienced attorney to know when to take an issue to Court and when to settle which requires the ability to balance all circumstances facing a client to make the most informed decision. Mr. Joyce learned long ago that getting the best outcome for a client may involve finding a compromise. However, when a client needs someone to fight hard for them, Mr. Joyce is ready for the challenge.
Mr. Joyce provides services to clients in a host of circumstances, including mediation consulting, limited scope representation as well as full scale litigation and trial work. While Mr. Joyce is a seasoned litigator, he has the capacity to work with clients in all manner of cases, including ones where a client just wants to find a quick and easy resolution to what is a very difficult process for many people.
One unique aspect of Mr. Joyce’s practice is that he ensures his case load is always manageable so he is never too busy to respond to a client or address their needs. Unlike many firms that load up their partners and associates with an untenable case load, Lurkis, Joyce & Del Bove, LLP, is committed to ensuring all clients are treated with dedication whether it is a high asset dissolution or a simple child support modification.
Mr. Joyce resides in San Francisco with his wife, an early child educator, and his two children. In his free time, he enjoys biking, hiking, spending time at the beach, traveling and driving his kids to their sports competitions all over California.
David Korsunsky
Family Lawyer
David Korsunsky is a family law attorney based in San Francisco who specializes in family law matters such as spousal support and child support.
When you are going through a divorce, the most precious things in your life are at stake: your children, your house, your life savings. This is a difficult and emotional time. You need to make sure your attorney will pursue your best interests.
There is no such thing as a “typical divorce”. At the Law Offices of David Korsunsky, we will listen to you, and help you decide what’s right.
Managing the Challenges of High Net Worth Divorce: Key Strategies and Factors to Consider
Divorce is never an easy process, and when it involves high net worth individuals, the complexities multiply. High net worth divorces present unique challenges that require careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a thorough understanding of both legal and financial landscapes. With substantial assets, business interests, and potential tax implications at stake, it’s crucial for those involved to approach the process with a well-thought-out strategy. This article explores the key strategies and factors to consider when navigating a high net worth divorce.
1. Understanding the Unique Challenges of High Net Worth Divorce
High net worth divorces differ from typical divorces primarily due to the scale and complexity of the assets involved. These may include multiple real estate properties, business holdings, investment portfolios, retirement accounts, luxury items like yachts and art collections, and other valuable assets. The process of valuing and dividing these assets can be intricate and time-consuming, often requiring the expertise of financial professionals such as forensic accountants, business valuators, and tax advisors.
Another challenge is the potential for significant tax consequences. Transferring assets, dividing investments, and dealing with business interests can all have substantial tax implications. Understanding these implications is crucial to ensure that both parties walk away with a fair and equitable settlement.
2. Assembling the Right Team of Professionals
One of the most critical steps in managing a high net worth divorce is assembling a team of experienced professionals. Given the complexity of the assets involved, it’s essential to have experts who can provide specialized knowledge and advice.
Divorce Attorney: An attorney with experience in high net worth divorces is essential. They should be well-versed in the nuances of dividing complex assets, negotiating settlements, and understanding the specific legal challenges that arise in such cases.
Financial Advisor: A financial advisor can help assess the financial implications of various settlement options and provide guidance on how to protect and grow your wealth post-divorce.
Forensic Accountant: These experts are invaluable in uncovering hidden assets, valuing businesses, and ensuring that all financial information is accurately presented.
Tax Advisor: A tax advisor will help you understand the tax implications of your divorce settlement, including the division of assets, alimony payments, and any potential tax liabilities that could arise.
3. Valuing and Dividing Complex Assets
In high net worth divorces, accurately valuing assets is one of the most crucial steps. This is particularly important for assets that are not easily liquidated, such as real estate, businesses, and investments.
Business Interests: If one or both spouses own a business, determining its value can be challenging. This requires a thorough analysis of the business’s financial statements, market position, future earning potential, and any other relevant factors. The division of business interests can be particularly contentious, as both parties may have different views on the company’s worth and how it should be divided.
Real Estate: For high net worth individuals, real estate holdings often represent a significant portion of their wealth. Valuing these properties involves not just assessing their market value but also considering factors like capital gains taxes, mortgage obligations, and the cost of maintaining the properties post-divorce.
Investment Portfolios: Dividing investment portfolios requires a careful analysis of each asset’s value, potential growth, and risk. It’s essential to consider both the short-term and long-term implications of dividing these assets, as well as any associated tax consequences.
4. Protecting Privacy
High net worth divorces often attract public attention, which can complicate the process and add stress. Protecting your privacy is crucial to prevent the details of your divorce from becoming public knowledge.
Confidentiality Agreements: One way to protect your privacy is through confidentiality agreements, which can prevent either party from disclosing sensitive information to the media or other third parties.
Mediation and Arbitration: Consider resolving your divorce through mediation or arbitration rather than going to court. These methods are typically more private and can help keep the details of your divorce out of the public eye.
Sealing Court Records: In some cases, it may be possible to request that the court seal certain records to prevent them from becoming public. This is often done in cases involving sensitive financial information or personal matters.
5. Addressing Spousal Support and Alimony
In high net worth divorces, spousal support (alimony) can be a significant point of contention. Determining the appropriate amount and duration of alimony requires a careful analysis of both parties’ financial situations, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the earning potential of each spouse.
Temporary vs. Permanent Alimony: Depending on the circumstances, alimony may be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis. Temporary alimony is often used to provide financial support to a lower-earning spouse while the divorce is pending, while permanent alimony may be awarded if one spouse is unlikely to achieve the same standard of living on their own.
Negotiating Alimony: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a lump-sum alimony payment rather than ongoing payments. This can provide the recipient with immediate financial security while allowing the paying spouse to avoid long-term financial obligations.
6. Planning for the Future
While the immediate focus during a high net worth divorce is often on dividing assets and resolving financial issues, it’s also important to consider the long-term implications of your decisions.
Retirement Planning: Ensure that your retirement plans are adjusted to reflect your new financial situation. This may involve recalculating your retirement savings goals, adjusting your investment strategy, or revisiting your estate plan.
Estate Planning: Post-divorce, it’s essential to update your estate planning documents, including your will, trusts, and powers of attorney. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your financial affairs are managed appropriately in the event of incapacity.
Future Financial Goals: Take the time to reassess your financial goals and develop a plan for achieving them. Whether it’s continuing to grow your wealth, ensuring financial security for your children, or pursuing new investments, having a clear plan in place will help you move forward confidently.
7. Managing Emotions and Stress
Divorce is an emotional process, and when substantial assets are at stake, the stress can be even greater. Managing your emotions is critical to making sound financial decisions and protecting your long-term interests.
Seek Support: Consider working with a therapist or counselor to help you navigate the emotional challenges of divorce. Support from friends and family can also be invaluable during this time.
Focus on the Big Picture: While it’s natural to want to fight for what you believe is fair, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Focus on achieving a settlement that protects your financial future rather than getting caught up in the minutiae of the negotiations.
Conclusion
Managing the challenges of a high net worth divorce requires a strategic approach, careful planning, and the right team of professionals. By understanding the unique complexities involved, valuing and dividing assets accurately, protecting your privacy, and planning for the future, you can navigate the process successfully and emerge with your financial stability intact. While the process may be difficult, taking these steps can help ensure that you are well-prepared for the next chapter of your life.