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San Mateo Family Law Attorneys

Compassionate & Personalized Counsel for Couples & Families

At Fenchel Family Law, we understand the complex emotions and uncertainty that come with navigating family court proceedings. Whether you’re preparing for a contentious divorce, a child custody dispute, or other family law matter, having the right attorney on your side is essential to safeguarding your family’s future.

Our family lawyers exclusively represent couples and families and have a proven track record of success in and out of the courtroom. We take the time to truly understand your needs and take a personalized approach to every case. Our goal is to minimize stress during this challenging time by guiding your legal steps with care, honesty, and integrity.

When your family is at stake, choose a firm with top-rated attorneys, years of experience, and a reputation for empowering clients to take back their lives. We can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions while representing your best interests at every step.

Take the first step toward a brighter future by partnering with our compassionate family lawyers in San Mateo. Contact us online to discuss your case.

Our Practice Areas

Our firm represents couples and families in a wide range of family law cases, including:

Divorce
Paternity
Mediation
Child Support
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Property Division
LGBTQ Family Law
Modifications and Enforcement
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs)

Is Property Split 50/50 in a California Divorce?

California is a community property state. While this does not guarantee an exact 50/50 split, family courts aim to divide community property equally in a divorce. Community property includes marital assets acquired during the marriage, such as real estate, vehicles, income, debts, business shares, and retirement funds.

Our attorneys are well versed in community property laws to help you protect what is rightfully yours. We have a vast network of professional contacts and resources to obtain accurate valuations, uncover hidden assets, and work tirelessly to achieve a favorable division that secures your financial future.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Family Court?

Family courts are obligated to prioritize the best interests of the child when making decisions pertaining to custody, visitation, and parenting time. The judge may consider various factors, such as the child’s health and age, the quality of each parent-child relationship, any history of family violence, the ability of each parent to care for the child, and the child’s ties to their school, home, and community.

Joint physical custody is the first preferred option in child custody cases, meaning that the state favors frequent and ongoing contact with both parents when possible. If your co-parent is unfit or has a history of abuse or substance misuse, having a qualified lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your child’s safety. We can gather evidence to support your case and work toward a custody arrangement that puts your child first.

Am I Eligible for an Uncontested Divorce?

While an uncontested divorce is typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful than a traditional contested divorce, this path is only available to couples who agree on every aspect of their divorce, including property division, child custody, spousal support, and other key elements.

If your marriage includes complex assets, a significant power imbalance, or a history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, we highly recommend consulting with our divorce attorneys. We can advise you on the best path forward to help you avoid costly mistakes that may jeopardize your future.

Is Spousal Support Automatic in California?

No. Spousal support is only granted when a spouse requests it and the judge decides to award it. Family courts may consider a variety of factors to determine the need for support, such as the length of the marriage, the financial situation of both spouses, and each spouse’s ability to become self-supporting.

A spouse is generally only eligible for spousal support if they cannot maintain a reasonable standard of living on their own, and the supporting spouse has the capacity to pay. Whether you want to receive financial assistance or avoid payments, we can help you provide clear documentation of income and expenses and advocate for a fair outcome that protects your financial interests.

What Courthouse Handles Family Law Matters in San Mateo?

Family law matters are handled by the Family Law Division of San Mateo County Superior Court. The courthouse is located in Redwood City at 400 County Center. The clerk's office is located on the first floor and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

How Can I Schedule an Appointment with the Court Clerk?

The clerk’s office hours are by appointment only. To schedule a visit, you can call 650-261-5100 or click here to set up an appointment online. You can also email the office by submitting their online contact form.

A Highly Respected Legal Team Makes All the Difference

Learn More About Us

Setting the Standard for Excellence

We're proud to be recognized for our commitment to clients, earning distinctions like Super Lawyers®, a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, and selection to Rising Stars℠.

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Valerie quite literally saved my life. She fought tirelessly to ensure that I had all of the protections that the law provided.

- David
Morgan's understanding and kind approach made this difficult process much more manageable. She listened with empathy and made sure I felt heard, which I truly appreciated.

- Stephanie B.
You are one terrific team!
“And now, with your help, I feel that I am entering into a new phase of my life with the kind of financial support and legal backup that I will need for a sense of stability in my crazy mess and in these challenging times.‌”

- Linda
They were so helpful with my legal issue, easy to set appointments and very communicative.
“They were so helpful with my legal issue, easy to set appointments and very communicative. I would highly recommend them and would definitely use them again in the future.”

- Alex K.
I cannot recommend Fenchel Family Law enough!
“I cannot recommend Fenchel Family Law enough! I was in a long, drawn-out dissolution and they helped immediately. The team was thorough, helpful in getting notarizations, and overall a pleasure to work with.”

- Brittany B.
The entire team was very helpful, understanding and considerate of our situation.
“Robert has an amazing talent for reading the facts, listening to the client and extracting the true point of the argument to be able to eloquently and concisely write the information into a motion that goes before the courts.”

- Zach G.
I could not thank them enough for their dedication, understanding, honesty, and especially the integrity in which they upheld.
“Fenchel Family Law provided easy guidance through every step, making sure I understood every detail of what was going on.”

- Hailey
Valerie is your biggest advocate and will have your best interest at heart.
“Valerie is your biggest advocate and will have your best interest at heart. I would definitely recommend her and the team to anyone navigating issues within family law.”

- Kate

Why Choose Fenchel Family Law?

Personalized Guidance
Every story is unique. We take the time to listen, understand your goals, and create a tailored path that supports the life you want to build.
Client-Driven Excellence
Our clients' priorities fuel our actions. We're laser-focused on creating tailored solutions that protect what matters most, combining expertise with a seamless, high-touch client experience.
Above and Beyond
Mediocrity has no place here. We push boundaries, innovate constantly, and deliver more than expected—for our clients and our team.
Strategic Teamwork

We bring together our team's experience to find solutions that support you. Every decision is deliberate, assertive when needed, and always strategic.

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