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Santa Clara Family Law Attorneys

Compassionate & Personalized Guidance for Couples & Families

Any legal matter can be stressful, but the stakes can feel much higher in family court. The sensitive and deeply personal nature of familial disputes can lead to significant emotional stress, especially for families with young children. Having a knowledgeable family lawyer on your side is essential to understanding your rights, making informed decisions, and protecting your family’s future.

At Fenchel Family Law, we have established connections within the local legal community to represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. Our family law attorneys are committed to guiding your steps with unwavering support and personalized guidance tailored to your legal circumstances. We pride ourselves on our reputation for excellence, results, and empowering clients to take back their lives.

If you’re preparing for a divorce or family law matter in Santa Clara, choose a firm with years of experience to protect your rights. Call (415) 805-9069 to schedule a consultation.

Our Practice Areas

Divorce

Whether it’s a high-net-worth dissolution, LGBTQ divorce, mediation, or contentious litigation, we represent couples in all types of divorce proceedings.

Child Custody

From parenting time and visitation to modifications and enforcement, we guide families through the unique challenges of child custody cases while keeping their children’s best interests at heart.

Child Support

We help parents and guardians navigate complex child support laws to secure the financial resources your child needs and deserves.

Property Division

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of community property laws and complex property division to protect your hard-earned assets.

Spousal Support

Whether you want to minimize support payments or receive financial assistance, we can help you understand your rights and obligations and negotiate a reasonable agreement.

Domestic Violence

We provide protection and peace of mind by assisting families with domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs).

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

We draft and review legally sound marital agreements to help couples protect their financial interests before or during marriage.

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

California is a community property state, so family courts aim to divide marital assets or community property equally between spouses, such as income, real estate, debts, retirement benefits, and business shares. Separate property belonging to one spouse is not subject to equal division, such as certain gifts or inheritances.

However, community property does not always result in a perfect 50/50 split. Whether it’s the marital home or a family business, working with a qualified family law attorney is paramount to protecting what is rightfully yours. Our firm can help you accurately value complex assets and advocate for a fair division in court.

Do Family Courts Consider the Child’s Preference in Custody Cases?

It depends. Family courts are legally obligated to prioritize the best interests of the child during custody and visitation decisions. In some cases, the judge may consider the child’s personal preference if age-appropriate. While there is no specific age threshold, this generally applies to children 14 or older.

Do You Represent Same-Sex Couples?

Absolutely. Same-sex couples often face unique legal challenges in family court, such as questions about parental rights, recognition of non-traditional family structures, and navigating biases or misconceptions in the legal system. Our lawyers are well versed in the elements involved in LGBTQ family law and are committed to protecting your rights at every stage of the process.

Can Family Court Orders Be Modified in the Future?

Yes. Family court orders are not set in stone and may be modified following a significant change in circumstances affecting the child or either parent, such as a new career, evolving health needs, or relocation. We assist with the modification and enforcement of family court orders involving custody, support, visitation, and more.

What Courthouse Should I Visit for a Family Law Matter in Santa Clara?

Family law matters are handled by the Family Division of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. The Family Justice Center Courthouse (FJCC) is located in downtown San Jose at 201 N. First Street.

The courthouse is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and Friday from 8:30 am to 12 pm. It includes a Children’s Waiting Room (CWR) on the first floor for children ages 2-12, which is free for parents with court-related business.

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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