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Santa Cruz Family Law Attorneys

Representing Couples & Families in California Since 2017

Family court proceedings can be emotional and nerve-racking. Whether it’s a contentious divorce, a child custody dispute, or domestic violence, we understand the fear, grief, and uncertainty that come with navigating family law matters. Our firm is committed to alleviating stress during this challenging time by providing the compassionate counsel you deserve.

At Fenchel Family Law, our goal is to empower couples and families to take back their lives by guiding their steps with care and precision. Our family lawyers exclusively practice family law and have a reputation for securing favorable outcomes in a variety of legal matters. We take a holistic and personalized approach to every case, giving you peace of mind that your future is in trusted hands.

From high-stakes litigation to mediation, choose a firm you can trust to keep your best interests at heart. No matter your situation, we take the time to truly understand your needs while protecting your rights at every step. Our team includes award-winning attorneys who have been selected to the Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” list, making them some of the top family lawyers in the state.

If you’re preparing for a divorce or family law matter in Santa Cruz, choose a top-rated firm to protect your rights. Contact us online to discuss your case.

Our Practice Areas

At Fenchel Family Law, we provide high-quality representation for a wide range of family matters. Below are some common cases we handle:

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

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

California is a community property state. Family courts aim to divide marital assets equally between spouses in a divorce. Community property refers to jointly owned assets acquired during the marriage and is subject to division, while separate property refers to assets belonging to one spouse, such as gifts or inheritances.

In some cases, complex assets like real estate or business shares can lead to disputes during divorce proceedings. We can assist with reviewing financial records and identifying, valuing, and negotiating the division or marital property to pursue a fair resolution that protects your future.

Does Your Firm Handle High-Asset Divorces?

Absolutely. Our attorneys are highly experienced in high-net-worth divorces and complex property division. From uncovering hidden assets to consulting with appraisers, bankers, and financial experts, we can work tirelessly to protect what is rightfully yours.

What Factors Determine Child Custody Decisions?

Family courts prioritize the best interests of the child in custody and visitation decisions. Some influencing factors include the age and health of the child, the quality of each parent-child relationship, any history of family violence, abuse or neglect, the ability of each parent to care for the child, and the child's ties to their home, school, and community. The court may also consider the child's preference if age-appropriate.

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce?

The timeframe of a divorce depends on the type of dissolution and whether the couple agrees on key issues like custody, spousal support, and property division. Uncontested divorces often take less time to resolve, while contested divorces typically take longer.

California also has a six-month waiting period or “cooling off” period before a divorce can be finalized. This period starts when the respondent is served with the divorce papers. We work to streamline the process by managing court deadlines, assisting with paperwork, and facilitating productive communication when possible.

What Courthouse Do I Visit for a Divorce in Santa Cruz?

Family law matters are handled by the Family Law Division of Santa Cruz County Superior Court. The courthouse is located in Watsonville at 1 Second Street. The clerk's office is open from 8 am to 3 pm. You can also reach the office by phone at 831-786-7200.

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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