Family Law, Divorce or Dissolution, Child Custody and Support

When you decide to contact an attorney about a family law matter, there is generally a significant upheaval in your life. Consequently, you often feel vulnerable, fearful, angry, confused, and anxious. For this reason, you need to understand that this is normal. I certainly do.

For this reason I want you to feel a sense of relief when you retain me; that you have told me your story, given me your papers, and know that from that point forward there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I’ve been a family law attorney for more than twenty years. The range of issues that I have dealt with in my practice is nearly boundless. I’ve successfully litigated every sort of family law issue imaginable; dissolution, custody, property division, restraining orders, pre-nuptial agreements, post-marital agreements, same sex issues, biological versus adoptive rights, non-parent visitation, etc. Nevertheless, each case is unique and I treat each one accordingly.

Most cases are resolved prior to trial. But there is a vast range of possible results achievable within a negotiated settlement. A hallmark of my practice is a fair result for my clients, one that ensures that they receive the optimum rights and benefits to which they are entitled. The best way to negotiate is from a position of strength; strength comes from having spent the necessary time to prepare the case, knowing the facts, and how they relate to the relevant law.

Of course some matters cannot be settled. Sometimes the other party is just unreasonable or has a misplaced sense of entitlement. Other times there is simply a good faith disagreement. Regardless of the reason, should the matter require a trial or hearing, I am more than prepared to proceed.

Four rules guide my practice:

• You will be heard—by me, by the other side, and if necessary, by the court.
• You will understand your rights and how the law relates to the facts of your case.
• With my counsel, based on years of experience and knowledge of the courts, you will make the decision as to how your case will proceed; that is whether by agreement or trial. 
• If the matter does proceed to trial, I will be a tenacious advocate and thoroughly prepared for the matter at hand.

It is difficult to quantify what constitutes a successful practice. Measurements that I find particularly probative are the respect of one’s peers and the satisfaction of one’s past clients. My practice has been built primarily on referrals: by past clients, spouses of past clients, and by other attorneys in the community.

Michael A. Gardner, Attorney at Law
One Kaiser Plaza, Suite 1465
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 451-4822
E-mail

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