Business Details
32 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Experienced Family Law & Divorce Attorney in San Jose
The Law Offices of Sandra J. McManus has provided compassionate, experienced legal representation in family law and divorce matters since 1994. Our firm prioritizes out-of-court settlements to reduce stress and costs for clients while maintaining aggressive courtroom advocacy when necessary. We specialize in child custody, spousal support, property division, paternity matters, and domestic violence cases, serving individuals and families in San Jose and Santa Clara County.Our attorney, Sandra McManus, combines extensive litigation experience with certified mediation training to facilitate mutually beneficial agreements. Recognized as Family Law Attorney of the Year by Consumer Business Review, we emphasize transparent communication, personalized service, and protection of clients' legal rights through every stage of the process.
Services
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Property Division
Mediation Services
Domestic Violence Cases
Paternity Matters
Child Support Modification
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of family law experience since 1994
- Certified family law mediator with courtroom expertise
- Recognized as Family Law Attorney of the Year
- Approachable yet aggressive legal representation
- Free initial 30-minute consultation available
What people say
Tough and knowledgeable
Compassionate and honest
Great rapport with judges
Extremely happy with results
Effective legal representation
Services
Child Custody
Our firm provides expert representation in child custody and visitation matters, prioritizing children's best interests while protecting parental rights. We handle mediation and litigation for custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and modifications. With deep knowledge of Santa Clara County court practices, we help clients navigate emotionally challenging cases while minimizing conflict and ensuring stable outcomes for families.
Spousal Support
We offer comprehensive spousal support representation, addressing temporary and long-term alimony needs during divorce proceedings. Our approach considers clients' financial circumstances, marriage duration, and future earning potential to secure fair support arrangements. We handle complex cases involving high-net-worth individuals and contested support modifications while explaining tax implications and advocating for equitable solutions in Santa Clara County courts.
Property Division
Our firm specializes in equitable division of marital assets and debts during divorce proceedings. We handle complex property cases involving real estate, business assets, retirement accounts, and valuable collectibles. With experience in Santa Clara County's specific legal requirements, we protect clients' financial interests while pursuing fair resolutions. We advise against costly disputes over minor assets and offer alternative dispute resolution options when appropriate.
Mediation Services
Certified mediator Sandra McManus facilitates amicable resolutions for divorce and family law matters without courtroom confrontation. Our mediation process helps couples create customized agreements regarding custody, support, and property division. With dual expertise as both mediator and litigator, we ensure negotiated settlements protect clients' legal rights while maintaining cooperative relationships, particularly beneficial for co-parenting situations.
Domestic Violence Cases
We provide urgent legal protection for domestic violence victims seeking restraining orders while defending against false allegations. Our representation includes emergency court filings, evidence presentation, and long-term safety planning. We handle complex cases involving child custody intersections and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary, maintaining sensitivity to clients' emotional needs throughout the legal process.
People
Sandra J. McManus
Attorney & Mediator
Practicing family law since 1994, Sandra McManus combines litigation expertise with certified mediation training. Recognized as Family Law Attorney of the Year (2002-2008), she serves as Judge Pro Tem in Santa Clara County while teaching family law at Lincoln Law School. Her community involvement includes high school mock trial judging and pro bono services.
Questions
What family law services do you offer?
We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, property division, paternity cases, domestic violence protection, and child support modifications through both litigation and mediation.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free 30-minute initial consultations to discuss your family law matter and explain available options.
Can you help with emergency custody situations?
Yes, we assist with urgent custody matters including domestic violence cases requiring immediate court intervention.
Do you handle cases outside San Jose?
While based in San Jose, we represent clients throughout Santa Clara County in all family law matters.
What payment options are available?
We offer hourly consulting, limited scope representation, and mediation services with flexible retainer options.
Are court appearances always necessary?
No, we prioritize out-of-court settlements through mediation but will litigate when necessary to protect your interests.
