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Your Trusted Family Law Attorneys in San Jose
Mello & Pickering is a dedicated family law firm serving San Jose residents, founded by Certified Family Law Specialists Jennifer Mello and Traci Pickering. With over 40 years of combined experience, we specialize in guiding clients through complex legal matters including divorce, custody disputes, child support, spousal support, domestic violence cases, and property division. Our practice is built on a commitment to providing personalized, compassionate representation while upholding the highest standards of legal expertise. We prioritize client education and empowerment, ensuring individuals understand their rights and options throughout the legal process. Our attorneys are recognized for their in-depth knowledge of California family law and their ability to navigate emotionally charged situations with professionalism and care.We offer discounted consultations to help clients access quality legal counsel when they need it most. By focusing exclusively on family law, we deliver targeted solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Our team understands the profound impact legal decisions can have on families, which drives our unwavering dedication to achieving fair outcomes. We maintain strong ethical standards and transparent communication, fostering trust with every client we serve. Whether handling contested divorces or drafting prenuptial agreements, our approach combines legal rigor with genuine concern for our clients' well-being.
Services
Divorce
Legal Separation
Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support
Domestic Violence
Restraining Orders
Property Division
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of combined experience in family law matters
- Certified Family Law Specialists with proven legal expertise
- Personalized approach to complex divorce and custody cases
- Compassionate guidance through emotionally challenging legal processes
- Proven track record in California family court proceedings
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Exceptional personal service
Fantastic through the entire process
Made my divorce very easy
Well-spoken, well-prepared
Terrific work
Services
Divorce
Our firm specializes in California divorce proceedings, guiding clients through no-fault dissolution processes. We handle asset division, spousal support determinations, and child custody arrangements while ensuring compliance with residency requirements. Our attorneys protect clients' interests during the mandatory six-month waiting period and subsequent legal formalities.
Custody and Visitation
We represent clients in establishing legal and physical custody arrangements that prioritize children's well-being. Our attorneys help create enforceable visitation schedules while addressing decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and lifestyle matters. We advocate for solutions that maintain meaningful parent-child relationships within California's family law framework.
Domestic Violence
Our team handles domestic violence cases involving restraining orders and emergency protections. We assist clients in obtaining temporary and permanent orders while addressing related custody and support issues. We work with victims to establish safe living arrangements and navigate the legal system with appropriate safeguards.
Child Support
We help establish and modify child support orders in accordance with California guidelines. Our attorneys address paternity determinations, income assessments, and special needs considerations. We ensure compliance with court-mandated financial obligations while advocating for fair arrangements that meet children's needs.
Spousal Support
Our firm handles temporary and long-term spousal support determinations. We evaluate factors including marriage duration, financial disparities, and living standards to pursue equitable arrangements. We assist with initial determinations and modifications to existing support orders based on changing circumstances.
People
Jennifer Mello
Attorney
Certified Family Law Specialist with extensive experience in divorce proceedings and child custody matters. Committed to protecting client interests while maintaining courtroom professionalism.
Traci Pickering
Attorney
Recognized family law expert specializing in domestic violence cases and spousal support determinations. Provides compassionate legal guidance through complex emotional situations.
Questions
What family law services do you offer?
We handle divorce, legal separation, child custody, spousal support, domestic violence cases, restraining orders, and property division matters.
Are you certified family law specialists?
Yes, both Jennifer Mello and Traci Pickering are Certified Family Law Specialists through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
How are child support payments determined?
California Child Support Guidelines establish payments based on income, custody arrangements, and children's needs, with court discretion for special circumstances.
Do you offer emergency legal services?
Yes, we assist with urgent matters like domestic violence restraining orders and emergency custody situations requiring immediate court intervention.
What's the divorce process in California?
California requires six months residency for divorce filings. The process involves petitioning the court, serving documents, and resolving asset division and custody matters.
