Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in San Mateo, CA
ADZ Law is a litigation and dispute resolution firm dedicated to pursuing justice, accountability, and equity in complex legal cases. Our practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and alternative dispute resolution, with a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes client autonomy and agency. We serve individuals facing domestic violence, sexual assault, and family law matters, emphasizing cultural competency and advocacy for LGBTQ+ and limited English proficiency communities.With decades of collective experience, our team combines compassionate representation with rigorous legal strategy to empower clients through challenging transitions. We maintain a commitment to social justice through active participation in statewide advisory committees and mentorship programs for emerging legal professionals.
Services
Family Law
Civil Litigation
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Domestic Violence Cases
Sexual Assault Litigation
Mediation Services
Private Judging
Collaborative Divorce
Restraining Orders
Child Custody
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed legal representation with decades of collective experience
- Our team includes former judicial officers with specialized mediation training
- We maintain a 40+ year commitment to social justice advocacy
- Our practice combines compassionate client support with aggressive legal strategy
- We provide culturally competent services for diverse client populations
What people say
Empathetic, candid, comprehensive
Handled professionally and courteously
Supportive, caring and attentive
Safe in their hands
Achieved desired outcomes
Services
Family Law
ADZ Law provides comprehensive family law representation including divorce, child custody, and spousal support. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with compassionate advocacy to protect clients' rights during life transitions. We specialize in complex cases involving domestic violence, property division, and high-conflict custody matters.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice focuses on representing survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. We pursue civil accountability against perpetrators and negligent third parties while prioritizing client emotional well-being throughout the legal process.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADZ Law offers mediation, collaborative divorce, and private judging services. Our trained mediators facilitate mutually beneficial resolutions while maintaining courtroom effectiveness for unresolved matters.
Domestic Violence Cases
We specialize in obtaining restraining orders, custody arrangements, and safety planning for domestic violence survivors. Our holistic approach addresses immediate safety needs while pursuing long-term legal solutions through coordinated civil and criminal strategies.
Sexual Assault Litigation
ADZ Law represents sexual assault survivors in civil lawsuits against perpetrators and enabling institutions. We advocate for accountability while prioritizing client privacy and emotional recovery through trauma-informed legal strategies.
People
Tlin D. Akaln
Partner
Founding partner with extensive family law experience, focusing on complex divorce cases and child custody matters. Combines legal expertise with compassionate advocacy for clients in transition.
Jessica Dayton
Partner
Experienced family law attorney advocating for clients in domestic violence cases and high-conflict divorces. Recognized for dedication to social justice and client-centered representation.
Lauren Zorfas
Partner
Retired judicial officer providing private judging services. Specializes in mediation and collaborative law with decades of dispute resolution expertise in family law matters.
Adrea Tencer
Senior Associate
Focuses on domestic violence cases and dissolution proceedings. Known for compassionate representation and successful outcomes in contentious custody disputes.
Melissa Fox
Senior Associate
Advocate for domestic violence survivors, recognized for empathetic approach and effective courtroom representation in protective order cases and related family law matters.
Questions
Can I pursue civil damages if my assailant wasn't prosecuted?
Yes, civil cases have lower burden of proof and can proceed independently of criminal prosecution.
What damages can I seek in sexual assault civil litigation?
Economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages may be available.
How does a civil restraining order differ from criminal protection?
Civil orders allow custody arrangements, financial support, and longer protection periods.
What is mediation's advantage over court litigation?
Mediation offers greater control, confidentiality, and cost-effectiveness with binding agreements.
How long does divorce proceedings typically take?
Duration varies from 3 months to 3+ years depending on case complexity and cooperation.
