Business Details
Trusted Family Law Attorneys in San Francisco
At Lerner Poole & Stewart, we are dedicated family law attorneys serving the San Francisco Bay Area with over 30 years of combined experience. Our firm specializes in navigating complex family legal matters, including divorce, child custody, high-asset disputes, and spousal support, while prioritizing our clients' emotional and financial well-being. We employ a sophisticated, client-centered approach that balances legal expertise with compassionate representation. Our principals are both certified Family Law Specialists, with advanced training in tax law and alternative dispute resolution. We collaborate with a network of financial and mental health professionals to provide holistic solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.Understanding the disruptive nature of divorce, we strive to help clients maintain stability while protecting their rights and interests. Our team's deep knowledge of California family law ensures clients receive strategic guidance on procedural requirements, custody arrangements, and equitable property division. We advocate for amicable resolutions through mediation when possible but are prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our AV Preeminent ratings and recognition by Super Lawyers. For over two decades, we have provided trusted legal counsel to individuals facing family law challenges, combining technical proficiency with genuine empathy.
Services
Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Spousal Support
Property Division
Paternity
Mediation
High-Asset Divorce
Prenuptial Agreements
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in complex family law cases
- Our attorneys are certified Family Law Specialists with advanced training
- We utilize alternative dispute resolution to minimize conflict and costs
- We collaborate with financial and mental health professionals for holistic solutions
- Our team maintains AV Preeminent ratings for legal excellence and ethics
Associations and certifications
- AV Preeminent
- Super Lawyers
- Certified Family Law Specialists
Services
Divorce Representation
Our experienced attorneys guide clients through California divorce proceedings, addressing contested and uncontested cases. We handle procedural requirements, residency issues, and post-divorce modifications while protecting client interests. With expertise in high-asset divorces and complex property division, we provide strategic counsel tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Child Custody
We help parents establish custody arrangements that prioritize children's best interests. Our services include creating parenting plans, modifying existing agreements, and resolving disputes over visitation rights. We consider factors like parental availability, child welfare, and geographic proximity to develop practical custody solutions.
Spousal Support
Our firm advises on temporary and permanent spousal support matters, considering factors like marital duration, earning capacity, and living standards. We help clients understand their obligations and entitlements while advocating for fair financial arrangements that maintain reasonable post-divorce lifestyles.
Property Division
We handle complex division of community property including real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, and intellectual property. Our team works with appraisers to accurately value assets and ensure equitable distribution while protecting clients' separate property rights during California divorce proceedings.
Mediation Services
Certified mediators facilitate cooperative divorce settlements to reduce conflict and costs. We help couples negotiate custody, support, and property agreements amicably. This process often preserves relationships while achieving legally binding solutions without courtroom adversariality.
People
Stacey Poole
Attorney
Certified Family Law Specialist with a master's in tax law. Practicing since 2000, she combines legal expertise with financial acumen to resolve complex divorce cases involving high-value assets and tax implications.
Kristine Stewart
Attorney
Experienced mediator and litigator specializing in family law. Trained in alternative dispute resolution, she helps clients navigate divorce with empathy while advocating for their interests in custody, support, and property matters.
Questions
What are California's residency requirements for divorce?
At least one spouse must reside in California for six months before filing. The divorce becomes final six months after serving the petition.
How are high-asset divorces handled in San Francisco?
We work with appraisers to value complex assets like businesses and intellectual property, ensuring equitable distribution of community property while protecting separate assets.
Can child custody arrangements be modified after divorce?
Yes, custody agreements can be modified when there's a significant change in circumstances affecting the child's best interests.
What factors determine spousal support amounts?
Courts consider marital duration, earning capacity, living standards, and tax implications when determining alimony payments.
Do you handle paternity cases?
Yes, we establish legal parentage through court orders or declarations, securing parental rights and responsibilities for unmarried couples.
What are the benefits of mediation over litigation?
Mediation reduces conflict, lowers costs, and allows couples to maintain control over divorce terms while preserving relationships.
