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(650) 437-1889
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Viola Law Firm has spent 35+ years on one side of the courthouse: the family side. We handle divorce, custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and the property questions that come with them, and we prepare every matter as though it is going to trial.
(650) 437-1889
Super Lawyers selections are peer-nominated and independently researched. The specialist certification is issued by the State Bar of California.
Highly rated on Google by San Mateo families
Read our Google reviewsYou've been served with divorce or custody papers and there's a date on the form.
You're worried about losing time with your kids, or the other parent has stopped following the schedule.
There are equity grants, a business, or a Bay Area house in the mix and you don't know what you're entitled to.
Your current attorney isn't returning calls, or isn't ready for trial.
You feel unsafe, or you're being controlled financially, and you need a protective order.
You haven't decided anything yet. You just want to know what your options actually are.
During business hours you reach our intake team in San Mateo. After hours, leave a message and you'll hear back the next business day.
Names, dates, whether anything has been filed, whether children are involved. Five to ten minutes. Nothing is decided on this call.
We book you with the attorney whose experience fits your case, and confirm the time before you hang up.
"Retained Lauren last August. Stone cold professional. Gets results. Bargain at twice the price. Expect: maximum value, minimum risk, zero drama, and control of your life back."
"My situation was complicated, and I felt she always had my best interests at heart. She came up with a brilliant plan that made a huge difference in my settlement."
David B. · Divorce"Regardless of what craziness is thrown at us in court, she is unflappable, keeping us and the proceedings on track."
J & D Smith · Custody & visitation"Calm, efficient, reasonable, and knowledgeable. From day one her warmth and empathy for my situation was very clear."
Lisa W. · Contested divorce
Lawrence S. ViolaFounding attorney · Super Lawyers, 15 years
Lauren D. CirlinFamily law · Super Lawyers, 5 years
Kayleigh R. WalshCertified Family Law Specialist
Hon. Kathleen M. McKennaMediator & private judge
Family law matters are billed hourly against an initial retainer. The amount depends on whether your case is contested and whether it's headed for trial.
You get an itemized statement every month, and you can pay online. If a case turns out to be a poor fit for us, we'll say so and point you elsewhere.
Send us the basics and we'll get back to you the same business day. Everything you write here is confidential and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
No. The first call is a short conversation about your situation so we can tell you whether we're a fit. You are not retaining the firm and you are not obligated to book a consultation.
That's most of the calls we take. Knowing your options — including what happens if you do nothing for now — is a reasonable thing to want before you decide anything.
Yes. We serve clients throughout Northern California, and regularly appear in San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Alameda County family courts.
No, and it's a reason to call sooner rather than later, particularly if there's a hearing date on any paperwork you've received.
You can. We take over cases from other firms regularly. Bring your existing file and any orders already in place to the consultation.