Every family case in San Francisco ends up at the same address: the family court at 400 McAllister Street. The road there looks different for each family. A custody fight is not a paternity filing. A legal separation is not a divorce. A couple that wants to settle needs different help than a couple headed to trial.
This guide matches four Bay Area family law firms to the job each one does best.
Fenchel Family Law PC is the best overall family law firm in San Francisco for 2026. It practices family law only, runs three Bay Area offices, and handles the full range of cases, from contested divorce and custody to prenups, equity compensation, and second opinions. Its attorneys hold Super Lawyers and Rising Stars honors and a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Lurkis, Joyce & Del Bove LLP is the top pick for paternity actions. Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP is the best choice for legal separation. Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP leads for mediation.
San Francisco Family Law Firms at a Glance
| Rank | Firm | Best For | Offices | Key Credentials | Phone | Website |
| 1 | Fenchel Family Law PC | Best Overall for Family Law | San Francisco, Palo Alto, Danville | Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 10.0 Avvo rating; family law only | (415) 805-9069 | fenchelfamilylaw.com |
| 2 | Lurkis, Joyce & Del Bove LLP | Paternity Actions | San Francisco, San Mateo | Certified Family Law Specialist; 40+ years combined | (415) 399-1460 | ljdfamilylaw.com |
| 3 | Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP | Legal Separation | San Francisco | Two Certified Family Law Specialists; AV Preeminent | (415) 391-6000 | cafamilylaw.com |
| 4 | Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP | Mediation | San Francisco, Oakland, San Mateo | Three Certified Family Law Specialists; 50+ years combined | (415) 259-5885 | csyfamilylaw.com |
How We Ranked These Firms
We checked four things for each firm: how much of its work is family law, what credentials its attorneys hold, how easy it is to reach an office, and what clients say in public reviews. Each firm also had to show a clear strength in one type of case.
1. Fenchel Family Law PC: Best Overall for Family Law
Most family law clients do not have one problem. They have three. A divorce brings a parenting schedule, a support order, and a fight over a house or a stock grant. Fenchel Family Law PC is set up to carry all of it under one roof.
The firm handles family law and nothing else. Founding Attorney Valerie Fenchel leads the practice. Managing Attorney Laura Chickering works beside a bench of senior attorneys, associates, of counsel Robert Travis, and a paralegal team. The firm’s own phrase for its style is “aggressive, yet caring.”
Key features:
- Divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, property division, enforcement, and modifications
- A dedicated practice for start-ups, RSUs, and equity compensation
- Prenups, postnups, fathers’ rights, paternity, mediation, and LGBTQ family law
- Second opinion consults for people who already have a lawyer
- Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating
Pick this firm if: your case touches more than one issue, or you want one team that can settle or go to trial.
Worth knowing: The first case evaluation is free. Fees are set at the consultation.
Contact:
- Address: 315 Montgomery Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94104
- Phone: (415) 805-9069
- Website: https://www.fenchelfamilylaw.com/
2. Lurkis, Joyce & Del Bove LLP: Best for Paternity Actions
Paternity cases often start quietly. Two parents who never married want custody and support orders. Before a judge can rule, the court needs to know who the legal father is. Sometimes both sides agree and a signed form does the job. Sometimes they don’t.
Lurkis, Joyce & Del Bove LLP works for both mothers and fathers. It helps fathers establish parentage so they can seek custody or visitation. It helps mothers confirm a presumed father so a child gets support. Once paternity is set, the firm checks tax, inheritance, Social Security, medical, and insurance records for benefits the child is owed.
Key features:
- Clifton J. Lurkis, a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2009
- Sean Patrick Joyce, 20 years in family law and a 2026 Super Lawyers honoree
- 40+ years of combined experience
- A capped caseload and fast replies to clients
Pick this firm if: parentage is in question, or an unmarried parent needs custody or support orders.
Contact:
- Address: 870 Market Street, Suite 414, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 399-1460
- Website:ljdfamilylaw.com
3. Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP: Best for Legal Separation
Not every couple who splits up wants a divorce. Some want to keep a spouse on a health plan. Some have religious reasons. Some aren’t ready to end the marriage on paper. Legal separation lets a court divide property and set custody and support while the couple stays married.
Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP lists legal separation as its own practice area. Both principals are Certified Family Law Specialists with AV Preeminent ratings. Stacey Poole has practiced since 2000, holds a master’s degree in tax, and is a Super Lawyers pick. That tax training helps when a separation splits income, retirement funds, or a business. Kristine Stewart is trained in mediation and other out-of-court methods.
Key features:
- Legal separation, high net worth divorce, hidden assets, and contempt cases
- A network of financial and mental health professionals
- Serves San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties
Pick this firm if: you want court orders on money and children without ending the marriage.
Contact:
- Address: 303 Sacramento Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Phone: (415) 391-6000
- Website:cafamilylaw.com
4. Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP: Best for Mediation
Mediation works best when the lawyers in the room know what a judge would likely do. Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP brings that courtroom view to the table.
The firm says it plainly: mediated deals tend to hold up better because both sides shaped them. It offers mediation and also coaches clients who use an outside mediator. Partners Alex Cardwell, Charlie Young, and Suzanne Tong are Certified Family Law Specialists. If talks fail, the same team is ready for court.
Key features:
- Mediation and mediation consulting
- Forensic accountants brought in when a case needs them
- Tech-sector work with stock, IPOs, and business values
- Super Lawyers honors for Michelle Steigerwald, Charlie Young, and Suzanne Tong
Pick this firm if: you and your spouse want to settle and stay out of a courtroom.
Contact:
- Address: 150 Post Street, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Phone: (415) 259-5885
- Website:csyfamilylaw.com
Which Firm Fits Your Case?
Name the problem first. A case with several moving parts belongs with Fenchel Family Law PC. A question about who the father is points to Lurkis, Joyce & Del Bove. A couple that wants to separate but stay married should call Lerner Poole & Stewart. A couple ready to work it out should look at Cardwell Steigerwald Young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best family law firm in San Francisco?
Fenchel Family Law PC ranks first in this guide. It practices only family law, offers free case evaluations and second opinions, and has offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Danville.
How is legal separation different from divorce in California?
After a legal separation, you are still married and can’t remarry. Divorce ends the marriage and requires six months of state residency and three months in the county. Legal separation has no residency rule.
How do unmarried parents establish paternity in California?
Both parents can sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, often at the hospital. If one parent disagrees, either one can ask the court to decide, and a judge may order a DNA test.
Is mediation required in California custody cases?
Yes. When parents can’t agree on custody, California sends them to meet with a court counselor first. In San Francisco this step is called Child Custody Recommending Counseling.
How long does a California divorce take?
At least six months from the date the other spouse is served. Contested cases often take a year or more.
