Atherton Family Law Firm
Atherton Divorce Attorneys Focused on Settlement and Mediation
Divorce and family law disputes can disrupt finances, daily routines, and long-term family stability. In Atherton, where many households have complex financial arrangements, significant property holdings, and active parenting responsibilities, a strategic, collaborative approach is essential.
Warren Major LLP is based in San Rafael, California, and represents clients throughout San Mateo County, including Atherton, Menlo Park, Redwood City, and beyond. The firm specializes in informal resolution, collaborative negotiation, and mediation, saving clients time, money, and emotional stress. Nearly all of our cases — 99% — settle without courtroom litigation.
Divorce in Atherton: Strategy First
- High-value residential properties
- Investment portfolios and retirement accounts
- Business interests or equity in private companies
- Custody arrangements for children attending multiple schools
- Spousal support and complex financial considerations
California is a community property state (Cal. Fam. Code §760), requiring equitable division of assets and debts acquired during marriage. (See California Courts Self-Help: Property Division)
Warren Major LLP approaches each case with strategy-first planning, ensuring accurate financial documentation, clear support calculations, and structured negotiation to maximize settlement potential.
Mediation & Informal Resolution
Key benefits:
- Reduces attorney and court costs
- Minimizes emotional and familial stress
- Preserves privacy
- Allows flexible, tailored solutions
- Keeps decision-making with clients
Atherton Divorce Mediation Attorneys
- Comprehensive financial records
- Property inventories and debt summaries
- Custody and parenting proposals
- Spousal support projections
Mediation transforms uncertain disputes into controlled, predictable negotiation. Guided by skilled attorneys, clients often resolve issues faster, with less stress, and at a fraction of the cost of litigation.
Property Division with Precision
- High-value residential or vacation properties
- Investment portfolios and retirement accounts
- Private business ownership
- Stock options, equity, and deferred compensation
- Commingled or complex financial assets
Child Custody & Co-Parenting
Custody arrangements must prioritize the best interest of the child (Cal. Fam. Code §3011). Judges consider safety, stability, continuity, parental involvement, and the child’s ties to school and community (See California Family Code §3011)
- Detailed residential schedules
- Holiday and vacation plans
- Decision-making authority for healthcare and education
- Communication protocols between parents
- Conflict-reducing co-parenting agreements
Spousal Support
Property division in Atherton often involves:
- Duration of marriage
- Standard of living during marriage
- Age and health of both parties
- Earning capacity and career potential
- Contributions to family and household
(See California Courts Self-Help: Spousal Support)
Warren Major LLP uses careful analysis to develop realistic support proposals, reducing prolonged disputes and preventing surprise outcomes in court.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Support modifications
Custody schedule changes
Enforcement of existing agreements
Services Offered
- Atherton divorce mediation
- Collaborative negotiation
- Property division & financial planning
- Child custody & co-parenting agreements
- Spousal support evaluation
- Child support matters
- Post-judgment modifications
- Divorce & legal separation
What Our Clients Say
Dave BenzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa is very attentive and through. She has served me both as my attorney in one family law case and then as a legal advisor in a second matter that was resolved pro se. I highly recommend her. Ian ChaseTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Warren Major LLP to anyone seeking expert family law advice paired with personalized attention. Warren Major LLP is the ideal firm for anyone seeking a trusted family law advocate that gets results in such a challenging field. Clara PorterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Warren Major LLP. Their approach is smart, professional, and attentive to the individual needs of their clients. Both Marissa and Hillary have impressive academic backgrounds, but more importantly, they have the requiste skill and years of experience necessary to advocate zealously for their clients and achieve successful results, time and time again. Nancy MajorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very competent and experienced. I highly recommend them. scott jensenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa Major was instrumental in setting strategy, aligning long term interests and keeping the focus on critical issues to a successful resolution of a very challenging divorce. I am indebted to her legal mind, fierce protection of her client and relentless support of the best outcome for me and my child. Casa CaliforniaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from Major Warren LLP! Very professional and well priced. Would highly recommend for your legal needs. Cata Atria ATrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Warren Major LLP. We felt supported, listened to, and respected. They are as professional as they are kind, and this was really important to us. Thank you for all you did for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most Atherton divorces go to court?
What is collaborative law?
When should I consult an Atherton family law attorney?
What documents are needed for mediation?
Begin With Strategy, Not Litigation
Divorce impacts families in multiple ways — emotionally, financially, and socially. Warren Major LLP prioritizes mediation, collaborative negotiation, and settlement, enabling families in Atherton and across San Mateo County to reach resolutions efficiently, avoid costly court battles, and preserve family relationships.
Most cases settle. Most families avoid courtroom conflict. That is strategic. That is intentional.