Family Law

I prefer to work with clients who truly want to solve their problems in a fair and cost-effective manner. Family Law can be emotionally draining, and I prefer to work with clients who attempt to deal with their issues in a businesslike manner.

• Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Name Changes
• Restraining Orders

• Child Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Elder Abuse
• Sexual Abuse

• Child Support
• Custody
• Paternity
• Visitation

• Civil Unions
• Domestic Partnerships
• Living Together/Cohabitation
• Marriage
• Power of Attorney

• Guardianships & Conservatorships
• Powers of Attorney

Divorce

I prefer to work with clients who truly want to solve their problems in a fair and cost-effective manner. Family Law can be emotionally draining, and I prefer to work with clients who attempt to deal with their issues in a businesslike manner.

• Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
• Annulment

CA, Dec 1980
Bar Number: 96252

Certified Specialist in Family Law by the California State Bar Association.

California State Courts; United States Federal Court.

California State Bar Association; Santa Clara County Bar Association.

I have moderated between five to six three-hour continuing education classes and presented several one-hour classes in Family Law. I have been the chair of the Education Committee of the Family Law Committee of the Santa Clara County Bar Association for three years, and continue to serve on that committee. I continue to update my education by attending Family Law seminars. My hours accumulated are always far in excess of the minimum required by the State Bar.

I have had one article published in the California Lawyer regarding ethics and running a law practice.

I enjoy working on complex cases and searching for solutions that fit the needs of my clients. I have handled many unusual scenarios, such as enforcing judgments in family court after the death of one of the parties. I have helped people focus on the best needs of their children, providing more time for my clients with their children, which in turn creates a better relationship between the children and both parents. One of my clients went from very limited visits to an equal time share. I did not change the facts, but rather helped my client present the facts in a better manner.

1

California

I have always been a solo practitioner. However, I have often been associated with other attorneys either to handle the custody aspects of a case, or by non-family law attorneys who need guidance in the area of family law. I have always preferred to work closely with fewer clients rather than have many clients. I have the good fortune to share the office with my son, who is also an attorney. We are not partners, but we both strive to provide excellent service to each of our clients.

I previously worked as a Social Worker with the New York City Department of Child Welfare, and thereafter, as a Probation Officer in the New York City Juvenile Court. In the Department of Child Welfare, I worked with people who voluntarily sought services to help get them through a particular crisis in their lives, such as an illness.

Voted as a "Super Lawyer" for Northern California in a poll of lawyers conducted by San Francisco Magazine in 2005-06.

I frequently volunteer as a judge pro tem in both family and small claims court. I have been very successful at settling cases. I especially like this work, as I find that I can see the case with fresh eyes and often find solutions for the parties which are as close to being win-win solutions as possible, in a cost-effective manner. I have also volunteered to facilitate parenting classes, and in the process, have learned a lot about effective communication. In addition, I have been a child advocate for a child in the dependency court.

Sandra Mena

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

No

Some Spanish is spoken in the office.

I charge hourly, except for probate matters which are generally fixed by statute.

$350

I charge my regular hourly rate for time spent with clients.

The retainer depends on the complexity of the case. A minimum retainer is $5,000 and could go as high as $20,000. I expect the retainer to be kept at the same rate, but any unused fees are returned to the client.