Our firm is committed to achieving results based on reasonable goals established in consultation with our clients, taking into consideration cost-benefit and risk reward factors. We believe that candor is essential to our attorney-client relationships and give our clients the information they need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their cases.
We are an award-winning law firm. Our reputation and credibility are key to our relationships with judges, opposing counsel and clients. Madigan & Lewis, LLP is dedicated to the practice of family law and serves clients living in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
We are an award-winning law firm. Our reputation and credibility are key to our relationships with judges, opposing counsel and clients. Madigan & Lewis, LLP is dedicated to the practice of family law and serves clients living in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Services
We are a woman-owned and operated law firm. Both partners are certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization as Family Law Specialists and provide legal services to clients throughout Silicon Valley. Divorce is one of life's most stressful events. Having resolved hundreds of complex family law cases, we see ourselves as your guides, helping you to achieve your goals and successfully navigate this phase of your life.
California was among the first states to adopt "no-fault" divorce, replacing a system that insisted a marriage could not end without a showing that one party had committed some culpable act, like adultery, abandonment or, in California, cruelty. Under the old system, every proceeding was adversarial, and it was an open secret that the parties often perjured themselves to obtain a divorce decree.
Like any legal matter, an action to dissolve a marriage can be settled by a negotiated agreement between the parties at any time during the case. In fact, the majority of cases settle, but that does not mean achieving a settlement is necessarily straightforward. A settlement agreement or stipulated judgment generally does more than just end the marriage.
In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator meets with the parties to resolve one or more issues. The mediator does not advocate for either side, serving instead to facilitate resolution and, when necessary, to explain the law to the parties. Generally, family law attorney mediators require or at least encourage their clients to be represented by counsel in the mediation process.
The divorce process can be a challenging experience, emotionally, legally and financially. Couples are often concerned about the impact divorce may have on their children, family relationships, and finances. Collaborative Divorce is an alternative dispute resolution process which emphasizes creative, long lasting resolutions that are in the best interests of all family members and keeps the well-being of the children at the forefront.
Reviews (21)
Daphne W.
Dec 30, 2021
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Https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_4.1-Exec_Summary-Redline.pdf
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_3_4_fairness_to_opposing_party_counsel/
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_8_4_misconduct/
This law firm violated the code of ethics and failed to treat an opposing party with honesty and integrity, charged and tried to charge the opposing party several times despite the intrinsic conflicts of interest, and worked
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_3_4_fairness_to_opposing_party_counsel/
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_8_4_misconduct/
This law firm violated the code of ethics and failed to treat an opposing party with honesty and integrity, charged and tried to charge the opposing party several times despite the intrinsic conflicts of interest, and worked
Paula E.
Oct 08, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness, Value
From the initial call to the final signing, I was made to feel that my case was important. Kim Madigan was a referral from a friend who had used her firm. Our initial meeting went better than I hoped as she agreed to take my case and introduced me to her colleague, Brooke Murphy. Brooke is extremely professional, calm and listened every time I spoke. Getting divorced is not easy and I wanted to handle it with integrity. Brooke, Kim and the staff worked together to help me find the best way to move towards my goal of completing my divorce as quickly
From the initial call to the final signing, I was made to feel that my case was important. Kim Madigan was a referral from a friend who had used her firm. Our initial meeting went better than I hoped as she agreed to take my case and introduced me to her colleague, Brooke Murphy. Brooke is extremely professional, calm and listened every time I spoke. Getting divorced is not easy and I wanted to handle it with integrity. Brooke, Kim and the staff worked together to help me find the best way to move towards my goal of completing my divorce as quickly
Nadine Silverman
Jul 04, 2020
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I used Madigan & Lewis for a postnuptial agreement and Tori (Victoria) was my Primary lawyer. Everyone that I interacted with was super nice, professional, knowledgeable and responsive.
Tori is very good at what she does. She thoroughly answered all of my questions and patiently explained everything. My husband’s attorney even said that the postnup was the best-written that she has ever seen. I had a great experience and would highly recommend Madigan & Lewis.
Tori is very good at what she does. She thoroughly answered all of my questions and patiently explained everything. My husband’s attorney even said that the postnup was the best-written that she has ever seen. I had a great experience and would highly recommend Madigan & Lewis.
Maria Passechnitchenko
Aug 26, 2019
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I had the pleasure of working with Victoria Lewis as my consulting attorney (on child custody issues) during my divorce. And I can honestly say that I was very impressed with her expertise in all aspects of a divorce situation (child custody, financial, etc).
My divorce was very complex and I truly believe that it was all of Victoria's professional advice, support and guidance (especially, in some highly charged emotional situations) that made a world of difference in the final outcome. Victoria has my absolute trust and I will "hands down" recommend her to anyone who needs help when going through
My divorce was very complex and I truly believe that it was all of Victoria's professional advice, support and guidance (especially, in some highly charged emotional situations) that made a world of difference in the final outcome. Victoria has my absolute trust and I will "hands down" recommend her to anyone who needs help when going through
Janet C.
Aug 02, 2019
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It was a lengthy and stressful divorce and seriously I thought it would never end. Melissa Smart represented me and she was knowledgeable, smart, considerate, extremely patient and most important to me, very straight forward. She was firm on the negotiations, but also set realistic expectation with me and helped me stayed focus on the things that were important to me. Her efforts are greatly appreciated and I highly recommended her.
Rusty Gaillard
May 29, 2019
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I switched attorneys mid-divorce to work with Victoria Lewis at Madigan Lewis, and I'm so glad I did. Tori is easy to work with, supportive, and very thorough in her legal approach to what was a complicated and contentious case. She was strategic, researched & presented legal issues thoroughly, and was 110% in my corner. I wanted someone to stand up & be tough during the process, and she was ready & capable to be that person. She explained the legal issues well, and helped me make decisions along the way. Mine was not a simple or cheap case, but I wanted good representation and I got it. I definitely
Johnny C.
Apr 04, 2019
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Steve S.
Jan 07, 2019
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Victoria Lewis and the staff at Madigan & Lewis helped me through an extremely difficult divorce.
I had worked with another firm prior in this process, with the result being sky rocketing fees and further distance from a resolution.
Victoria's calm approach and focus on "getting the job done" saved me tons of attorney's fees and angst.
Her approach was directly counter to that of my exes attorney's of being combative (and his fees increasing through the process).
Divorce is a tough process to go through.
I'm thankful or Victoria's calm and understanding
I had worked with another firm prior in this process, with the result being sky rocketing fees and further distance from a resolution.
Victoria's calm approach and focus on "getting the job done" saved me tons of attorney's fees and angst.
Her approach was directly counter to that of my exes attorney's of being combative (and his fees increasing through the process).
Divorce is a tough process to go through.
I'm thankful or Victoria's calm and understanding
Maria S.
Dec 31, 2018
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Divorce proceedings are downright unpleasant business...but Victoria Lewis, and her colleagues at Madigan & Lewis, were an incredibly professional and indefatigable team throughout the entire process. Victoria provided exemplary advice and thoughtful support every step of the way. I am so thankful for Victoria's guidance during this difficult time, preparing me and my family for the future.
A GLOWING and resounding review for their entire practice.
A GLOWING and resounding review for their entire practice.
Michael H.
Dec 24, 2018
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I didn't feel listened to, sometimes didn't feel respected (such as when she said I sounded like a domestic violence victim) and often felt pressured. I hired her because I thought I might need an aggressive lawyer. But when my divorce went amicably and I decided that I was financially secure enough not to need spousal support, this very quality worked against our ability to collaborate. The firm "fired" me as a client after 13 months and $42,000 in lawyer fees.
I think she is competent, very good about replying quickly, and a good person. However, I found her too rigid in
I think she is competent, very good about replying quickly, and a good person. However, I found her too rigid in
St F.
Jul 12, 2018
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You don't want anyone to go through a rough divorce, but if it were to happen, let Kim and team represent you. She delivers.. She delivered.. My divorce was final early this year.. Thank you, Kim!
Kim is not driven by money. She is driven by passion and compassion to the clients. She is a very competent, astute and smart lawyer. I am highly impressed by the hard to find qualities in a divorce lawyer such as the patience, compassion and empathy shown by Kim throughout my long drawn divorce process. I thought my case was simple and a slam dunk. But the real asset sale had become as difficult
Kim is not driven by money. She is driven by passion and compassion to the clients. She is a very competent, astute and smart lawyer. I am highly impressed by the hard to find qualities in a divorce lawyer such as the patience, compassion and empathy shown by Kim throughout my long drawn divorce process. I thought my case was simple and a slam dunk. But the real asset sale had become as difficult
Heather D.
Jun 03, 2018
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Ms. Smart helped me to navigate through a contentious and gratuitously lengthy divorce. I needed an advocate who would protect my child and protect my assets. From the initial consultation through the final judgment, Ms. Smart treated my case as though it were her own experience. She set realistic expectations with me about possible outcomes and made a diligent effort to have a solution or game plan for each possible outcome. I felt prepared every step of the way.
The outcome was ultimately the best possible one. I credit that to Ms. Smart's excellent strategy, prowess in the courtroom, and
The outcome was ultimately the best possible one. I credit that to Ms. Smart's excellent strategy, prowess in the courtroom, and
Andrea M.
Feb 22, 2018
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Short and Sweet: Initially Kim was great navigating me through the process, until she kicked me out of her office in review of the judgement.
Post judgement I had to return to the court and hire a new attorney, due to the unfinished parenting plan submitted with the judgement, which took additional time and money to complete.
Post judgement I had to return to the court and hire a new attorney, due to the unfinished parenting plan submitted with the judgement, which took additional time and money to complete.
Dina J.
Nov 09, 2017
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Kim is a great lawyer. She is smart and hard-working. But what distinguishes Kim from other lawyers is the fact that she is compassionate, understanding, supportive, patient, and kind. Qualities that are hard to find in one lawyer! My divorce went on for three years. I had a difficult ex-husband who made every step of the process as unbearable and as time-consuming as humanly possible. Kim, with her positive attitude and support, helped me through it all and encouraged me to stay focused and on-track. I have never felt that she is a money-driven person, like most lawyers. She was always cognizant
Dori I.
Aug 20, 2017
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Going through a divorce can be the worst thing you'll ever experience. If you have to go through it, then partner with Madigan & Lewis. The entire team of Tori, Kim and others will have your back every step of the way. I'll never forget the first time I sat across the table from Tori Lewis. I was completely shattered and overwhelmed and frightened. Whether pets or children or family photos or financial assets are involved in negotiations, Tori was always calm and honest. She gave me advice, support and set out our legal course of action. In addition to giving me smart legal advice
Brendan C.
Oct 22, 2016
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This past year, I went through a very difficult and stressful divorce. Melissa Smart represented me, both in negotiations and in San Mateo court. She was brilliant--smart, helpful, knowledgeable, compassionate. She helped me think and reason through what I wanted in the process, and how to deal with my difficult situation cleanly. She was firm in negotiation, but not antagonistic. I enthusiastically recommend her.
Karen Spector
May 05, 2016
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Victoria Lewis is an exceptional family practice attorney who was my legal counsel as I went through the process of divorce through mediation. She is compassionate, clearly explains the legal process, is conscientious in working through every detail to arrive at a fair settlement, and responds readily to all emails/calls. At mediation meetings, she was poised,articulate, and commanding of the situation. Victoria was also adept in moving the process forward when the other attorneys involved were not responding in a timely manner. Additionally, she provided excellent referrals for estate planning
Dennis L.
Apr 03, 2016
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Kim Madigan was my attorney during my 15-month, bitter and acrimonious divorce. During such a process, one needs a legal advisor that tells you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. She kept my emotions in check and helped me refocus on my original goals during very challenging times. She championed my causes and was a true advocate for me. I hope to never need her services, but was glad she was there when I did need them.
Harry B.
Mar 11, 2016
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I am writing this review to share the positive experience I have had as a client of Madigan & Lewis. Kimberly Madigan had been my attorney at her previous firm, and when she informed me she was leaving her old firm, and gave me the option of transferring my case to her new firm, I didn't hesitate. Upon meeting her partner Victoria Lewis, I was certain that the quality service I had previously received would continue.
The law firm of Madigan & Lewis has consistently exceeded my expectations. Kim and Victoria both possess a high level of legal acumen, display a meticulous attention
The law firm of Madigan & Lewis has consistently exceeded my expectations. Kim and Victoria both possess a high level of legal acumen, display a meticulous attention
Michael C.
Jul 29, 2015
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I had no idea where to go for a divorce attorney and feel so lucky to have come across Kim Madigan. She is very professional and knowledgeable and effectively negotiated on my behalf on complex issues in my divorce in the areas of custody, visitation, and spousal/child support.
Doesn't sound too complex at first glance, but we were dealing with everything from the ex insisting I have zero custody and even trying to leave the state with our son, to trying to involve our son in the conflicts which was not good. All issues were resolved without having to go to court. I felt like everything Kim was
Doesn't sound too complex at first glance, but we were dealing with everything from the ex insisting I have zero custody and even trying to leave the state with our son, to trying to involve our son in the conflicts which was not good. All issues were resolved without having to go to court. I felt like everything Kim was
Delia S.
Jul 27, 2015
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I had the fortunate opportunity to hire Victoria as my attorney. She was extremely supportive, ethical and professional with me and my case. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for me to help me. She guided me and educated me with the laws pertaining to my case and made sure I knew what my options were. She was honest and forth right with me and never let me feel that I couldn't get through it. I would highly recommend Victoria for your family law attorney. You won't find anyone better. She is impeccable with her knowledge and stellar in detailing what needs to happen next
