I am a San Francisco (SF) Bay Area Divorce & Family Law Attorney who has done Family Law/divorce cases for more than twenty years. I have done hundreds of Family Law/Divorce hearings, involving child custody and visitation, annulments, child move-aways, dissolution of marriage, divorce, spousal support, child support, property division, Legal Separation, validity of premarital and post-marital agreements, and Domestic Violence.
I have had cases in every county in the Bay Area. An experienced attorney, like myself, who will give you quality advice as to divorce law, can make a huge positive difference in the outcome of your family law situation. Call me at 415.240.9953 and I will give you an immediate free telephone consultation.
I have had cases in every county in the Bay Area. An experienced attorney, like myself, who will give you quality advice as to divorce law, can make a huge positive difference in the outcome of your family law situation. Call me at 415.240.9953 and I will give you an immediate free telephone consultation.
Services
Many years ago, the State of California changed the legal name of a divorce to "dissolution of marriage." Despite the name change, most people, including most San Francisco Bay Area lawyers still call it divorce. In the old days, you needed to prove "fault" to get a divorce. Fault meant, among other things, that one party to the marriage had been unfaithful.
Unless the parties agree to a different amount, Child support in California is done by a "guideline calculation." California's law on child support is found in the section of state law called the Family Code. When someone seeks child support, the court must follow the "statewide uniform child support guideline" (Ca Fam 4050 et seq.).
As to custody, there are two type of custody, "physical custody" and "legal custody. Physical custody refers to who the kids live with. People can have joint physical custody in which the kids live in two separate houses. However, this is fairly rare. Usually, one parent has sole physical or primary physical custody.
The State of California changed the legal term from "annulment" to "nullity of marriage" many years ago. However, despite the name change, many people and lawyers still call it "annulment." Outside of court, people and lawyers use the terms as synonyms. However, in court, you need to call it a "nullity of marriage."
Mr. Gurley is happy to answer your Family Law questions via email. Whether you are contemplating separation, have concerns about you or your spouse's legal position regarding a domestic dispute or custody issue, or are unclear about you or your spouse's legal rights and obligations, feel free to send your question to Mr. Gurley at sanfranciscodivorce@gmail.com.
Reviews (28)
Chris G.
Dec 04, 2021
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John L.
Oct 27, 2021
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I had Adam for a case recently and he was a fantastic. We first spoke on the phone and he was sympathetic with me and offered me some advice on the case itself, giving me a lot of information I did not previously have. Unlike other lawyers he did not charge me for a consultation fee and the retainer cost was much more reasonable than other lawyers I spoke to. He was extremely knowledgeable about San Francisco's court system and knew the in's and outs. Highly recommend for someone navigating a domestic legal case.
Michelle O.
Oct 20, 2021
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Adam knows the law and gets what's needed done. Knowledgeable, uses your time wisely and fair. He walked me through the process and many forms at the level of assistance I needed. Advises on being a background advisor if appropriate to avoid more costly fees. I did not feel intimidated throughout the process.
Twice the court rejected my paperwork. Fortunately, Adam knows the law and that they were wrong. This mistake could have delayed my dissolution.
I'm happy with his expertise, experience and connections. I had a much better outcome and total cost than I expected for my divorce
Twice the court rejected my paperwork. Fortunately, Adam knows the law and that they were wrong. This mistake could have delayed my dissolution.
I'm happy with his expertise, experience and connections. I had a much better outcome and total cost than I expected for my divorce
Ramya B.
Sep 13, 2021
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I rendered Adam's services during my divorce in 2012. He was very affordable and didn't charge me a retainer and did an awesome Job coming to a agreement via a 4 way settlement without spending too much money or time.
Even my ex husband questioned where I found him.
Since then I had a few times when I wanted to engage him unfortunately he is a little too busy. I wish I could have him on my case. He operates in a unconventional way but gets the job done right
Even my ex husband questioned where I found him.
Since then I had a few times when I wanted to engage him unfortunately he is a little too busy. I wish I could have him on my case. He operates in a unconventional way but gets the job done right
Ken W.
Sep 10, 2021
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Adam is the most knowledgeable and ethical attorney I ever met. I have restraining order against me,he knows the likely result so wanted me to do myself to save money, evey time I have questions, he always answers me blunt and honestly, he doesn't charge me at all for consultation and advice.
We can not find any better and nicer attorney like him.
I appreciate it, Mr Gurley.
We can not find any better and nicer attorney like him.
I appreciate it, Mr Gurley.
The Gamer G. T.
Sep 02, 2021
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Truth B.
Aug 09, 2021
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Adam is the best divorce attorney in San Francisco. Believe me, I interviewed around 40 of them before choosing Adam, over the course of my 6-year high net-worth divorce. Therefore, I would consider myself an expert in selecting a divorce attorney!
Adam is smart, funny, unconventional, passionate about being a divorce attorney, and knows the flaws of the San Francisco Public Divorce Court system inside and out. His fees are extremely reasonable. He loves what he does, so he will NEVER overcharge you! He CARES--and that is almost unheard of with divorce attorneys in the Bay Area.
It
Adam is smart, funny, unconventional, passionate about being a divorce attorney, and knows the flaws of the San Francisco Public Divorce Court system inside and out. His fees are extremely reasonable. He loves what he does, so he will NEVER overcharge you! He CARES--and that is almost unheard of with divorce attorneys in the Bay Area.
It
T.-Dot B.
May 30, 2021
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Kyra Hopkins
Mar 04, 2021
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I recently discussed my case with Adam over the phone... he was the only lawyer to call me shortly after I messaged him. He was funny and straightforward, and the information he provided was easy to understand for someone (like me) who isn't well versed in law. He laid out my options clearly and put my mind at ease with regard to the situation, and I feel much more confident moving forward. I recommend giving him a call!
Mark W.
Jan 30, 2021
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Sonia J.
Jan 26, 2021
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Vladimir Kovac
Jan 15, 2021
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Adam is not only an experienced attorney and extremely knowledgable in family law, but he is also an excellent confidant and friend during the process. If you want to win, his knowledge of local judges and lawyers will give you the best chances to navigate an imperfect and capricious legal system. His empathy for his clients in a bad situation and his love of a good fight always made me feel like he was doing whatever he could to help me win. A scrappy genius with the best shoes in the courtroom, and friendly allies around him puts you right at ease. You'll be in good hands with an absolute veteran
Scott S.
Dec 30, 2020
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Ending what started out as such a loving, caring relationship is hard enough without resorting to what can be the overly harsh "rule of law" - something I didn't want to visit on our relationship as we parted ways. Thanks to the generous, seasoned and candid advice from Adam, I didn't have to go that route. He was able to quickly (less than 1/2 an hour) sort through the complexity of my situation and offer me sound, fair advice that I could bank on - enabling me to part with a clean conscience - and financial health. I can't say enough about his professionalism and his
Katie L.
Dec 27, 2020
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I had an initial phone call consultation with Adam. He made it easy to schedule the consultation and provided excellent advisement on case-law, experience with San Franciso judges, and reference to a mediator as well as gut-check on my plant was invaluable. If I do have to go to court some day, I would choose him to represent me.
Emmalynn Ramirez
Nov 16, 2020
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I called Adam for a consultation. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He took the time to thoroughly understand my case and offer his best knowledge as to how and what I can and should do. I received more Information from Adam in 30 mins than I have in the last year of going through my case. He had a willingness to be as helpful as he could!
Sf M.
Oct 13, 2020
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Adam Gurley is an amazing individual. Writing a Yelp review and giving him 5-stars doesn't do him justice, and I wish there was more to show how amazing of an attorney he is.
After almost 18 months of trying to navigate the court system on my own, I was at my wit's end with my ex, where he was basically unresponsive (and, in hiding for the most part) in doing his part to finalize the divorce of our extremely short marriage. Then I found Adam Gurley and he was a bloody godsend. The other lawyers I consulted wanted all the bells and whistles in terms of a retainer fee and minimum for
After almost 18 months of trying to navigate the court system on my own, I was at my wit's end with my ex, where he was basically unresponsive (and, in hiding for the most part) in doing his part to finalize the divorce of our extremely short marriage. Then I found Adam Gurley and he was a bloody godsend. The other lawyers I consulted wanted all the bells and whistles in terms of a retainer fee and minimum for
Cameron W.
Sep 28, 2020
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Ending a marriage and going through the process of divorce is never easy. Adam was patient with me, even during my times of freak out, and very very fair. He's somewhat unconventional but that plays to his strength. He's a good man and and even better attorney. His pricing is very reasonable and he makes an effort to do everything he can to make you feel comfortable with what's going on during the divorce process.
Kimberly N.
Aug 11, 2020
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I was searching Yelp for a family lawyer. Mr. Gurley's office was listed first other than Sponsored Results. The photos on the web are different and 157 reviews with 5 stars, which are not easy to get for the business he is in. It got my attention.
When I called him, he answered the phone immediately, and we had a few text messages regarding consultation. Mr. Gurley's response was always very prompt.
During an in-person consultation today, he reviewed my situations and gave me straight views based on law and his experience. His advice or view was not what I hoped for, or I wished
When I called him, he answered the phone immediately, and we had a few text messages regarding consultation. Mr. Gurley's response was always very prompt.
During an in-person consultation today, he reviewed my situations and gave me straight views based on law and his experience. His advice or view was not what I hoped for, or I wished
Tarah Viscarra
Jun 24, 2020
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Adam was the only attorney I could reach on a wknd when I had an emergency and needed legal advice not only is he an experienced knowledgeable lawyer he has empathy, compassion and passion for what he does and for others he was such a joy to deal with I cannot say enough good after all the bad experience I’ve had prior with lawyers. Adam has a stellar personality!
Nora M.
Jun 19, 2020
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I don't think 5 stars does Adam any justice! You're not just getting an attorney, you're getting a friend throughout the process that has your back.
I went to Adam through a recommendation and it was the best decision ever. He truly cares about his clients and doesn't care about the money and will always be there for you and answer all your calls and texts. It's so hard to find Divorce Attorneys that truly care about you. He even tried to fix my marriage. Who does that?!
Getting a divorce is one of the most difficult decisions to make, and Adam does his best to listen
I went to Adam through a recommendation and it was the best decision ever. He truly cares about his clients and doesn't care about the money and will always be there for you and answer all your calls and texts. It's so hard to find Divorce Attorneys that truly care about you. He even tried to fix my marriage. Who does that?!
Getting a divorce is one of the most difficult decisions to make, and Adam does his best to listen
Kelvin Goss
Jan 11, 2020
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Adam picked up the phone on the first ring and helped me even prior to his actual firm being open for business that day. He took the time to give me solid advice, listen to my concern and help me through a trying situation called divorce. Knowledge is Power, however it is only really power when applied, Adam is that Knowledge and Power! If you need help leverage Adam’s expertise!
Sincerely,
Kelvin G!
Sincerely,
Kelvin G!
Jesse F.
Jan 08, 2020
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Adam was an absolute lifesaver for me recently. It has been 7 years since I divorced, however my former spouse's reach for primary custody never ends and it continues to be an uphill battle to simply equally co-parent our wonderful children who are both under 10 years old. To say it is a constant drag is an understatement, and while I had previously used the same family law attorney for my entire case other than Adam, my former spouse had worked with 5 different family law attorneys during the same span and needless to say my former family attorney needed a rest from the case. Shortly after
Lil L.
Jul 28, 2019
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I received a letter from my husband's son's mother that she wanted a child support review even though she's been denying him visitation for the past few years and was seeking some legal advice. Adam graciously picked up the phone and had told me the hard truth about teenagers and family law. He also helped us answer some questions on the review form. A few days ago, husband received a letter from child support services saying that there will be no modification of the support order.
Thanks Adam! You're awesome!
Thanks Adam! You're awesome!
Scott C.
Mar 30, 2019
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Adam was a lifesaver for me!
I'm in Colorado and filed here while my Ex filed in SF.
Adam and his team calmed my fears and helped do everything remotely. I did not need to travel for any paper work or court hearings and he was able to quash the Ex's request for a dissolution in SF. I cannot recommend Adam and his team highly enough.
I'm in Colorado and filed here while my Ex filed in SF.
Adam and his team calmed my fears and helped do everything remotely. I did not need to travel for any paper work or court hearings and he was able to quash the Ex's request for a dissolution in SF. I cannot recommend Adam and his team highly enough.
Brian M.
Jan 18, 2019
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It took this guy 4 years to respond to my review. In addition he has contacted me privately
in the last day and told me to take down my review or he would sue me. Sue me for what?? Stating my opinion of my experience with him?? I don't think Yelp would think that it is appropriate that Mr Gurley is contacting its members privately with legal threats. I thought Yelp was an open public forum to state your opinion?? I stand by my review. Stay away from this guy!!
in the last day and told me to take down my review or he would sue me. Sue me for what?? Stating my opinion of my experience with him?? I don't think Yelp would think that it is appropriate that Mr Gurley is contacting its members privately with legal threats. I thought Yelp was an open public forum to state your opinion?? I stand by my review. Stay away from this guy!!
Francisco Varela
Sep 10, 2017
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Dave Tibbs
Aug 04, 2016
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This is a five star review that is truly deserved - I came to Adam under perhaps happier circumstances than most as I needed him to review a prenup for me before marriage, but he couldn't have been more helpful or friendly and I really felt like I was in safe hands. Having not spent much time with attorneys it was fantastic to find someone who was the complete opposite of the image I had in my head of an up-tight, expensive attorney who I had no idea if I could trust. On the contrary, Adam was relaxed and friendly, and to be greeted by his dog as I entered the office instantly put me at ease.
Mary Preetha Valentine
Nov 26, 2013
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Unlike the Downtown and Financial District lawyers, Adam who resides in the Richmond area of San Francisco area is easy to get to and his rates are very reasonable. He is professional, very knowledgeable, thorough in his field and inspires confidence. He takes the time to answer all your questions patiently- I had tons of questions and did my homework before meeting with him and he was kind enough to address all my concerns. He offers you various options and suggestions and will give you the best possible solution. He is however very busy but will make the time to meet with you even on the weekends
