We can be reached via the contact form on the site, and meetings can be handled virtually through the Zoom teleconferencing app. Divorce and other family law matters can be highly stressful even if the spouses are parting by mutual agreement. If you have a concern related to this area of the law, you should consult a skillful, experienced attorney.
Mello & Pickering is a family law firm that was established by Jennifer Mello and Traci Pickering, attorneys who have a genuine desire to assist people in achieving clarity and resolution in family law matters. Jennifer Mello and Traci Pickering are each Certified Family Law Specialists, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Mello & Pickering is a family law firm that was established by Jennifer Mello and Traci Pickering, attorneys who have a genuine desire to assist people in achieving clarity and resolution in family law matters. Jennifer Mello and Traci Pickering are each Certified Family Law Specialists, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Reviews (24)
Louis R.
Feb 01, 2022
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Jennifer and her whole team at Mello Pickering were amazing from day one. They were professional, caring and genuinely looked out for my best interests. Navigating a divorce can be highly charged and emotional and Jennifer made sure to keep things moving forward in a way that did not enflame an already difficult situation. Needless to say, divorce is expensive but Jennifer and her team made sure to keep things direct and to the point in order to not increase my costs. I really can't say enough good things about Jennifer and everyone at Mello Pickering for helping me through an extremely contentious
Brett Chapman
Dec 24, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
Jennifer and Samantha were great to work with on my case. Their attention to detail and legal advice every step in the process helped considerably in the final six months of my case. Their support staff was amazing and very efficient in the requirements for my case.
Jennifer and Samantha were great to work with on my case. Their attention to detail and legal advice every step in the process helped considerably in the final six months of my case. Their support staff was amazing and very efficient in the requirements for my case.
Richard K.
Sep 12, 2021
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For over a year I was using another much bigger firm, Hoover, who were always right on time with billing (a lot$), but as for many other things you were treated as just another client, often taking 3 or more emails just to get an answer to a relevant question. In the time I worked with them, I had 3 different associates, one of whom even forgot to file certain documents in time!. I had enough, and so I started looking around and found Mello & Pickering through great reviews on Yelp. I wish I stared here first, they are the best.
This firm is attentive and understanding. Compassionate about
This firm is attentive and understanding. Compassionate about
Hsiu L.
May 11, 2021
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I was filing for divorce, and ask this firm to look over my paperwork basically to make sure it doesn't get rejected or missing any forms needed. Due to covid, they weren't able to meet with me so everything was over the phone and through email for communication. They charged me for one hour, and at the end my paperwork still got send back by the court and I had to googled and find answers to correct the mistake that this firm failed to helped me on.
I think the price they charged and the service provided wasn't bad until my paperwork was sent back. It was a disappointment on my
I think the price they charged and the service provided wasn't bad until my paperwork was sent back. It was a disappointment on my
Angelisa Galindo
Jan 22, 2021
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I've had full physical custody of my two boys since my divorce in 2011. They're father moved out of state and although I was willing to work with him on visitation, he felt like I was being unfair. When he served me with custody papers, I was so worried and anxious of what was to come. I have always tried to do what's in the best interest of my boys, but I was worried that maybe he would not be reasonable with what he wanted versus what I was proposing (which is exactly what happened).
I spoke with a few attorneys before I found Mello & Pickering. The other attorneys sounded out of touch and cold
I spoke with a few attorneys before I found Mello & Pickering. The other attorneys sounded out of touch and cold
Heather D.
Nov 11, 2020
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Traci and Jennifer are THE absolute best in their field. After a few bad attorneys my husband and I found this firm by chance. They have helped not only my husband's custody case with his ex, but our whole family's peace of mind in knowing that we are in the best of care with their firm. Family court has been one of the hardest things our family has had to face and the stakes could not be any higher when a child's wellbeing is involved.
Their WHOLE team is phenomenal (Jessica, Francesca). They are professional, compassionate, super responsive, strategic, wicked smart, know every
Their WHOLE team is phenomenal (Jessica, Francesca). They are professional, compassionate, super responsive, strategic, wicked smart, know every
Michael Z.
Aug 11, 2020
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Kari Bales
Jan 21, 2020
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Ms Pickering and Ms Colon were amazing throughout my entire divorce process. They answered every question thoroughly, always explained my options and had the understanding that this was a difficult and emotional time. The support Mello & Pickering gave me the year and a half I worked with them was amazing. I will always be appreciative of Ms Pickering and Ms Colon.
Linda W.
Jan 07, 2020
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Mary Morici
Dec 12, 2019
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I had the pleasure of working with Jessica Pellerin. She was recommended to me by a mutual friend and although I worked with her a short while she was so helpful. She was timely with all my questions and made me feel safe throughout the process. She was sensitive to my sentiments and I am so thankful that I met with her. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is seeking an amazing lawyer with focus on Custody/Divorce/Settlements. I also love that everyone who works in the office is a women!
John O.
Oct 26, 2019
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Jennifer,Tracy Lea, Janel . . . the entire team have been life savers. They are super high integrity, exceedingly competent certified family law practitioners, and do an amazing job keeping the focus on the facts and issue resolution. Their responsiveness and communications are excellent. I looked at several firms - and unfortunately we've gone through a litany of opposing counsels. I always leave every engagement knowing I have the best representation.
Paul R.
Sep 24, 2019
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Traci is a dependable, knowledgable, and easy-going attorney. I utilized her for my amicable divorce, to keep us within mediation. During numerous in person and phone sessions, Traci calmly dissected each of my concerns and armed me with rationales needed to present an even-handed set of terms. Most importantly, she always focused the conversation on the brass tacks of cost/benefit analysis, ensuring that I chose the path least likely to end in confrontation or at the courthouse. She was never in it for her fees, in other words.
Overall, I would highly recommend Traci for any family court matter
Overall, I would highly recommend Traci for any family court matter
Paul Rosenfeld
Jun 19, 2019
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Traci is a consummate professional, lawyer and my highly trusted advisor. I've employed her since 2013 for my divorce and since then periodically with questions as they've come up. Without fail she's responsive, and I feel like she's been extremely knowledgeable about divorce and family law. In particular, I feel she's extremely reasonable and always seeks to paint both sides along with attorney's costs, so I'm fully apprised of the consequences of any action I might need to take. It's that common sense approach rather than a bull dog mentality that I feel is her particular strength. I totally
Yelper M.
Apr 02, 2019
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Dawn F.
Mar 27, 2019
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Ladies--Traci Pickering is who you want in your corner. I want through a very much unwanted divorce and Traci was my rock. She made herself available to me whenever I needed her and she was sympathetic but realistic. She told me the truth- the way the legal system actually works, as opposed to how it should work. I was able to mediate an appropriate settlement and move forward with my life. Traci was smart and no-nonsense but still kind and empathetic. I am SO glad I retained her services. She made the worst experience of my life a little bit easier-- I am so glad she was the attorney by my side
Kendall Hall
Jan 28, 2018
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Jessica is an excellent Attorney. She is helping me with a very complicated family matter, and is well worth the investment in my family's future. She is very level-headed, reasonable, and wise. She tells me how to handle each aspect of my case in the right way. I will update this once the case is further along, but so far very good! I feel confident and relieved of most of my anxiety about the possible outcomes. She started with very difficult cases, according to her bio, as an attorney for people with less financial and educational resources, so I know she is a good-natured person, as well as
Evelyn M.
Sep 02, 2017
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My husband and I have been working with Emily at M&P because his ex wife decided to file an ex parte weeks before our wedding. The Ex Parte was denied however we decided to higher representation for the expedited hearing that followed. Two days before our wedding my husband was in court addressing his ex wife's false claims and efforts to remove custody of his two daughters from our home. Emily and Tracy were both supportive and passionate about our case. Emily is sharp, professional and simply great to work with.
We will continue to work with M&P through our cases and are grateful
We will continue to work with M&P through our cases and are grateful
Stephanie B.
Aug 24, 2017
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When I first met with Jessica Pellerin I was so nervous and unsure what I was going to do. She was so calm, and patient as she explained my options and how to move forward with my divorce. I am so happy that my divorce was so quick and went so smoothly, thanks to Jessica and the team at Mello & Pickering. Jessica was very quick to respond, respectful to what I was going through and my needs being a mom of two. She always explained the paperwork thoroughly, and made sure I understood what I was signing. I recommend Jessica to anyone going through a divorce, she is incredible!
Kevin W.
Jul 03, 2017
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My free consultation with Traci Pickering went well. She laid out all my options and let me know that working with one of their Senior Associates was going to be slightly more affordable than working with either Traci herself or Jennifer Mello.
I worked with Jessica Pellerin, and I found her to be efficient, professional, effective, intelligent, and encouraging. I never had a need for her to represent me in court, but I sure would not have wanted to go up against her! Jessica was extremely responsive to calls and emails, and I felt that she listened carefully to what I was saying and crafted
I worked with Jessica Pellerin, and I found her to be efficient, professional, effective, intelligent, and encouraging. I never had a need for her to represent me in court, but I sure would not have wanted to go up against her! Jessica was extremely responsive to calls and emails, and I felt that she listened carefully to what I was saying and crafted
Carla W.
Jul 16, 2016
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After moving out of the state and having post divorce custody issues I found myself in need of someone who could represent me as efficiently as possible. Jennifer was very good at explaining the "what to expect" and complex issues regarding out of state custody and support matters. When I had an opportunity to work abroad, she was able to get me the permission to take my children out of the country for a month despite the many roadblocks put up from their father. Unfortunately I was in and out of court for post divorce matters for 15 years, but it was always Jennifer whom I called
Julia C.
Feb 23, 2016
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I never saw myself hiring a divorce attorney, and I can tell you first hand there is a very wide range of quality of representation in this profession.
At least 3 attorneys never called me back. Their staffs did, but only to let me know how much they would need up front. While law is a business, I found these practices treated their clients as money funnels and couldn't care less about the specifics of the case or whether or not their clients felt comfortable in their hands. Family law clients are always at their most vulnerable, so finding an attorney you can trust with your life and
At least 3 attorneys never called me back. Their staffs did, but only to let me know how much they would need up front. While law is a business, I found these practices treated their clients as money funnels and couldn't care less about the specifics of the case or whether or not their clients felt comfortable in their hands. Family law clients are always at their most vulnerable, so finding an attorney you can trust with your life and
Robert T.
Jan 30, 2016
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Went through a divorce and need legal representation. Traci was recommend through a friend of a friend as being a strong and effective lawyer. I felt confident with Traci and her abilities from the first consultation. She is very thorough and let me know my options and always felt I was more than adequately represented.
She was always very conscious of my financial situation and never did anything unnecessarily regarding my case and was extremely efficient by using support staff when my case didn't warrant her immediate attention.
Traci (and staff) are wonderful to deal with, friendly and
She was always very conscious of my financial situation and never did anything unnecessarily regarding my case and was extremely efficient by using support staff when my case didn't warrant her immediate attention.
Traci (and staff) are wonderful to deal with, friendly and
Jim B.
Aug 16, 2015
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After utilizing a sub-par attorney during my divorce, Jennifer Mello was recommended for assisting with my post final judgment issues. Jennifer has been a joy to work with. She has been flexible to meet my needs providing representation in court and then serving only as a consultant between hearings. She has provided knowledgeable advice and excellent representation resulting in much more favorable judgments than I would have received without her.
Jason Minahan
Jun 20, 2012
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Overall rating
5 star rating Excellent
Trustworthy
5.0 star rating Excellent
Responsive
5.0 star rating Excellent
Knowledgeable
5.0 star rating Excellent
Kept me informed
4.0 star rating Good
I recommend Jennifer Mello.
I used Jennifer 1-6 months ago.
Jennifer handled my Family matter.
I have previously worked with no lawyers.
Jennifer and the rest of her firm are awesome.
They kept a woman with a mental illness from taking my son away. When the other party went below the belt, they kept it pro and beat it out. They helped the judge see through the lies and showed the truth on both
5 star rating Excellent
Trustworthy
5.0 star rating Excellent
Responsive
5.0 star rating Excellent
Knowledgeable
5.0 star rating Excellent
Kept me informed
4.0 star rating Good
I recommend Jennifer Mello.
I used Jennifer 1-6 months ago.
Jennifer handled my Family matter.
I have previously worked with no lawyers.
Jennifer and the rest of her firm are awesome.
They kept a woman with a mental illness from taking my son away. When the other party went below the belt, they kept it pro and beat it out. They helped the judge see through the lies and showed the truth on both
