From same-sex divorce and asset division to child custody and support issues, we're here to help. Learn about the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, discover what to expect and get tips for success. To be successful, a family law attorney must remain on the cutting edge of the ever-evolving domestic relations laws in California.
At the same time, he or she must possess the experience and insight to offer rock-solid legal counsel that will stand the test of time. Meet San Francisco lawyer Cheryl A. Sena. She has been representing individuals and families throughout the Bay Area and beyond for the past 30 years.
At the same time, he or she must possess the experience and insight to offer rock-solid legal counsel that will stand the test of time. Meet San Francisco lawyer Cheryl A. Sena. She has been representing individuals and families throughout the Bay Area and beyond for the past 30 years.
Services
Quite simply, there is no substitute for experience. Family law attorney Cheryl A. Sena has been practicing in San Francisco for more than 30 years as a certified mediator and collaborative lawyer. An extensive lecturer in family law, Ms. Sena has become one of the nation's foremost legal authorities on the rights of unmarried couples and the issue of same-sex marriage.
At Sena Family Law & Mediation Practice in San Francisco, our job is providing expertise with peace of mind. Divorce - Divorce is a legal proceeding that ends a marriage or registered domestic partnership. The process may be complicated, but we can guide you through every step. While some families may be able to go through the divorce process on their own, other families with more complicated situations will require legal representation.
In California, mediation provides a chance to put Churchill's advice into practice. It is a voluntary, nonadversarial option available to people involved in legal disputes. It is usually far less expensive than litigation, is preferred by judges, and can provide a satisfactory outcome for parties willing to work together.
We were both very committed that even though we were facing difficult and painful decisions, that we did not want to 'lose control' of the process and simply turn matters over to two litigators. When my doctor highly recommended Cheryl to me, I met with her and found her to be smart, approachable, creative and committed to finding solutions that would bring our marriage to an end in as respectful and uncontentious manner as possible.
Reviews (9)
Johnny C.
Apr 04, 2019
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Margaux T.
Apr 12, 2018
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I strongly recommend Cheryl Sena. I had a consultation with her. She was professional, knowledgeable and thoughtful. I was not put off by her direct nature, I think that's what you need in an attorney. She heard me out about my situation (co parenting) and suggested an alternative method to litigation. Her advise was the right advise for me at this time and if I end up needing an attorney, I would use her.
Luchia C.
Nov 22, 2016
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Did not disclose to me, in email or phone, that she had met with my ex prior to what I thought was the first consultation. I found out upon arriving that it was actually our first mediation appointment.
Based on that alone, her impartiality was already suspect.
She is rude and extremely condescending , doesn't gather facts or information in any organized matter and won't let her clients speak nor get a word in edgewise.
I decided not to continue with her after my first consult (but his second meeting with her).
Based on that alone, her impartiality was already suspect.
She is rude and extremely condescending , doesn't gather facts or information in any organized matter and won't let her clients speak nor get a word in edgewise.
I decided not to continue with her after my first consult (but his second meeting with her).
Heather O'Brien
Oct 04, 2016
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When I called Cheryl Sena, I was seeking more of a consultant as I began the unexpected divorce process after 18 years of marriage. I was worried about cost and results - I had watched my close friend go through a four-year long divorce from hell and end up in extreme financial difficulties. However, it soon became very clear I needed a knowledgeable and strong advocate in my corner. Cheryl was amazing. She calmly and concisely answered all my questions in terms that I could understand easily. She was efficient with her time, so I never felt my financial resources were wasted. She understood that
Jeremy Hough
Jan 31, 2016
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Cheryl Sena thoroughly impressed me at every step of our working together. From the initial interview to the final settlement, Cheryl was supportive of me while at the same time being realistic about what I could expect and what she would or would not recommend doing. What we thought would be a simple separation turned into a huge mess due to my former partner's irrationality and stubbornness, but Cheryl was stalwart throughout and always gave me good counsel and excellent results. I have come to trust Cheryl in all things Family Law related; she is the person I call when I have ANY questions about
S. M.
Jul 17, 2014
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I was recently involved in an extraordinarily complicated and acrimonious divorce. After unsuccessfully using another attorney, I hired Ms. Sena in and was immediately impressed by her ability to understand the subtleties of the case and to concentrate on the big picture. She did a great job of helping me understand the law (theory and practice) as well as helping me understand my options at each stage. She was compassionate but set realistic expectations and kept me focused on getting what I really wanted.
She was excellent in dealing with extremely complex financial issues (tracing separate
She was excellent in dealing with extremely complex financial issues (tracing separate
K. P.
Sep 13, 2012
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I was referred to Cheryl Sena in 2006 in regards to my divorce. I immediately felt that I was in good hands, as she was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, while at the same time she expressed a level of empathy and compassion which put me at ease during a very difficult time. Ms. Sena was quick to respond to any question or concern that I had, which reinforced her level of commitment. I quickly became very confident that I was being represented by an extremely competent and well respected attorney. Through the process of divorce and later child custody issues, Ms. Sena remained true to her
Joan B.
Feb 20, 2012
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I recently finalized my divorce and I can not speak more highly of Ms Sena.
My ex-husband and I were originally going through mediation. When I decided to consult with an attorney, a friend's mother, about my rights my ex got freaked out and decided to hire a lawyer too. My friend's mother is getting ready to retire and was not interested in taking the matter to trail so declined getting any further involved. This was well into the involvement of the matter, so I was left scrambling for another lawyer to take the case.
Luckily, another friend, recommended Cheryl Sena, who works in
My ex-husband and I were originally going through mediation. When I decided to consult with an attorney, a friend's mother, about my rights my ex got freaked out and decided to hire a lawyer too. My friend's mother is getting ready to retire and was not interested in taking the matter to trail so declined getting any further involved. This was well into the involvement of the matter, so I was left scrambling for another lawyer to take the case.
Luckily, another friend, recommended Cheryl Sena, who works in
Roger S.
Jul 11, 2011
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My attorney referred me to Ms. Sena to respond to litigation from my ex with another to neutralize the situation. Ms. Sena was short, abrupt and ultimately nasty when she requested I provide her with my credit card for a $10k deposit and when she ran my card it was "declined". I knew I had the funds, so i politely requested that she allow me to call the bank or login to my account to show her the funds were present. She told me, "Go get me a bank certified check". Later that day, I called my bank to learn my credit limit was $7,500 and that's why it was declined. Ms. Sena
