Family Law

From pre- and post-nuptial agreements to property division to spousal and child support to custody, GMSR has extensively litigated family law issues in the appellate courts.  GMSR’s appellate lawyers have also assisted clients in connection with mediations or other settlement discussions, helping them to resolve disputes favorably without protracted litigation where possible.

Court of Appeal reverses custody order barring GMSR client from contacting her children while they attend an intensive family reunification program

A family law judge ordered that a father was permitted to enroll himself and his two teenage children in “a week-long program such as Family Bridges.”  Purporting to merely “implement” this order, father asked the court to order the children to attend Family Bridges, which

Johnston-Rossi v. Rossi (2023) 88 Cal.App.5th 1081

Court of Appeal reverses custody order barring GMSR client from contacting her children while they attend an intensive family reunification program

Journal Of The California Association Of Certified Family Law Specialists Features Article On Full Disclosure By GMSR Appellate Lawyers Bob Olson And Jeff Raskin

Is private judging soon to be a thing of the past in a post-Jolie v. Superior Court world? This article will discuss how one private judge’s ethical breach could remake private judging as we know it; why the system needs a functioning, above-board private judging

Jolie v. Superior Court (2021) 66 Cal.App.5th 1025

Court of Appeal rules for GMSR client Angelina Jolie, holding that a private judge violated a continuing obligation to disclose new matters involving counsel representing Jolie’s ex-husband Brad Pitt

Court Of Appeal Rules For GMSR Client Angelina Jolie, Holding That A Private Judge Violated A Continuing Obligation To Disclose New Matters Involving Counsel Representing Jolie’s Ex-husband Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s ongoing divorce proceeding has been handled by a party-compensated private judge sitting as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge.  Such judges have an ongoing obligation to disclose new paid engagements with counsel representing either side.  After several rounds of such

In re Marriage of DeSouza (2020) 54 Cal.App.5th 25

The trial court’s finding that an ex-husband breached his fiduciary duty by failing to disclose material information about his bitcoin investments to his ex-wife was supported by substantial evidence

Court of Appeal adopts GMSR’s arguments and rejects challenge to marital settlement agreement

Representing the husband in a post-dissolution family law proceeding, GMSR prevailed on wife’s appeal from the superior court’s order denying her motion to set aside their marital settlement agreement.  Wife and her counsel had prepared and presented to then-unrepresented husband all preliminary disclosures and the

In re Marriage of Liu (Jan. 28, 2020, A155732) 2020 WL 477616 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal adopts GMSR’s arguments and rejects challenge to marital settlement agreement

In re Marriage of Wendelburg (Dec. 20, 2017, B270355) 2017 WL 6505343 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal holds that spouse’s shares in corporation are separate property because acquired by gift

Court of Appeal holds that spouse’s shares in corporation are separate property because acquired by gift

In a marital dissolution action, the husband argued that the wife’s shares in a corporation she co-owned with her father were community property because the wife, GMSR’s client, acquired them during marriage and a corporate document stated that she had provided half of the consideration

Who We Serve

PUBLIC ENTITIES

Whether on appeal, assisting trial counsel, or advising government officials contemplating legislative action, GMSR provides unique insight into the complex laws that impact public entities.

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INSURERS

Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.

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BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

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TRIAL COUNSEL

The firm’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level from legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.

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INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

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COMMUNITY PRO BONO

As part of GMSR’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality, GMSR provides pro bono appellate services to individuals and to community organizations on issues of concern.

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