Insight

The Evolving Landscape of Family Law

​A roundtable discussion with the founders of one of California’s preeminent divorce firms, Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP.

Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers
SS

Sean Stonefield

October 21, 2016 12:00 AM


With more than 100 years of combined legal experience,
the founders of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers—Lisa Helfend Meyer, Doreen Marie Olson, Dana Lowy, and Felicia R. Meyers—are a force to be reckoned with in the area of family law. They recently sat down with Best Lawyers for a candid conversation about their work in the field and the most pressing issues facing family law today.

As family law strategists and trial attorneys who have worked in this field for decades, what’s different now versus 20 years or even 10 years ago?

Lisa Helfend Meyer: There has always been a great need for family law attorneys, given that more than 50 percent of the population gets divorced. In recent years, that need has only continued to grow, with custody cases involving all different kinds of families and the legalization of same-sex marriage increasing the population of people who require our services.

Doreen Marie Olson: I think in the past family law was seen as the ugly stepchild area of law—as a bleak field to practice in, or even as an area lacking in sophistication. But in truth, it encompasses all aspects of law, and it’s only increasing in its complexity.

Dana Lowy: Many of the family law cases that we see now involve complicated and serious issues, whether they’re substance abuse problems or custody arrangements for children with special needs.

Has that complexity and also the sensitivity of these cases affected the approach you take in your practice?

LHM: First, we recognize that there are no garden-variety solutions to these matters. You have to consider both the facts and the personalities involved, and come up with novel solutions, because a strategy that works for one person might not work for someone else.

DMO: One of the unique aspects of our practice is that we integrate the expertise of different professionals to help in the process, such as mental health professionals, tax and estate planning experts, and forensic accountants. It’s a holistic approach, and I think it differentiates us from many law firms.

Felicia R. Meyers: Our approach benefits our clients, because often in cases with complicated issues, the court might not know what to do, so then it becomes incumbent on the family law practitioners to propose creative and practical solutions for the court.

Is that common, for the court to rely on the attorneys for guidance?

DL: Increasingly, yes; as more judicial officers are rotated in and out of the family law department, there’s a higher chance of having a family law judge who just started from traffic or criminal court, and who may not have an expertise in these particular sophisticated issues. That’s why doing your homework
on the presiding judge is so important.

FRM: It’s also why in high-asset cases where clients can afford it, many choose to retain private judges, because with a private judge it’s a much more efficient process, and clients are guaranteed to have a judge who is experienced in family law.

Have you found that clients are more interested in alternative resolution methods, and when do you recommend that option?

LHM: When prospective clients call, they already have the word mediation in their vocabulary; but in family law, there’s many ways to mediate a case, so our first step is usually determining what mediation means to them and suggesting the best approach based upon their specific needs.

DMO: We also strive to educate clients about their options. Often, people will call and say, “My spouse suggested mediation.” But mediation isn’t for everybody, and especially in cases involving domestic violence, traditional mediation—where you have to be in the same room as your spouse and there is an imbalance in financial power—might not be the right approach.

DL: Everything ultimately comes down to communication, which is why we make a point of listening to clients, keeping them in the loop, and empowering them to make decisions. This is a practice built on relationships, and we’ve found that taking a team approach is the most effective way to make a difference.

Is that what you’ve enjoyed the most about working in this area—building those relationships?

FRM: With family law, you’re playing a pivotal role in someone’s life, so we definitely get a lot of satisfaction from representing clients through a very difficult time in their lives.

LHM: As long as we can improve our clients’ lives, that’s all that matters.

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to Protect Your Inheritance from Divorce in Ontario


by Usman Sadiq

One lawyer in Canada explains that, although division of assets does not always have to be evenly split, it should be fair, and inheritance is no exception.

Small grey house with red roof under large red umbrella on blue background

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to File for Divorce


by Natalie R. Rowland

Divorce can be complex in both process and cost. An experienced family law attorney explains how best to file for divorce and outlines considerations to take.

Image of bride and groom on beach with a split down the middle

Divorce in Florida


by Hugo E. Acebo

A Florida family law lawyer highlights the important steps each party should take when facing the complexities of divorce, particularly when faced with decisions surrounding the children.

Painting of father walking with two children

The Hague Convention and International Custody Battles


by Alexandra Goldstein

One family law lawyer explains how Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s celebrity divorce brings The Hague Convention treaty and international child custody battles into the spotlight.

Man and woman celebrities wearing black and standing for photo

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Parenting Plan


by Derren Ciaglia

Co-parenting considerations should always be taken into account when negotiating Parenting Plans in divorce or paternity matters.

Woman in car looking through window at man hugging child

Filing For Divorce in North Carolina


by Melody J. King

Family law lawyer Melody King answers some of the most important questions individuals may have about filing for divorce in North Carolina.

Illustration of man and woman on paper that has been torn apart

High-Net-Worth Divorce


by Gretchen S. Knight and Jill Spevack Di Sciullo

Many issues can arise during divorce proceedings, particularly for affluent couples. Outlined below are some of the best practices for the most common concerns.

Spouses standing in doorway of home having argument

Five Tips for Business Owners Facing Divorce


by Brittany A. Brown

When married couples have entered into joint business ventures find themselves facing divorce, it is important that they heed these five steps to ensure amicable resolution.

People standing in opposite circles forming Venn diagram

IN PARTNERSHIP

Cryptocurrency and Divorce


by Crystal Espinosa Buit

One lawyer explains how cryptocurrency, the fastest growing investment form, can impact assets in a divorce and why it should not be ignored in divorce proceedings.

Pixelated image of paper money bill

IN PARTNERSHIP

How To Find a Good Divorce Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

To navigate a divorce, which is inherently a complex legal landscape, finding the right divorce lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.

Bride and groom figurines on top of a wedding cake

The Advantages of Collaborative Divorce for Families


by Best Lawyers

Collaborative divorce is a cooperative alternative to a possibly contentious, court-focused divorce process. Learn more about collaborative divorce here.

Silhouetted figures split down the middle with child in backdrop

The Top 7 Things to Know Before Filing for Divorce


by Best Lawyers

Consulting with a qualified divorce attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations when filing for divorce. Here are 7 things you should know.

Two golden wedding bands with a crack down the middle

Split Decisions


by Jonathan Merel

Divorce is inevitably fraught with a torrent of emotions on both sides. Don’t let this occlude your ability to plan rationally and dispassionately to ensure as smooth a process as possible. Here are five common pitfalls to avoid.

Two people standing on either side of a heart made out of curving roads

What If Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Had a Premarital Agreement?


by John M. Goralka

Oh, the gritty details we’re learning from the latest court battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. This unfortunate airing of dirty laundry may have been avoided with a prenup. Should you think about getting one yourself?

What If Johnny Depp & Amber Heard Had Prenup?

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers: Family Law Publication


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent in Family Law and Trusts & Estates.

Announcing Best Lawyers Family Law 2022

Crossing the Line


by Joseph Trotti

Divorce can be difficult, complicated and emotionally exhausting. Divorcing across state lines ups the jurisdictional complexity significantly.

Jurisdiction and Divorce Across State Lines

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky