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.
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
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.
Finding the Right Divorce Attorney
by Best Lawyers
Divorce proceedings are inherently a complex legal undertaking. Hiring the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Trending Articles
Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore
by Jennifer Verta
This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.
Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition
by Jennifer Verta
Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.
How to Increase Your Online Visibility With a Legal Directory Profile
by Jennifer Verta
Maximize your firm’s reach with a legal directory profile.
Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
by Jamilla Tabbara
The power of effective communication beyond the law.
Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs
by Gregory Sirico
Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.
The Future of Family Law: 3 Top Trends Driving the Field
by Gregory Sirico
How technology, mental health awareness and alternative dispute resolution are transforming family law to better support evolving family dynamics.
The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In
by Jennifer Verta
Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.
Safe Drinking Water Is the Law, First Nations Tell Canada in $1.1B Class Action
by Gregory Sirico
Canada's argument that it has "no legal obligation" to provide First Nations with clean drinking water has sparked a major human rights debate.
New Mass. Child Custody Bills Could Transform US Family Law
by Gregory Sirico
How new shared-parenting child custody bills may reshape family law in the state and set a national precedent.
The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value
by Jamilla Tabbara
Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.
Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing
by Jennifer Verta
How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.
Finding the Right Divorce Attorney
by Best Lawyers
Divorce proceedings are inherently a complex legal undertaking. Hiring the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.
The Future of Canadian Law. Insights from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honorees
by Jennifer Verta
Emerging leaders in Canada share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Canadian law
New Texas Law Opens Door for Non-Lawyers to Practice
by Gregory Sirico
Texas is at a critical turning point in addressing longstanding legal challenges. Could licensing paralegals to provide legal services to low-income and rural communities close the justice gap?
