Best Lawyers Near You in Tempe, Arizona for Family Law
Jason B. Castle has over two decades of unique experience in high conflict custody cases, many of which involve allegations of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. He is also well-versed in helping families with complicated assets including large businesses and complex estates. He began his law career working for the City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office, trying criminal cases before juries and judges. In 2005, Jason pivoted into family law and has since worked to resolve a wide variety ...
Nicholas Boca is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona who represents clients throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas in a wide range of family law matters. At DM Cantor , he works closely with individuals and families navigating significant personal and financial transitions, providing thoughtful counsel and strong courtroom advocacy tailored to each client’s circumstances. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Nicholas began his legal career at the Ar...
Robert L. Schwartz has been practicing law for over 35 years, specializing in domestic relations. He is a member of the American, Arizona and Maricopa County Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice in the federal courts of New York, Arizona, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Schwartz is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and former president of the Arizona chapter. He serves as a judge pro tem for the Superior Court of Maricopa County in...
Melissa Benson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Melissa practices law in Phoenix, Arizona Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa Benson since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Melissa Benson is held by other lawyers.
Mervyn Braude is a divorce lawyer with extensive knowledge of family law and is an advocate for protecting children from abusive and undesirable situations. As a State of Arizona Board Certified Family Law Specialist, Mervyn has the knowledge and experience to help people who are struggling through divorces and custody disputes by keeping his clients apprised of their rights so they can make well informed decisions during this difficult period of their life. Mervyn has expertise in all facets...
Steven D. Wolfson is an equity member of Dickinson Wright PLLC (formerly Mariscal, Weeks, McInytre & Friedlander, P.A.) His practice focuses on all areas of domestic relations, including custody and parenting-time disputes, business valuations, spousal maintenance and child support determinations and pre and post-nuptial agreements. Mr. Wolfson received his B.A. degree from Occidental College in 1985 and his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University College of Law in 1991. Mr. Wolfson is...
Kathleen Stillman is a partner at Stillman Smith Gadow, with her practice focused solely on family law matters. Ms. Stillman has been a Certified Specialist in Family Law since 2021 and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 2024. She brings to her practice thirteen years of teaching experience, advocating for children, and working with families. Ms. Stillman has received recognition for community service in the area of legal services and regularly serves as a co...
Philip C. Gerard is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Family Law. Philip C. practices law in Phoenix, Arizona Best Lawyers has recognized Philip C. Gerard since 1987. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Philip C. Gerard is held by other lawyers.
Jennifer G. Gadow (“Jenny”) is a partner at Stillman Smith Gadow where her practice focuses exclusively on complex family law litigation, mediation, and Parenting Coordinator work. Ms. Gadow has been a Certified Specialist in Family Law since 2002. She has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 2014. There are only 1500 AAML Fellows across the United States and they are generally recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practit...
Todd Franks is the founder of the law firm of Franks Cool Houser & McVey, P.C. , located in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 41 years experience practicing law, he concentrates on family law matters, domestic relations, domestic torts and family law appeals. Mr. Franks offers unique legal services to families and individuals going through challenging and stressful times because of their legal matters. Providing sophisticated legal representation and personal attention to every case, he is...
David focuses his practice in family law. He assists clients with divorces, child custody issues, post-decree modifications, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. David is experienced with high conflict family law matters and has tried numerous cases. He has particular expertise when dealing with issues relative to children both during dissolution and issues that arise after a client’s divorce or establishment matter. David passionately advocates for what matters most to his clients and...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.
