Introduction

Fewer than 1% of California attorneys hold a family law specialist certification from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and Ann Riley has maintained that certification for over a decade. Based in Mill Valley in Marin County, the Law Offices of Ann Riley has spent more than 20 years handling the full scope of California family law, from divorce and property division to child custody and paternity matters, exclusively. Family law is not one practice area among many here. It is the only one.

That focus matters in ways clients often come to appreciate. Family law in California is detailed, frequently changing, and deeply consequential. An attorney who practices only family law accumulates a depth of knowledge and case experience that a generalist cannot match. Ann Riley has built that depth over two decades and has been recognized repeatedly as a Northern California Super Lawyer, a designation reflecting peer and professional recognition within the legal community.

The firm’s approach favors resolution where resolution is possible. Ann Riley encourages mediation and amicable agreements when the circumstances allow, recognizing that litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing for everyone involved, especially children. At the same time, she has extensive trial experience and is fully prepared to litigate when negotiation fails or when a client’s interests cannot be adequately protected without going to court.

Practice Areas

Divorce

California is a community property state, which means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. The process of identifying, valuing, and dividing those assets requires careful attention and, in complex cases, financial experts. Ann Riley guides clients through the full divorce process, from initial filings through property and debt division, spousal support determinations, and finalization of the dissolution.

Child Custody

California courts evaluate custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, and the analysis is fact-specific. The Law Offices of Ann Riley represents parents in custody disputes with an understanding of how courts weigh factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s existing routines, and the capacity of each parent to provide a stable environment. Both legal and physical custody arrangements are addressed.

Child and Spousal Support

Support calculations in California follow formulas that account for income, time-sharing arrangements, and other factors. While the formulas provide a framework, there is room for argument about inputs and for departure from guideline amounts in appropriate circumstances. The firm handles both the establishment and modification of support orders.

Paternity

Establishing legal paternity has significant consequences for parental rights, child support obligations, and inheritance. The Law Offices of Ann Riley assists clients in paternity proceedings, whether the goal is establishing parental rights or responding to a paternity claim.

Attorney Profiles

Ann Riley

Ann Riley has practiced family law in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 20 years. She is certified as a family law specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a credential she has held for over a decade that requires demonstration of substantial experience, passing an examination, and ongoing education in the specialty. She has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer multiple times.

Her practice reflects a practical philosophy: settle what can be settled wisely, litigate what must be litigated skillfully. She brings significant courtroom experience alongside her mediation practice, which means clients are represented by someone who understands how cases play out both at the negotiating table and before a judge.

Location and Service Area

The Law Offices of Ann Riley is located at 18 E. Blithedale Ave., Suite 27, Mill Valley, CA 94941. The firm can be reached by phone at 415-576-1376.

The firm serves the San Francisco Bay Area, with particular focus on San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo Counties. Mill Valley’s location in Marin County places the office conveniently for clients across the North Bay region, and the firm’s geographic familiarity with Bay Area courts serves clients throughout the service area.

For additional information, visit annrileylaw.com

Client Focus

Family law matters are among the most personally difficult legal situations a person can face. Divorce and custody proceedings affect daily life, financial security, and parent-child relationships in ways that are immediate and lasting. The Law Offices of Ann Riley approaches these matters with that weight in mind.

The firm’s exclusive focus on family law means clients are not competing for attention with personal injury files or criminal defense calendars. Every resource in the office is directed toward family law. Clients going through divorce or custody matters benefit from working with an attorney whose experience is concentrated in exactly the area where they need help.

Ann Riley’s preference for amicable resolution where possible is also client-centered in a practical sense. Avoiding litigation reduces cost and reduces the conflict that children witness. When litigation is necessary, the firm’s trial experience means clients do not face a courtroom without preparation and skill behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Ann Riley is a certified family law specialist?

The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization grants the family law specialist certification to attorneys who meet rigorous standards: substantial involvement in family law cases, peer and judicial references, a written examination, and ongoing continuing education. Fewer than a small fraction of California attorneys hold this designation. Ann Riley has held the certification for over a decade, which means she has consistently met the renewal requirements throughout that period.

Does the firm handle divorces that involve significant assets or business interests?

Yes. The firm handles divorces involving complex asset structures. California’s community property rules apply to business interests acquired during the marriage, and valuing and dividing those interests often requires coordination with financial professionals. The Law Offices of Ann Riley has the experience to manage those situations.

Is mediation available, and is it appropriate for every case?

Ann Riley actively encourages mediation when the circumstances support it. Mediation can produce agreements that work better for the parties than court-imposed orders, and it generally reduces cost and time. However, it is not appropriate in every situation, including cases involving domestic violence or significant power imbalances. The firm evaluates each situation individually to determine the most appropriate path.

What counties does the firm serve?

The firm serves clients in San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo Counties. Clients in these areas can contact the firm at 415-576-1376 to discuss their matter.

How are legal fees structured?

Fee structures are discussed at the time of the consultation. Family law matters are typically handled on an hourly fee basis. The firm can explain the likely scope of work and the factors that affect total cost during the initial conversation.

Closing

For Bay Area residents facing divorce, custody disputes, or paternity matters, the relevant question is whether their attorney knows family law deeply enough to handle what arises. At the Law Offices of Ann Riley, that question is answered by two decades of exclusive family law practice and a specialist certification that fewer California attorneys hold than is commonly assumed. The office is in Mill Valley, the service area extends across five Bay Area counties, and the phone number is 415-576-1376.

Full information about the firm is available at annrileylaw.com