Advocate Michael Edward Lonich

I am a San Jose and Santa Cruz Divorce Attorney, Michael E. Lonich and I have been battling for client’s rights for nearly 40 years. Specializing in divorce, child custody, child support and related matters, I know all too well the emotional and financial toll divorce has on clients. Integrity, common sense, and a passion for what I do create the best results for my clients. Resolution of family law issues requires an attorney able to navigate the myriad legal and emotional issues presented in cases. Financial issues, child custody, domestic violence, valuation of property (including stock), analysis of RSUs, hidden assets, spousal and child support, all may require trial, mediation, or a collaborative effort with the parties. Regardless, each client gets the individualized attention they require. Every family law case is unique, we partner with you to develop a comprehensive approach to get the best approach.
If parties require divorce mediation, there are three roles Mike may serve in that collaborative process. First, as a member of the trial bar; Mike serves as a mediator to parties. The secret in family law mediation is the ability of the participants to come together and work toward a solution in a collaborative and positive environment. Mike knows all too well the financial and emotional costs of “taking it to court” and is able to offer a far less expensive alternative, mediation. Whether represented by an attorney or not, parties are welcome to explore this alternative; a collaborative and result-oriented approach to resolve family law matters in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional advocate-based litigation.
If not serving as the mediator to the parties, we often consult with our clients who are in mediation with their spouse. Developing an approach and the law supporting each position guarantees success in mediation for our collaborative clients.
Lastly, should the parties want to have a private judge adjudicate their divorce, Mike draws upon his trial experience to guide our clients to the best possible result.
Estate Planning is a complimentary practice to family law, and can have many over lapping issues. Mike chairs the estate planning practice at LPEP and draws upon his expertise and the firm’s resources to partner with individuals and families to develop estate plans. We also represent clients in trust administration and probate matters. Whether a client needs revisions to current documents (will, trust, power of attorney, health care directive, etc.) or has no plan in place, Mike is prepared to help clients create a comprehensive estate plan, that meets their needs and concerns.
Unique to family law and estate planning practices, we offer a temporary or ‘divorce’ will at no cost to our family law clients. Estate planning is limited during the pendency of divorce and we feel strongly that this extra protection is often needed.
Born in San Rafael, California, Mike grew up in Santa Clara Valley having moved here with his family in the early sixties as the Valley grew. Along with his wife Lisa, Mike is raising three boys, Andrew, Ryan and Michael; together with the family hound, Crusader, they live in Saratoga where they are active in the community and their parish at Sacred Heart. Mike graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology. He received his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1981. He is rated a perfect 10 stars on Avvo, as well as an elected “Super Lawyer”. He was also voted the “Best Probate Attorney of 2020” by Expertise and is frequently sought out by the presiding judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court to serve as judge pro tempore in family law or probate matters before the court. Mike is a member of the State Bar of California, the Association of Defense Counsel and the Santa Clara County Bar Association. He also serves on the temporary judge and arbitration panels of the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Mike Is admitted to practice before all California courts, including the Ninth Circuity U.S. Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California.