Navigating Divorce and Family Law with Expert Attorney Michael Geller in San Francisco.
The Geller Firm was opened to focus on Family Law. These area of law was chosen by Attorney Michael Geller because of his personal and professional interests. During law school, Michael concentrated his studies on divorce and domestic violence. He also developed a very strong interest in California's community property laws. He then opened his own family law practice.
The Geller Firm is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and helps clients with Family Law in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, Napa County, San Francisco County, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Solano County, and Sonoma County.
Lawyer Monthly recently sat down with Michael to discuss his expertise in family law, exploring how he navigates the emotional and legal complexities of divorce and custody cases. With a focus on empathy, mediation, and creative solutions, Michael shares insights into helping families through some of life's most challenging moments.
MICHAEL GELLER, ESQ. Attorney at Law The Geller Firm, Inc. 50 California Street, Suite 1500 San Francisco, CA 94111
Can you tell us about your journey into family law and what inspired you to specialize in divorce and family-related legal matters?
In many ways, family law chose me. Early in my legal career, I found myself drawn to cases involving families and the unique challenges they face during times of crisis. I quickly realized that family law is about more than legal statutes and courtroom procedures—it’s about helping people navigate some of the most personal and pivotal moments in their lives. I saw the profound impact a skilled attorney could have in helping someone protect their children, secure their financial future, and rebuild their lives. That sense of purpose has inspired me to specialize in this field and continue advocating for clients with care and dedication.
Your firm focuses on mediation and collaborative divorce processes. What advantages do you see in these approaches compared to traditional litigation, and what type of clients typically benefit most from these alternatives?
Mediation and collaborative divorce offer a more amicable and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. Unlike traditional litigation, which can be adversarial and emotionally draining, these approaches encourage open communication and mutual problem-solving. This often results in quicker resolutions and more tailored agreements. Clients who value maintaining a respectful relationship—especially co-parents—and those who want to minimize the financial and emotional toll of divorce are the best fit for these alternatives. These methods also give clients more control over the outcome, as opposed to leaving decisions in the hands of a judge.
With divorce often being a highly emotional and stressful process, how do you help your clients manage the emotional challenges that come with dissolving a marriage, especially when children are involved?
We approach every case with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that divorce is not just a legal process but also an emotional one. For clients with children, we prioritize solutions that protect the best interests of the child and encourage co-parenting. I often connect clients with trusted therapists, counselors, or child specialists to help them process their emotions and develop coping strategies. By fostering open communication and a focus on long-term goals, we help clients stay grounded and make decisions that align with their values and priorities.
The Geller Firm is located in the Bay Area, a diverse region with a range of demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. How do you tailor your approach to suit the unique needs of clients in different communities, such as those in Contra Costa County or San Francisco County?
The Bay Area is an incredibly dynamic region, and we pride ourselves on adapting our services to the specific needs of the communities we serve. In Contra Costa County, many of our clients are focused on protecting their family-centered lifestyles, often involving suburban homes, school schedules, and strong co-parenting dynamics. Here, we emphasize practical and child-focused solutions, such as crafting custody arrangements that minimize disruption to children’s lives while preserving stability and routines.
In San Francisco County, the focus often shifts to the complexities of urban living and high-value assets. Clients in this area frequently face challenges involving tech-related compensation, such as stock options or deferred income, and intricate property division issues. We work with financial and valuation experts to ensure these unique assets are handled appropriately while protecting our clients’ long-term financial interests.
Across all communities, we emphasize accessibility and cultural awareness. Whether it’s offering flexible communication options like virtual meetings or ensuring that cost-effective strategies are available, we tailor our approach to meet each client’s circumstances. By understanding the local context and the challenges unique to each community, we are able to offer personalized solutions that resonate with the needs of individuals and families in any part of the Bay Area.
California is a community property state, and dividing assets can often be contentious in divorce cases. How do you approach the division of marital property to ensure a fair outcome for your clients?
Our approach begins with a thorough and transparent review of all marital assets and liabilities. We work closely with clients to identify, value, and classify all property, whether it’s real estate, retirement accounts, investments, or business interests. California’s community property laws require that all marital property be divided equally, but we go beyond the basic legal framework by helping clients negotiate creative solutions that meet their unique needs and priorities. Through clear communication and strategic planning, we strive to achieve equitable and fair outcomes while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
Spousal support (alimony) is frequently a source of conflict in divorce proceedings. How do you work with clients to ensure that spousal support arrangements are fair and sustainable for both parties involved?
We strictly follow the California Family Code to determine fair and equitable spousal support arrangements. This involves analyzing key factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, their respective financial needs, and the standard of living established during the marriage. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that spousal support is reasonable, balanced, and reflective of the law’s intent to support a dependent spouse while they work toward financial independence. This approach provides clarity to both parties and fosters a resolution that is sustainable for the long term.
Can you describe a particularly challenging or complex divorce case you've worked on, and how your experience helped navigate the legal and emotional hurdles to reach a resolution?
One of the most challenging cases I’ve worked on involved a divorce complicated by a domestic violence restraining order. The restraining order created significant barriers to communication between the parties and made custody and visitation arrangements particularly contentious. Balancing the client’s need for safety with the legal requirements for co-parenting was a delicate process.
I focused on ensuring my client’s safety first by working closely with the court to implement strict boundaries and clear protective measures. At the same time, I provided my client with guidance on how to document incidents and comply with legal procedures, which strengthened their case. On the custody front, I advocated for a parenting plan that ensured the children’s emotional and physical well-being while aligning with the restraining order. By maintaining a strategic focus on both safety and fairness, I was able to help my client reach a resolution that prioritized their peace of mind and the best interests of their children.
What are the most common misconceptions your clients have when they first approach you about their divorce, and how do you help them set realistic expectations about the process?
Many clients come into the process expecting either a quick resolution or a "win-lose" outcome. Others may misunderstand how assets are divided in a community property state or have unrealistic ideas about spousal or child support. We address these misconceptions early on by educating clients about California’s divorce laws and the practical realities of the process. Setting realistic expectations from the start helps reduce frustration and builds trust. We emphasize that the goal is not to “win” but to create a fair and sustainable resolution for all parties involved.
MICHAEL GELLER, ESQ.
Attorney at Law
The Geller Firm, Inc.
50 California Street, Suite 1500
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 840-0570
Fax: (415) 520-6900
