San Rafael Family Law Attorney
Experienced Family Law Guidance With a Deeply Personal Approach
When a family problem becomes a legal matter, you deserve an attorney who will take the time to understand what is happening and what is most important to you. Sami Madden Mason has practiced law in California since 1991, providing experienced, thoughtful guidance to clients in San Rafael and throughout Marin County.
More than 35 years of California legal experience
Practicing Since 1991
Personal representation informed by decades of experience
Experience Matters. So Does Feeling Heard.
Family law is personal. The decisions made now may affect your relationship with your children, your finances, your home and your plans for the future. Legal experience is essential, but clients also deserve an attorney who listens carefully and recognizes the human consequences of every decision.
Sami combines more than 35 years of California legal experience with a genuine concern for the people she represents. She wants each valued client to understand their options, feel respected throughout the process and have the strongest opportunity to reach a constructive outcome.
Decades of experience
Sami has practiced law in California since 1991. Her experience helps her recognize important issues, explain the legal process and provide advice based on both the law and the practical realities of family disputes.
Compassionate counsel
Clients are given the time and attention needed to explain their concerns. Sami listens without judgment and works to understand what the client hopes to protect, preserve or change.
Genuine personal attention
As a solo attorney, Sami works directly with her clients. Each person is treated as a valued individual rather than a file being passed between different members of a large firm.
Family law services
Sami assists clients with family law matters involving the end of a marriage, parenting arrangements and the legal responsibilities that continue when a family changes.
Divorce
Divorce may require decisions about property, finances, support and the responsibilities each spouse will carry forward. Sami helps clients identify the issues that require attention and make informed decisions about the next stage of their lives.
Child custody
Parenting disputes require careful attention to California law and the day-to-day needs of a child. Sami helps parents address legal custody, physical custody, parenting schedules and related disagreements.
Family law
Family law disputes often involve overlapping questions about children, financial obligations and existing court orders. Sami provides individualized advice based on each client’s circumstances and priorities.
Direct attorney access
Your attorney should know you and your case
At the Law Offices of Sami M. Mason, clients work directly with the attorney responsible for their matter. Sami learns the details of the situation, understands the client’s priorities and remains personally involved.
That continuity matters. Clients should not have to repeatedly explain their history to different people or wonder who is responsible for an important question. Sami provides a clear point of contact and a personal level of service throughout the representation.
What you can expect
To be heard
Your concerns, priorities and questions deserve careful attention.
To understand your options
Sami explains the legal issues and available choices in straightforward language.
To receive individual attention
Advice is based on your circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
To have an attorney who cares about the outcome
Sami genuinely wants the best available outcome for each client and considers how legal decisions may affect the client’s family, finances and future.
More than 35 years of California legal experience
Sami Madden Mason has been licensed to practice law in California since 1991. She earned her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law after completing her undergraduate education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Over more than three decades of practice, Sami has developed an understanding of how family law decisions can affect nearly every part of a client’s life. She uses that experience to provide thoughtful advice, personal representation and practical guidance.
- Admitted to the California State Bar in 1991
- More than 35 years of legal experience
- Graduate of Golden Gate University School of Law
- Serving San Rafael and Marin County
- California State Bar number 152304
Begin by talking about what is happening
You do not need to understand every legal issue before contacting an attorney. Start by explaining the situation, what concerns you most and whether any papers, court dates or deadlines are involved. Sami can help identify the questions that need to be answered and discuss what the next steps may look like.
1. Explain the situation
Share what has happened and what you are most concerned about.
2. Identify the important issues
Determine which legal, financial or parenting questions require attention.
3. Consider the next step
Review the available options and decide how you want to proceed.
Frequently asked family law questions
How do I know whether I need a family law attorney?
If a decision could affect your parental rights, finances, property or an existing court order, legal advice can help you understand the consequences before taking action. It is especially important to speak with an attorney when court papers have been filed or a hearing or deadline is approaching.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring relevant court papers, existing orders, written agreements and correspondence. If property or support is involved, financial records may also be useful. Preparing a brief timeline and a list of questions can help make the conversation more productive.
Does every California divorce go to trial?
No. Many cases are resolved through negotiation or an agreement between the parties. Court involvement may be necessary when important issues remain disputed. The appropriate approach depends on the facts and the parties’ ability to reach workable terms.
How does a California court decide child custody?
California courts base custody decisions on the child’s best interests. Relevant considerations may include the child’s health, safety and welfare, the history of caregiving and other circumstances affecting the child.
Can an existing custody order be changed?
A custody or parenting order may sometimes be modified when circumstances have changed and a different arrangement would serve the child’s best interests. The requirements can depend on the type of order currently in place.
Why speak with an attorney before signing an agreement?
A family law agreement may have lasting consequences involving parenting, property, support and future enforcement. An attorney can explain those consequences and identify issues that may have been overlooked.
This information is general and is not legal advice. The appropriate response to a family law matter depends on its particular facts and circumstances.
Your concerns deserve personal attention
If you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute or another family law concern, contact the Law Offices of Sami M. Mason. Begin with a conversation about what is happening, what matters most to you and how Sami may be able to help.
Law Offices of Sami M. Mason | San Rafael, California