Craig P. Cherney

PRO

Craig P. Cherney

5.0
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 29 years

Family Lawyer at Scottsdale, AZ
Practice Areas: Family, Real Estate, Divorce & Separation ... +3 more

20715 N. Pima Road, Suite F108, Scottsdale, AZ

Virtual Consultation Available

About Craig

Biography

Nationally recognized real estate expert with deep litigation experience in all family law matters.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 25%

Family law is a complex and nuanced area of law often overlooked by clients who think it need not require the razor sharp writing skills and proven court house litigation demeanor it actually requires to deliver case results on time and under budget.

16 years | 500 cases

25%
Family 25%

With years of private business and real estate experience, Mr. Cherney brings a unique skill set to every marital dissolution. He can maximize your recovery or defense of the marital estate with a deep bench of expert witnesses who assist on cases.

16 years | 350 cases

25%
Real Estate 25%

Proven real estate attorney and testifying real estate expert witness in all things real estate including land acquisition, entitlements, zone changes, master development agreements, JV agreements, leasing, disposition, sale, finance, private equity.

22 years | 150 cases

25%
Child Custody 10%

Arizona is traditionally a 50/50 custody state, unless one can prove lack of parental fitness through lifestyle, substance abuse or mental health issues which prevent capable parenting. To move the Court on custody you need experience, Craig has it.

16 years | 100 cases

10%
Litigation 10%

Well versed in all federal and state courts with heavy experience in all types of civil matters in federal district court in District of Arizona, District of Nevada, Southern District of California, Central District of California and 9th Circuit.

30 years | 250 cases

10%
Alimony 5%

Spousal maintenance is a minefield for both payors and recipient spouses and Mr. Cherney's long history with hundreds of dissolutions allows him to identify how much alimony should be paid and for how long. He will get his clients a fair result.

16 years | 150 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2022 2020

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 16 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Nevada for 20 years

State: Nevada

Acquired: 2005

Inactive

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 29 years

State: California

Acquired: 1996

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

High Desert Family Law Group LLP

20715 N. Pima Road, Suite F108, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255

highdesertfamilylawgroup.com

Craig P. Cherney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (31) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Family

Posted by Alyssa | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

Works well with people

Craig is ethical and a people person. Craig helped me win sole child custody in a family law matter that included a trial. He also works well with his employees as a team—which definitely helps. He also likes to educate and encourages the why behind the what. He has a method to his madness and anyone... would be lucky to have him in their corner.

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Family

Great team effort!

The outcome in our case was a win. It started with a google search for a family attorney in my area that lead me to meet with attorney Craig P. Cherney. Thankfully I made the right decision to hire him not knowing what to expect I explained that I needed an attorney to represent our case, after car...eful review he accepted. I went in with the understanding that the case would not be easy to win however we were in a good enough position to defend. Attorney Craig and the legal team got the job done it’s a testament to his experience and professionalism and thorough knowledge of his field of specialty. I strongly recommend Attorney Craig P. Cherney. Service: 5/5 Preparation: 5/5 Efficiency: 5/5

Posted by Laura | December 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family

Best Family Law attorney in the Phoenix area

Mr. Cherney is an exceptional lawyer. He absolutely gets results! Not only does he possess a vast and detailed knowledge of the law, but his professionalism and integrity are equally impressive. He honestly cares about his clients and the families involved. If you are in the Phoenix area and are s...eeking the very best in Family Law, Mr. Cherney is the one! Choosing him to represent you will be the best decision you ever make.

Posted by Blair | June 28, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family

Best Lawyer in Arizona

I went through a challenging child custody battle a few years ago. It was in my darkest times; being all alone as a single mother, Craig fought for me with everything he had. Craig gave me the courage and a voice I never knew I had. His writing skills and excellent speech in the courtroom impressed m...e, and everyone in the courtroom. Even my ex, who said to me privately after our litigation was over that my attorney gave it to him hard. So if you want a top dog in the industry who will fight for you and your family, Craig is the man! He will always be someone I look up to.

Posted by Anna | October 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Top Rated Family Law Firm

After a gruelling, expensive, and heartbreaking experience with another lawyer who was determined to manufacture conflict in my family court case, I finally got a referral from a friend to get the help we needed from Canterbury Law Group. Craig and his team took our case on with less than one mon...th from our hearing and instantly provided guidance, patience, integrity, innovative strategy and professionalism throughout their involvement. They were able to take the mess that the other attorney created, stand in front of the judge, present their statements, and entirely outclass the opposing counsel with their poise, clarity, and demeanour. Canterbury Law Group became the beacon of hope to my family at a time when our options appeared limited, and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nearly impossible. Because of them, our children will be able to enjoy a much more sustainable, happy and peaceful life with a one week on/off schedule. We now get to enjoy vacations as a family and can begin to plan for events. Our children now have a chance to make more friends, live with fewer disruptions, and can be a kid again. We have clarity on what to expect moving forward, what is ok versus what is not and a clear rulebook for the next years to come, which empowers co-parenting. I appreciated having my questions answered promptly and the transparency that this is a journey requiring endurance, persistence and not just a legal matter. Financially Craig Cherney and Jon Ibsen have always been honest about the economic aspects of all legal decisions. I have never felt over the past year that they have ever been more interested in their financial benefit than their client. They know which legal matters can be won and which will probably be lost or not favoured and therefore should not be pursued. Their firm is not interested in a continual conflict which is not economically helpful or beneficial for co-parenting. I the entire group to be very compassionate to my situation when others turned their cheek, and this team gave me valuable advice along the way regarding my children, keeping them safe and the parenting agreement sustained. Craig, Jon, and their team showed us first hand how success in the law requires a bit of boldness, and anyone seeking legal representation should expect their attorneys to be as competent and confident as Craig, Jon, and their entire team. Not only was Canterbury Law Firm able to defend us from constant unjust accusations and harassment Craig and Jon's calm and empathetic demeanour offered emotional aid to myself and those I care about most. My children and I are eternally grateful for their continued support, service, and I would recommend Canterbury Law Group without reservation. After interviewing close to 100 family law attorney in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, I find it hard to recognize that there is a more talented Family Law Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ. My rationalizing is based on Canterbury's legal understanding, willingness to minimize legal costs when able and the expertise to recognize the emotional and psychological aspects of the family court process along the way empowering their clients and families in some of the most challenging times. They have a vast experience when it comes to identifying and structuring cases to generate the best possible result. We are forever grateful for their continued help in navigating us toward success and helping our family reach our goals. I will consult and retain Canterbury Law Group in the future for any family legal matter. Read the full story here: https://www.facebook.com/mothermarketerstrategist/posts/3468579876569696 https://www.facebook.com/pg/ScottsdaleLawFirm

See All Client Reviews

Craig P. Cherney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Craig
Jennifer Kristen Moshier headshot
Jennifer Moshier

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Craig is a dedicated advocate but he seeks at every turn to minimize conflict and reach the same resolution you'll ultimately reach in a courtroom anyhow. I am beyond impressed with his even disposition and I always look forward to collaborative law cases where we oppose each other."

Jonathan O'Neil Roeder headshot
Jonathan Roeder

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Cherney as opposing counsel in a divorce matter. During our litigation, Mr. Cherney always presented himself as extremely knowledgeable in the field of family/divorce law and a seasoned litigator. Mr. Cherney's decades of legal experience is obvious in the way he approaches his case. I look forward to working with Mr. Cherney again."

Matthew Stephen Hilscher headshot
Matthew Hilscher

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I cannot imagine there is another Family Law attorney that is as uniquely qualified as Craig Cherney. His finesse is fun to watch and a powerful tool for his clients. If you need a big brain in your corner, Craig is it."

Kathryn Felice Peterson headshot
Kathryn Peterson

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Craig is an unusually bright and resourceful attorney. Craig cares about his client's and has the skill set to go the extra mile for them. I would not hesitate to send my own family members to Craig for representation in any legal matter."

Paul Padda headshot
Paul Padda

Real estate lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Craig Cherney is an excellent attorney. We worked on a matter and obtained an outstanding result for our client. I was impressed by Craig's dedication, client-comes-fist attitude and legal skills. If you need a great real estate or family law attorney in Phoenix, Craig is the person to call!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Craig. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Scott Allan Maasen headshot
Scott Maasen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"i strongly endorse craig and his firm! Craig has extensive experience in navigating through the some times murky waters of the various court systems. He previously clerked for a federal judge which only the top lawyers get selected for that type of position. He has extensive experience in divorce, real estate, business, personal injury and bankruptcy law. His entire office team is responsive and really understands where their clients are coming from."

View All Endorsements
Jonathan O'Neil Roeder headshot
Jonathan Roeder

Unknown lawyer

Scott Allan Maasen headshot
Scott Maasen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Client's Choice, Avvo

2022

Client's Choice, Avvo

2020

Client's Choice, Avvo

1994

Assistant Editor, San Diego Law Review

1994

Merit Scholarship, University of San Diego School of Law

Work Experience

1998 - 2004

Federal Law, Department Of Justice

Associations

2013 - Present

Forensic Expert Witness Association

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Almuti v. Amar

Husband prevailed at trial by providing far less alimony than demanded by wife's counsel.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

University of San Diego School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2022

Arizona State Bar Commission

Arizona State Bar Commission Annual Meeting-Attendee

2021

Arizona State Bar Commission

Arizona State Bar Commission Annual Meeting-Attendee

2019

Forensic Expert Witness Association, Phoenix Chapter

Handling Objections at Trial

2016

Dinner Presentation, Forensic Expert Witness Association Phoenix Chapter

Drafting Expert Witness Contracts

2011

ULI Annual National Conference

Shark Tank Participant: Navigating purchase of Distressed Debt and Foreclosing on a Failed Master Plan Land Project in Colorado

Publications

2019

West Legalworks Julio C. Pacheco v. Terra Michele Miller - 1 CA-CV 18-0299FC

2014

LexisNexis publication NOrton Vs. Phonejocky LLC ARI Period Lexis 2014

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution