Christopher Robert Abernathy

PRO

Christopher Robert Abernathy

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Family Lawyer at Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Practice Areas: Family

11118 Elm Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

About Christopher

Biography

Martindale-Hubbell® AV® Preeminent™ rated Attorney. Selected to the 2018 - 2023 SuperLawyers lists.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Family 100%

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2020
...
+ 5

Licenses

Licensed in California for 27 years

State: California

Acquired: 1999

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Christopher R. Abernathy APC

11118 Elm Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730

www.christopherrabernathy.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Christopher online.

Christopher Robert Abernathy's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

96 Client Reviews

Posted by Archie | January 15, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and Effective

I initially contacted Mr. Abernathy's office in 2002 to file for a divorce after 27 years. Mr. Abernathy's office was professional, efficient and thorough throughout the process. There were ongoing professional communications about the case during this time period, timely filings and submissions, a...nd the divorce was successfully completed. In 2025, I returned to his office to re-open the case for a status change. Again, the office team was proficient, professional, and timely in all legal requirements. Mr. Abernathy is knowledgeable, thorough, and effective, and I was able to successfully obtain the outcome I was seeking. I would highly recommend Mr. Abernathy and his professional team for their legal expertise.

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Divorce/Contempt

I was fortunate enough to be given Chris Abernathy’s number 15 years ago after my initial lawyer was asleep on the job. Going through a divorce with children is bad enough and you need a sharp, focused and quite frankly a pitbull looking out for you. The outcome was amazing and seeing Chris at his b...est in court and having a front row seat was brilliant. I didn’t know that he would be called upon again all these years later. Some X husbands do not learn. Enter Mr. Abernathy again. He hasn’t lost his ‘focus’ or laser like precision. Another successful outcome. Having Chris on speed dial couldn’t be better for my sanity. Whatever you need, he can do it. Highly recommend. Whatever you pay out will come back to you in the result.

Posted by Dawn | November 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Family Law Attorney

Chris Abernathy is an exceptional attorney. After nearly ten years of unresolved divorce proceedings with previous counsel, he stepped in and efficiently brought the matter to a successful resolution. His deep knowledge of family law and strong reputation within the courts were evident throughout th...e process. He is straightforward, respectful of both your time and resources, and consistently focused on achieving the best possible outcome. I recommend Mr. Abernathy without hesitation. If you need a family law attorney, hire him from the start. You will not regret it.

Posted by Catalina De Jesus | November 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Family's

I had an Excellent experience working with Mr. Christopher R. Abernathy a Professional law Corporation. He was extremely punctual, professional, through throughout every step of my case. Mr. Abernathy Team was just as impressive organized, responsive, and supportive whenever i needed assistance or ...questions. I truly appreciate the level of care and dedication they showed. I would absolutely recommend him and his team to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy legal representation.

Posted by Driscilla | September 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Advocate In Difficult Custody Battle

I cannot thank Mr. Abernathy enough for the incredible work he did on my custody case. My ex was extremely stubborn, and I was worried that a fair resolution would never be possible. Mr. Abernathy was patient, knowledgeable, and strategic every step of the way. He truly listened to my concerns and al...ways kept the focus on what mattered most—our children’s well-being. Because of his guidance and persistence, we were able to reach a fair judgment that meets our kids’ needs and allows them to thrive. I felt supported and confident throughout the process, and I am beyond grateful for his dedication and expertise. I would highly recommend Mr. Abernathy to anyone going through custody issues.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Robert Abernathy's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Marc Elliot Grossman headshot
Marc Grossman

Family lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is as tough as they come. He combines a deep knowledge of the law with highly aggressive representation and gets great results. He is one of the Inland Empire's best attorneys."

William Paul Bratton headshot
William Bratton

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Chris is an outstanding family law attorney. He has an excellent understanding of the law as well as being able to apply that knowledge of the law, along with his experience, to deliver great results for his clients. I, with full confidence, endorse Chris and his abilities in dealing with family law matters."

Ilian Alchehayed headshot
Ilian Alchehayed

Family lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Heidi Helena Romeo headshot
Heidi Romeo

Family lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Abernathy is one of the best attorneys in this region. He is a fierce opponent. He is very knowledgeable in the law, and he is always prepared for court. He is highly respected amongst his peers and the judicial officers."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Nicholas Alexander Salick headshot
Nicholas Salick

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse Christopher Abernathy as a family law attorney. His litigation skills are very impressive, and he is more than competent in terms of knowing courtroom procedures and local rules. Opposing him was challenging, but in the end our clients' case was resolved without spending inordinate amounts of money on fees and costs. If I had a relative in San Bernardino County who needed assistance with a family law matter, I would feel confident in referring him/her to Chris' firm."

Jonathon Andrew Zitney headshot
Jonathon Zitney

Family lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would give my endorsement for Mr. Abernathy as a family law attorney. Having previously worked for him, and now actually having cases against him, I personally know Mr. Abernathy to be an exceptional family law attorney. I have always known him to advocate for his clients in an effective and appropriate manner and I very much enjoy and appreciate having him as an opposing attorney on a given case."

Rebekah Ryan Main headshot
Rebekah Main

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Abernathy is an aggressive and zealous advocate for his clients, he is respected by his fellow lawyers and I endorse him without hesitation."

Vincent Barney Garcia headshot
Vincent Garcia

Family lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly ethical, fiercely adversarial and truly competent. He is a client's best advantage in litigation as he is thoroughly prepared and has his tactics and strategy planned in advance. He is a worthy opponent. I recommend him with no reservations."

View All Endorsements
Joseph Wallace Howington headshot
Joseph Howington

Family lawyer

Peter Timothy Pittullo headshot
Peter Pittullo

Family lawyer

Marc Elliot Grossman headshot
Marc Grossman

Unknown lawyer

Heidi Helena Romeo headshot
Heidi Romeo

Family lawyer

Nicholas Alexander Salick headshot
Nicholas Salick

Family lawyer

Jonathon Andrew Zitney headshot
Jonathon Zitney

Family lawyer

Rebekah Ryan Main headshot
Rebekah Main

Family lawyer

William Paul Bratton headshot
William Bratton

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2024

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2024

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2023

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

AV Preeminent rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Distinguished Lawyer, Lawyers of Distinction

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Distinguished Lawyer, Lawyers of Distinction

2018

SuperLawyers, SuperLawyers

2017

Distinguished Lawyer, Lawyers of Distinction

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top Lawyer, Inland Empire Magazine

2016

Best Law Firm, Acquisition International

2016

Judicial Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2016

Best of the Best, top 10%, American Registry

2016

Favorite attorney, Daily Bulletin

2016

Lead Counsel Rated, Law Info

2016

Most Sophisticated Law Firm - CA, Corporate America M&A

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Lead Counsel Rated, Law Info

2015

Best Defense Atorney - California, Acquisition International

2015

Sustainability Award for Paperless Practice, Acquisition International

2015

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2015

Best Legal Attorney - California, Wealth and Finance International

2014

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2014

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2014

Lead Counsel Rated, Law Info

2013

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2013

Lead Counsel Rated, Law Info

2012

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

1996

American Jurisprudence, Bancroft-Whitney

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Principal Attorney, Christopher R. Abernathy, A Professiona Law Corporation

2011 - 2015

Principal Attorney, Christopher R. Abernathy, APC

2010 - 2011

Partner, Abernathy|Howington, A Professional Law Corporation

2008 - 2010

Partner, Pittullo, Howington, Barker & Abernathy LLP

2005 - 2008

Partner, Pittullo, Barker & Abernathy, LLP

2000 - 2005

Principal Attorney, Law Offices of Christopher R. Abernathy

1999 - 2000

Associate Attorney, Law offices of Vincent B. Garcia

Associations

2015 - Present

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Member

2014 - Present

International Legal Technology Association

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of California

Technology Section member

2013 - Present

State Bar of California

Law Practice Management & Technology

2012 - Present

State Bar of California

Family Law section member

2000 - Present

Trial Lawyers Association of America

Member

2000 - Present

San Bernardino Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

State Bar of California

Licensed Attorney

1999 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

American Bar Association

Litigation Section member

1992 - Present

Phi Kappa Tau

Lifetime Member

Education

1998

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

California State University, Chico

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

East West Family Law Council

Contempt

2015

San Bernardino County Bar Association

The use of an Ipad in the law office

2014

Pasadena Bar Association

The Paperless Office

Publications

Languages

English

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