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

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

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

Showing 66 - 70 of 96 reviews

Posted by Joe | March 12, 2015 | Family

Chris is as sharp as they come

Chris is extremely knowledgeable in family law. He is well spoken, well presented, punctual and is fantastic in court. His staff is very friendly and responsive. I changed attorneys and hired Chris, based on a couple of sterling referrals form people in the legal field. I am so glad I did! Chris's ho...nesty is refreshing. He never lead me on or gave me false expectations. In the end, Chris negotiated a settlement in my divorce case. It was a fair and equitable settlement. I highly recommend Chris to anyone needing a family law attorney!

Posted by James | March 12, 2015 | Child Custody

The Rottweiler of Rancho Cucamonga!

A previous poster summed it up perfectly with the line "Don't let your Ex hire him..." Chris is a gifted attorney that brings with him an unparalleled knowledge of the law and passion for helping his clients. He also has a team at his office that are always friendly and willing to help. Chris' true g...ift in my opinion is the attitude he brings to the courtroom. Witnessing Chris in the courtroom is similar to watching a gifted QB surgically dismantle a defense, after a while you start to feel bad for the other attorney...not really though. I was in a particularly bad custody situation with my Ex that had gone on far too long and while no one ever comes out of a legal matter such as mine feeling great about everything, I felt Chris did an amazing job at negotiating my case and ultimately got me everything I had asked for. Chris at times comes across as very short and direct but I quickly learned this was not because he is rude or unwilling to chat (he is actually a really funny guy), it was done purposefully with my wallet in mind. Few attorneys will actually stop themselves from collecting additional funds by saying "hold up, I can't help you there" but Chris did. Putting it bluntly if you want to have someone listen to your problems, give you advice, make you feel better about your personal situation then go to a family therapist they are way cheaper. If you want the absolute best LEGAL advice and the best attorney then look no further, you found him. Thanks Chris.

Posted by seana | February 05, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Assertive, steadfast, and tenacious

I work in a profession where I am a frequent witness of lawyer’s performance in family law matters and can spot the good from the bad quickly. Upon meeting Chris, I know I was in the company of one of the best. He is assertive, intelligent, and fiercely looks out for his clients. He was referred to... me through an attorney I work for, with this attorney (who I deeply respect) describing Chris as one of his most formidable opponents and praised the way that Chris will tenaciously fight for his clients. My attorney/ client relationship with Chris ultimately ended up being quite extensive- he secured a permanent restraining order against my first husband, was my divorce attorney, provided counsel on my prenup for my second marriage, and ultimately terminated my former husband’s parental rights so that my second husband could adopt my children. He is steadfast and quick in the court room and has an impressive recall of case details. It was very comforting (and honestly at times amusing) to watch Chris slay the opposing party, to the extent that my former husband took to social media bemoaning how bad he was being beat by Chris in court. Chris knows the Court system and offers a realistic portrait regarding potential outcomes in the case. His office staff is a great team- all documentation and issues were thoroughly looked into. I would definitely refer Chris as a strong and skilled aggressive attorney for any potential client who has legal issues- they will be in good hands.

Posted by Tammy | January 30, 2015 | Child Custody

Look no further

If you want a magnificent outcome look no further than this attorney. Chris Abernathy and his entire office staff was absolutely amazing over the past 2 years during my child custody and child support hearings and trial. I couldn't have hoped for a better attorney and outcome. Chris put my mind to... ease over the past two and a half years by taking care of the issues at hand so strategically and brilliantly. I cannot say enough good things about him.

Posted by Mark | December 19, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Abernathy is a Home Run Hitter in the Courtroom

Christopher Abernathy is a divorce attorney who is in a league of his own. Mr. Abernathy is such a heavy hitter in the courtroom that the other attorneys appear to be minor league players when they are matched up against him. I can testify that the judges respect and listen to Christopher when he ste...ps up to the plate. When Christopher Abernathy represented me in court, he hit a homerun. I got a better outcome than what I expected. Mr. Abernathy uses technology in the courtroom while other attorneys are fumbling with their written notes. Christopher completely overpowered my ex-wife's attorney with his skillful presentation and ability to persuade the judge in my favor. If you are looking for a divorce attorney who is a legitimate major league player, look no further. Choose Christopher Abernathy to be on your team.

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