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 11 - 15 of 96 reviews

Posted by Dr. Valencia | April 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Gifted by God, Tenacious, Goes the Extra Mile, Cares

Christopher Abernathy is a gift from God. I had the most complex, difficult case that made me want to loose hope. Contacting Chris was the best thing I could have ever done. He has gone the extra mile to ensure me and my family received the best results from the court system. It is heart wrenching en...ough to have to need a lawyer, however, if you find your self in a situation like I did, having Chris and his team on your team ensures you are in the best hands. He knows the law and knows how to ensure you, your case, and your family members are in the best position possible throughout the entire process. When I lost hope, Chris assured me that we would be just fine. This week, he lead our case to the most amazing settlement. The other people thought they wanted to go to trail however with the skills of Chris and his team, we were able to reach a settlement. Tears of joy, relief, amazement, and just gratitude filled my body. This was again a multiple year case I tried to fight alone, however once Chris became my lawyer, the impossible became possible. Again, I hope you hear the gratitude and know that Mr. Chris Abernathy and his team will go the extra mile for you every step of the way.

Posted by Danielle | October 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Best Decision

I hired Mr Abernathy when I was served with an OSC Re: Contempt. The custody battle with my ex is very high conflict, with prior DV history, he loves to gaslight and deflect from his own issues. Mr Abernathy quickly caught on to the antics of him and his attorney. By using his knowledge of the law, a...nd being assertive yet respectful - he was able to get the contempt dismissed and the FCS recommendation of full legal custody and reduced visitation made a temporary order. I am very grateful for the work he put into this huge step in the right direction for my case and my daughter!

Posted by Nick | July 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great Law Firm

Abernathy’s office has been amazing. Mr. Abernathy is the best attorney around and his team is outstanding! Alicia, his paralegal, has made this difficult divorce process much easier and seamless. The entire staff is extremely professional, helpful, and knowledgeable. I can’t say enough good things a...bout this law firm and the great staff.

Posted by Jesus | July 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Chris and his Team will not disappoint.

Although my divorce has not been finalized, I feel like I should share my experience with Chris and his staff. Two years ago, we were getting ready for child custody hearing. I had a different attorney, and I felt like I was going to get handed over to opposing party on a silver platter. I wasn't sur...e if I'd end up with joint physical custody and I was looking at paying 3000 a month for child support and alimony, even if I ended up with joint custody. The day before the hearing, I fired my old attorney and hired Chris. THE DAY BEFORE MY HEARING. I don't know how Chris did it but I got joint custody, 3000 went down to 2100 and I didn't have to pay opposing attorney fees. After that hearing, Alicia was my Paralegal working on my case. She kept me up to date on everything. She replied back quickly and answered the questions I had. Now, Vanessa is my Paralegal. Also on top of things. Any questions I have, if she is not sure, she'll find out ASAP. Paige and Chelsea, thank you guys as well. I read a few reviews about Chris having an attitude or something, maybe he has a strong character. I agree, he did not sugarcoat or give me any assurance. I'd rather get told like it is than have him sprinkle me with B.S. We have one final round, the TRIAL. Although, there is not much that can be done to help us men out in this biased state, I feel confident that Chris and his team can help me out with one MAJOR THING. To be continued.......

Posted by Cara | June 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

You want him on YOUR side

When I came to Chris and his team, I had been through three lawyers who essentially sent me in circles and couldn’t deal with any of the issues my narcissistic ex threw at me. Anyone going through the battle for their child knows just how difficult this grueling process is. Chris was direct and gave ...me the confidence and strength I needed to get through the court processes. During the entirety of trial, Chris and his amazing staff were on top of every detail, defending everything my daughter needs, knows, and cherishes. Chris is honest, direct, and will never lead you astray. He is upfront and will tell you just what you’re in for, both the good and the bad. He won’t lead you down a path of disappointment and gives reasonable expectations. I am sure my ex will never stop fighting but as stressful as this is, I am at ease knowing I have Chris on my side.

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