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 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Archie | January 15, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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 Driscilla | September 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

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.

Posted by Daniel Sanchez | April 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Best in the business

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional legal representation I received from Chris Abernathy. From the very beginning, Chris proved to be absolutely sharp and highly knowledgeable in his approach. His coordinated strategy made a significant difference in my custody battle and navigating the buyo...ut of my ex from our community businesses. What truly stood out to me was Chris's patience and guidance throughout this challenging time. He took the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. Chris and his team’s professionalism and dedication to my case were evident, and I always felt like a priority. Thanks to Chris's expertise and swift approach, I was able to achieve a positive outcome in my situation. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Abernathy to anyone seeking a skilled and understanding attorney. Thank you, Chris & Team

Posted by Shawna | December 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

ROCKSTAR

Mr. Abernathy and his team are amazing. My ex is a malignant narcissist, if you know anything about such people, I pray for you. I asked a friend for a referral. He referred Mr. Abernathy, his ex-wife’s attorney. He said he was honest and fair and said he is the one I need. A few days later I wa...s chatting with a stranger and somehow, we started talking about my “situation”. Turns out she was an attorney. She said you need Christopher Abernathy. At my consultation he was very straight forward. He seemed laser focused and does let you know worst case scenario. I was scared. I’m still scared. If you have a narcissist for a spouse, you need Chris and his team, he sees right through it all. My ex won’t quit and Chris does not back down. He immediately wanted me to get a TRO. But I was too scared of my ex and scared what the courts would think. Would they believe me, would they care? My ex fought date of separation, so I couldn’t get court date for almost a year. Ridiculous but you have to stay the course and work the process, Chris told me. Again, as my husband would drive by, taunt me, etc. Mr. Abernathy and his staff stood by me and tried to keep me calm. And would still advise me to get a TRO. Ashley did a deposition with my ex. My ex thinks he is smarter than everyone or can bully them into submission. When I read the transcript, I felt in shock. She did an amazing job. He doesn’t like to be told what to do and especially by a woman. A smart, young intelligent woman that just grilled him. I could read his anger on the pages. At trial, Wow Mr. Abernathy's presence gives you a calmness in a high anxiety situation. I had no idea what was going to happen, just that I needed to sit calmly and answer truthfully. Seems pretty simple but my husband is quite volatile, even in a court of law. From the first question Mr. Abernathy asked my husband I thought he was going to fly out of the witness seat. Chris knows how to get the truth to be shown. My ex would lie and Chris wasn’t having it. He just boxed him in. WOW was he mad. He’s not used to people standing up to him. He was staring Chris down so hard. And yelling. Chris was completely calm just firmly asking him questions. Mr. Abernathy had complete control of the situation. Ran circles around apposing counsel. His knowledge of the law is amazing to watch. Each day of trial my husband’s behavior became more aggressive towards Mr. Abernathy, he’s demeanor never wavered, complete professional. Before and after court my ex had approached and scared me in the parking and in the hallway. Again, Mr. Abernathy and his team advised me to get a TRO and I agreed. I was very nervous, if I didn’t get it things would get much worse for me. Jerome walked me through the whole thing. He kept me calm and was so patient with me. There are not enough thank you’s for Jerome. Mr. Abernathy was successful in obtaining the TRO! I could breathe, so I thought. EX immediately broke the order. Chris said call the police, report every incident. My ex then yet again broke the order at the courthouse and Chris said that’s it and we are filing contempt of court. There’s is just too much to tell here, but you need to know that if you have an abusive, narcissist ex you need Mr. Abernathy and his team. They are not afraid of such creatures and they have your back. Complete ROCKSTARS! I just want to cry that someone sees this is not right, and wants to fight for me. Get a therapist and personal support system, because they are all business and don’t mess around. Divorce is difficult in the best situations. When you’re divorcing a monster like this you need the best, period. Stay tuned…

Posted by Andrea | February 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Best money can buy

I hired Mr Abernathy after battling my ex husband for 5 years in court. I had filed an ex parte pro per in December 2019. I immediately went to his office and met with him. He assured me, after telling me all the wrong things I did in my filing, that he could get the visitation I wanted with my son.... When we next appeared in court January 2020, the judge modified our custody but we were set to reappear in April to follow up. Then the pandemic hit. My ex husband showed his true colors again and with held our son from many more then 17 times until we were able finally to be heard again in court in June. With the hopes to settle the stoked fires, the judge sent us to mediation again. All the while, Mr Abernathy kept reminding me to be patient. “Let’s give him more rope to hang himself”. We sat before the judge again in December 2020 and Mr Abernathy eloquently went through the prior year of all the violations of the court order that my ex did. And the judge agreed, awarding me majority physical custody. We won! I have been in court for seven years now. It’s exhausting and beyond stressful. But Mr Abernathy and his entire staff have been so easy to work with, supportive, patient and committed to getting the results I wanted. Mr Abernathy is a badass in the courtroom! While I hoped December would be the end, I do believe we will be headed to trial in the near future but I’m beyond confident that with Mr Abernathy will continue to deliver wins in my case. If you’re looking for a beast in the family law court, hire Mr Abernathy!

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

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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