Sheryl L .Edgar, a senior partner at A Center for Children & Family Law, is a licensed attorney in California and before the United States Supreme Court. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Fullerton and her Juris Doctorate degree from Western State University. Sheryl's practice is devoted to all areas of family law including dissolution, dependency (child abuse), guardianships, grandparent rights, adoption litigation, adoption, paternity and child custody.
Sheryl served as a law clerk to Commissioner Thomas H. Parrott and as an extern for presiding Justice David G. Sills of the Fourth Appellate District. Sheryl worked as a law clerk and later as an attorney for the Orange County law firm, Van Deusen, Youmans and Walmsley specializing in family and adoption law for three years until the fall of 1995. It was then that Sheryl shared a vision with her friend and later business partner, Tisha Harman that they could do much more for families and their community if they were in control of their own destiny.
In December of 1995, Sheryl and her law partner, Tisha Harman, left their former firm to start their own law firm, A Center for Children & Family Law, with the goal of helping families through the practice of "children's law". Although many law firms in Southern California practiced in family law, primarily as divorce attorneys, there existed no law firm that focused on the families in all legal arenas where children are found, acting as the "voice of the children". Sheryl and Tisha knew that with this forum, they could practice what they loved most about law; advocating for children and families.
As an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, Sheryl has volunteered many hours, speaking to women at Battered Women's Organizations, Shelters and Parole Departments and has established herself as champion for the victims and their children.
Sheryl's professional memberships include American Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar, Orange County Bar and National Association of Counsel for Children. Sheryl's combined experience, dedication and ability to work with children has gained recognition from many Superior Court Judges and Commissioners. For nearly ten years, they have relied on her knowledge and expertise, appointing her to represent minor children in highly contentious matters. To date, Sheryl has represented over one thousand children and indigent biological parents in court appointed cases in regard to contested adoptions, domestic violence, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, ritual abuse, paternity, foster child adoptions, contested abandonments, contested guardianships, restraining orders and contempt cases.
Sheryl's high profile appellate cases include In re Nada R.
While representing children is a major focus in Sheryl's practice, she also represents many families in private cases seeking her assistance related to their children and grand children in both family, probate, adoption and dependency law matters.
Sheryl, a mother of seven children, resides in South Orange County with five of the six surviving children; Drusilla, Megan, Nicole, David Jr. and Madison. The second eldest, Robin, was a victim of a drunk driver her senior year at high school. The eldest, Denice, left the nest but still lives in California. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, her family, snow skiing, hiking, and playing volleyball.
Practice areas
27 years
Minors Representation, Child Custody, Child Support, Child Visitation, Move Away and Child Abuse.
27 years
Divorce, Legal Separation, Alimony, Spousal Support, Mediated Dissolution and Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships.
27 years
27 years
Our Firm handles all aspects of Family Law Matters from divorce, legal separation, mediated divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, guardianship, grandparents rights, independent adoption, step parent adoption, establishing parental relationships, parentage/surrogacy as well as infertility law.
27 years
Languages spoken
Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1994 | 06/09/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
BV Distinguished Attorney | Martindale-Hubbell | 2016 |
Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
BV Distinguished Attorney | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
BV Distinguished Attorney | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
Avvo Clients Choice Award | Avvo | 2013 |
BV Rated 4.4 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Senior Partner/ Owner | A Center For Children & Family Law | 1995 - Present |
Associate | Van Deusen, Youmans & Walmsley | 1994 - 1995 |
Clerk | Van Deusen, Youmans & Walmsley | 1992 - 1994 |
Judicial Extern | California Court Of Appeal 4th District | 1992 - 1992 |
Law Clerk | California Superior Court County Of Los Angeles | 1992 - 1992 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Bar Association | 1994 - Present | |
Los Angeles County Bar Association | 1994 - Present | |
State Bar of California | 1994 - Present | |
National Association of Counsel for Children | N/A | |
North Orange County Bar Association | N/A |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Advocates for Grandparent Grandchild Connection | A Precious Bond | 2011 |
OC Register | Grandparents fight, sadly, for their rights | 2010 |
Orange County Lawyer Magazine | Wishes- A Legal Term | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Western State University College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1993 |
California St Univ Fullerton | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1978 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Grandparent-Grandchild Connection | Understanding Grandparents Rights | 2012 |
Grandparent-Grandchild Connection | Understanding Grandparent Rights | 2011 |
National Children's Law Conference | Running a Successful Family Law Practive | 2008 |
Family Law Section Meeting | 730 v. 733 | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Wilson v. Bodine | Marriage Terminated Earlier Child Support Order |
In Re Nada R. |
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Harry Mirchandaney, Child custody Attorney on Feb 4, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Cheryl was minor's counsel in a case where I represented a party. Her advocacy for the best interests of the children came through. She provided them terrific representation. I endorse this lawyer.
Matthew Sundly, Family Attorney on Apr 26, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sheryl is an effective and compassionate advocate for her clients. She is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Walter McKeague, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 30, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Christina Maranhao, Family Attorney on Apr 9, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Charles Piccuta, Family Attorney on Feb 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Brett Wishart, Unknown Attorney on Jan 31, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Sheryl is professional, wise and patient. She is one of Orange County's premier attorneys and an amazing advocate for children. I endorse this lawyer.
Jennifer Posey, Child custody Attorney on Jul 18, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Sheryl is an experienced advocate with the utmost in professionalism - all the while she balances advocacy with cooperation to ensure the best outcome for all concerned.
Ann Weir, Child custody Attorney on Jun 19, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Joshua Smisko, Child custody Attorney on May 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Megan Swezea, Child custody Attorney on May 13, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Tracy Willis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Kristen Przeklasa, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Sahar Douraghy, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Loni Klein, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Christopher Blevins, Unknown Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Edgar is a superb attorney.
Tisha Harman, Family Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
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