Ariel R Sosna

I spent 5 years separated after 10 years of marriage. My ex took over the house in SF for 4 of those years, changed the locks and did not allow me to even live in the unoccupied basement room. He told me that if I tried to take the house away from him and the kids that I would hurt them terribly. He told me not to go 'behind his back' to seek child support and gave me $100 now and then for groceries. Meanwhile I lived in a moldy basement studio and kept up our 50-50 on a salary of $35,000. I was so poor that I ate meat only when the kids were around and lived as frugally as possible. I was not able to afford any enrichments for my kids. I am very educated but had succumbed to deep guilt and paralysis over my divorce. When I finally could not make it anymore emotionally and financially, I borrowed from every person I knew so that I could hire Ariel. It was a process, an education, mostly for me. Ariel set me straight with such frank and clear talk--I realized that I'd been had. I filed for child support immediately. The house, in which was every penny of my life savings, was the big item in the divorce. Ariel made sure that the house went on the market immediately. While we were in court, she observed the judge, my exes lawyer and the court situation very keenly, chuckling at the hidden agendas and maneuvers that I only vaguely understood. Though my ex retained a very nasty lawyer who tried to intimidate and soil my reputation, Ariel sliced through her motivations easily and circumvented her moves. She knew exactly how to time paperwork, when to file motions and was so knowledgeable that she could cite obscure precedent at the trial. I would look over at her when we were in court and realize that she was totally into the process (which was very hard for me to understand...). But that's exactly what you want in a lawyer: someone who completely understands how things work, knows how to play the game--and enjoys it! Ariel is an awesome lawyer and I was very, very lucky to have had her represent me.

As anyone who has done it knows, going through a Divorce is an emotional experience. Ariel Sosna represented me for my divorce. I knew nothing about California Family Law or what my obligations and rights were. Ariel answered all of my questions promptly and clearly. While I did not always like the answers because of how they affected me, I trusted Ariel's expertise and trusted that her answers were the right ones. As I said, Divorce is an emotional experience. And, Ariel talked me off the figurative "ledge" many times when my emotions were getting the better of me. Ariel looked out for me and made sure that my interests were protected and that I did not sell myself short during the negotiation process. I am not a risk taker by nature. And, Ariel was able to explain why certain decisions I was hesitant to make were not as risky as I thought they were based on the law. Her advice was the best ever and I am happy with the outcome we achieved. I would recommend Ariel Sosna in a heartbeat to anyone considering divorce. And, if I decide to marry again, you can be sure I will contact Ariel for help with my pre-nup. She is the best!