Ariel R Sosna

PRO

Ariel R Sosna

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody ... +2 more

601 Montgomery Street, Suite 540, San Francisco, CA

About Ariel

Biography

Certified Specialist, Family Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 35%

35%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 20%

20%
Family 20%

20%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 595-595 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Van Voorhis & Sosna LLP

601 Montgomery Street, Suite 540, San Francisco, CA, 94111

vsfamlaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Ariel online.

Ariel R Sosna's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (9)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Madeline | January 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional, honest, and thorough

Had an exceptionally wonderful experience working with Ariel Sosna for my prenuptial agreement and could not recommend this firm more. We had a tight deadline to meet, and she helped me understand the process so thoroughly and I feel grateful to have her on my legal team. I felt this firm worked so p...rofessionally and honestly with me, I am overall impressed and appreciative with their work.

Posted by Gregory | April 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Knowlegeable, honest, and conscientious

I was being run down by my ex's legal hound. I was no longer able to pay for my own attorney, but kept being sued for the ex's legal fees and the insatiable demands. I was extremely desparate when I was referred to Ariel. She told me that she couldn't come to Court in Santa Clara county, but could a...ct as my paid legal consultant. She gave me advice on strategy, proof read and corrected my legal filings, and broke down the critical facts about the other side's filing. With her help and acting as my own attorney, I was able to negotiate a far more reasonable settlment than I could have imagined.

Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Ariel is Awesome

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.

Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2015

The Best Advice Ever!

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 t...he 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!

Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2013

professional, friendly, prompt, brilliant

Ariel and her team are wonderful. Ariel was able to explain the legal process to me and was available to answer my questions, which sounds as though it should be typical but I don't believe it always is the case. And she won, every time. I had the opportunity to read her motions and she is brilliant,... I am not a lawyer but I appreciate her intelligence, experience, and savvy and those qualities were apparent in her writing. Her assistants are also friendly, available, fast and reliable. I had a relatively complex case that required immediate action initially and then ongoing strategy and she excelled at both. In addition to being a great lawyer, Ariel is also a mother and was sympathetic and funny yet very straightforward which was incredibly helpful. I highly recommend her.

See All Client Reviews

Ariel R Sosna's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ariel
Christiana Elizabeth Samuels headshot
Christiana Samuels

Family lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had a case against Ms. Sosna and her partner years ago and will never forget the poise, professionalism, and knowledge that Ariel displayed in the Courtroom. She clearly had a deep knowledge of both the law and local procedure. She knew the Judges and they clearly respected her. I greatly admire Ms. Sosna and would absolutely endorse her for any family law needs."

Kimberly A. Madigan headshot
Kimberly Madigan

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rolf Kruger headshot
Rolf Kruger

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I recommends Ariel and her partner for honest and accurate family law advice. This is my go to firm for my referrals in San Francisco county."

Gregory Francis Fortescue headshot
Gregory Fortescue

Family lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Taylor House headshot
Taylor House

Child custody lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Deborah Hannah Wald headshot
Deborah Wald

Family lawyer

Hannah Elizabeth Sims headshot
Hannah Sims

Family lawyer

Brian Patrick Rigonan headshot
Brian Rigonan

Family lawyer

Kimberly A. Madigan headshot
Kimberly Madigan

Family lawyer

Lisa Jeanne Auer headshot
Lisa Auer

Family lawyer

Rolf Kruger headshot
Rolf Kruger

Family lawyer

Gregory Francis Fortescue headshot
Gregory Fortescue

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2022

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2022

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2021

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2020

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2019

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2018

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2016

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Northern California Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2014

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2011

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2010

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Northern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2006

Public Interest Law Certificate, Public Interest Clearinghouse

2006

Pro Bono Publico Award, Public Interest Clearinghouse

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Founding Partner, Van Voorhis & Sosna LLP

2006 - 2009

Associate, The Ruben Law Firm

Associations

2019 - Present

Collaborative Family Lawyers

2007 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco, Family Law Section

Member

2007 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

2008 - 2010

San Francisco Bar Association

Co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Barristers Club

2007 - 2009

Queen's Bench Bar Association

Member

Education

N/A

UC Hastings COL

law

N/A

Univ of California Berkeley

undergraduate

Publications

2017

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Online Personas Cause Custody Repercussions

2017

2017

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Fear and Loathing in Depp's Divorce

2016

2016

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Can Caan Be Forced to Work?

2016

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: O’Reilly Didn’t Factor This In

2016

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Caught in a Trap: Presley’s Fiduciary Dilemma

2016

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Cobain to Husband: “Nevermind” the Guitar

2016

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: No Limits? Master P Has Children Petition Court

2016

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Brangelina, Interrupted

2015

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Ludacris' Ludicrous Custody Battle

2015

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Jurisdictional Jetlag for the Jetset

2015

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Keeping Up With Khloe's Divorce

2014

2014

2014

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Every Dog Has Its Day… In Court

2014

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Bethenny Frankel: Skinnygirl Writes Fat Check

2014

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Shepard: The View of My Divorce Does Not Look Pretty

2014

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Differing "Views" on Surrogacy

2014

Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: "Modern Family's" Modern Drama

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: How One Becomes a Legal Stranger to Their Own Child

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Ex-Wife Calls Foul on Ex-Husband’s Spending

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Contentious Divorce Gets Even More Heated

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Who's Your Daddy?

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Real Housewives Sans Spouse or House

2013

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Short Order Divorce for Famous Cook

2013

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Tax Deductible Spousal Support Cause Glee

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Wrestling Out of a Relationship

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Dude, Where's My Wife?

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Can Money Buy a Decision

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Custody Battle, Visas and Gossip, Oh My!

2012

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Parenting Problems Played Out in Custody Case

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Primetime Prenuptial Signed in Duress

2012

2012

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: R&B Singer Usher Seeking Sole Custody? Not So Fast

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Dashing for Divorce

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Spurred Romance?

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Hacker Husband

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Mega Millions, Mega Problems?

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Quickie Divorce? Not So Quick!

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: “Winning” Isn’t Everything in Custody Battle

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Major League Problems

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Arnold’s Judgment Day

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Reading [the Tabloids] Between the Lines

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Real Housewives, Real Problems

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: One Journey to Divorce

2011

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Kiss Your Money Goodbye?

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Retirement Isn't What It Used To Be

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: If He's Not My Dad, Then Who Is He?

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: International Parental Abduction Cases

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Step-Parents Custodial Rights

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Is Post Nuptial Agreement King?

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Custody Battles with a Twist

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Is Greed Good?

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Custody Chaos

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: Mad Mel?

2010

The Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin Family Law Corner: How 28 Days Can Cost $10.25 Million
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