Gary Alan Cornwall

I was referred to Gary to get help with my former spouse. Gary acted super fast and got everything taken care of with just a phone call to my ex’s lawyer. He truly went above and beyond what was expected and most importantly thanks to Gary I feel like I can rest easy again. I would refer him to anyone.

Gary Cornwall pulled off the impossible. Taking on a divorce case complicated by multiple medical issues, financial fraud and abuse-this seasoned lawyer was able to step in and outsmart opposing council on every level. He cleverly resolved, out of court, a case that would otherwise have been a very painful, dangerous, drawn-out legal battle. With a backlogged California court system, it could have taken years and any property would have been lost in the fight. Gary is an outstanding lawyer- generous with his time, calling personally with updates on the case. He knew just what to do and when to do it. He combined his legal expertise with a sense of compassion that will never be forgotten. Gary is our hero, plain and simple. We are grateful.

Gary is the sort of legal counsel that comes along just once in a lifetime - if you're lucky. Since 1980, Gary has been a pioneer in complex litigation strategy. Whether it has been in a consulting role, implementation, or execution capacity, he has left his mark on every facet of family law. But, to hear him tell his story and recap his career, there is nothing extraordinary about his life’s work; he simply found something he loved doing and then did it every single day of his life. When I was first referred to Gary, I was emotionally bereft, mentally distraught and physically depleted. For decades, I had dedicated my life to school/career-building, volunteerism and caretaking both for my father who lost a decade long battle with Alzheimer’s and my true love of 17 years who passed away unexpectedly within a few months of each other. My weakened state was a beacon for a man looking for a vulnerable woman. He set his sights on my finances early on and didn’t waiver from gaining access to and depleting them immediately, regardless of public perception. Suddenly I had purchased a Harley off the showroom floor, a brand new Ford Expedition, and a house. My ex paid undue attention to my financial details, I never realized that he was trying to figure out my net worth until I received a call from one of his ex-wives...yes, I discovered that I was number three or four pretty late in the game. Oh, AND that he is a convicted FELON. He was also an expert in fraud, deception and marriage for profit. He took out credit cards in my name, forged my signature for purchases, FRAUDULENTLY ADDED HIMSELF TO THE HOME LOAN ON THE HOUSE I SOLELY HELD TITLE FOR, SOLELY MADE THE DOWN PAYMENT ON, AND SOLELY PAID MONHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS ON FOR 7+ YEARS. Not only did he get me into thousands of dollars in debt, he also started being abusive in other ways, not just financially. Soon, I was calling in sick to work to hide a black eye, faking a fall to explain a fractured arm to Kaiser and apologizing to friends and family for his drunken outbursts. It got so bad that I couldn't go anywhere with him and I didn't want to be home alone with him either. The neighbors were constantly calling to see if I was okay, calling the cops on him, and making my private terror extremely public, painful and dangerous. I finally mustered the strength to seek a restraining order, tell my medical providers with the truth and tell him I wanted a divorce. The beatings became much more severe, the infidelity far more flagrant and the financial fraud came with a new level of threats - sign the refi or I will take over ALL OF YOUR FINANCES, hunt down and KILL YOUR MOTHER AND SISTER, take your dog for a HUNDRED MILE DRIVE and leave him in a field. I started getting headaches...REALLY bad headaches. I thought it was stress or menopause. It was an inoperable brain tumor. I had 45 radiation treatments, strokes, two DVT blood clots, a collapsed carotid artery, Lupus flare-ups, and ended up in a wheelchair. He took and sold my wedding ring, told people that I was terminally ill/dead, and after clearing out every last penny- pried open my garage door, said he was there to kill me and that there was no escape. He thought I was home alone and was shocked to hear a booming male voice announce that he had placed a call to 911. I decided to flee at whatever cost or consequence. It is costing me over a hundred thousand dollars; but, I'm alive. Broke, broken, and terminally ill; but, alive. To call Gary an ambitious man would be an understatement, but to call him a friend, an expert and a prince among men would be spot on. The only question I'm left with is what is his favorite kind of gift basket? ;)

I have know Gary for over 7 years. He helped me through a messy divorce with compassion and fairness. He always had the best interest of my son and I at the forefront of everything he did. He’s a great communicator. I was very pleased with the outcome of my divorce. It felt very fair to both me and my now ex-spouse. Throughout the past 7 years, he has helped me navigate other family issues and has always been very responsive and thorough in his communication. He truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend Gary as an attorney for family matters. He remains my “go to” person when I am questioning a custody or other family matter. I trust him very much and I know he will always be there for me when I need advice. He is a great attorney and I’m very comforted to know he is there for me when I need him. Thank you, Gary!

In the beginning of 2021 I hired Gary to help me win full custody of my daughter. During the 6 month battle, Gary genuinely cared about my daughter and I’s well being. He took calls just to go over things with me and took the time to really make sure I was comfortable and understood every step of the way. Every curveball thrown out Gary took care of with outstanding timing and dedication. I will forever be grateful for Gary treating us like family and helping us through this horrific time in our lives. If you want someone who truly cares! Without him I would not have full custody of my daughter!

Gary took over my very complicated divorce case after another attorney made multiple mistakes costing me a lot of money. In the end I came out with a mostly fair settlement given where we had to start from due to the previous errors of the prior attorney. During the entire last 5 years when he was my attorney of the 8 year divorce-yes 8 year divorce! Gary cared and checked up on me the entire time. I feel very lucky to have had him as my attorney and for the most part am very happy with the result! I would definitely recommend him and already have! Thank you again Gary!

Gary helped me through a difficult moment in my life. Gary is compassionate, thorough, and effective. I appreciate his honesty, professionalism and being kept informed regarding the progress of my case. You will be in good hands working with Gary.

I hired Gary to represent me in my divorce almost three years ago. He was given a case with many obstacles and I came out the victorious. Due to Gary's tenacity and perseverance my children and I were able to keep our home and come out ahead financially. When I first came to Gary there were serious issues with my case. If there was an aspect of my case Gary was not familiar with, he went out and obtained the necessary knowledge to fight for me. We won our case, which should have been a slam-dunk for the opposing counsel because Gary and his staff would not give up on me. If I were having a melt-down and believe me there were a few, Gary and/or his paralegal, Vicky took the time to listen and make sure I was taken care of and understood everything that was happening with my case. Financially Gary is very affordable and worth every bit! The phone was always answered, emails responded to, even on weekends and evenings. Many people become bitter and angry during this process but, Gary and Vicky managed to keep me grounded and focused and I am VERY happy with the out come. And that is something money can't buy.

I would like to say thank you to Mr. Cornwall. When I meet Gary I was on the court front steps about to loose my kids because the judge told me to go and work more.. Did not care about the relationship between me and my children. ( I have to say I could not be any closer to my kids) when Gary took me on 10 months ago my situation could not be any worse, and unfairly so!!!! Since then with a lot of hard work and dedication we have worked towards my children staying here with their father and not moving away from all that they know with their mother. Thank you so much Gary!!! I not only have grown to love Gary as my lawyer and a friend but am thankful for everything he has done for me. I am also thankful for all the life lessons he has tought me. Last but not least I have grown to love his side kick Maggie, his beautiful German Shepard.. She is another saved soul by Gary Cornwall, like my self.. I meet her myself when she first joined the family and could not look forward to seeing her more every time I visit Gary. When I am stressed out and go to Gary to deal with the most difficult things ever it is Maggie that makes me smile. I am not only a client of Gary but he is now my friend.. I can't explain how thankful I am to even know Maggie and Mr. Cornwall. Gable

By the time I found Gary I had been put through the ringer in Dept. 14 down at Martinez Court. My case was going on 5 years and the file takes up SEVERAL boxes. Needless to say, he had his work cut out for him. I made several visits to his office to discuss the case and answer questions - he is very easy to talk to and he's heard it ALL. No judgement, which was refreshing. His assistant Miss Vicki was a tremendous help with my case. She is a valuable asset to his practice and felt supported by the entire office. Gary is trial - very much on his game in court and in front of the judge. He is the attorney you want by your side in trial. He does NOT back down to other council. He does not back down to the judge. It's so important to have a sincere show of support by your attorney. It speaks volumes to the entire courtroom and reminds these callous judges that you're a human being. I wish I had found Gary sooner. Ironically, the judge shared my sentiments. I would refer Gary to anyone seeking an experienced attorney for child custody, divorce, guardianship, etc.

I have known Gary for about 12 years. . He is knowledgeable, supportive, has good communication skills, and is very prompt in answering e-mails and phone calls. Gary has a professional yet personal touch and I highly recommend him without any hesitations.

Mr. Cornwall is an attorney that I contacted by accident. Although my case does not involve family law issues, it is important to me. Mr. Cornwall took the time from his schedule to inform me of the areas in which he practices. While my case is outside of Mr. Cornwall's general area of practice, Mr. Cornwall researched my issue, answered my questions and provided me with referrals to attorneys who could help me in my particular case. I would recommend Mr. Cornwall to anyone who has a Family Law, Civil or Guardianship issue.

I hired Gary to handle my divorce case after attempts at mediation broke down. Much of my case revolved around a pre-nup and contesting the house which I bought pre-marriage. (My initial consult was about the validity of the pre-nup, which Gary assured me there was case law to support, though he also said one never knew what would happen in court) He initially charged me a substantial retainer, told me he would work everything out "in a few phone calls" with opposing attorney. He had a new graduate working in his office (literally weeks out of law school): first red flag i should have picked up on. A few weeks go by, he tells me the retainer is gone but zero progress. I ask for an accounting of his time, which is never produced. We agree to a flat fee for the litigation, then begin the filings; I soon gather his young green intern is doing the legwork. The first and only hearing of our case, in which gary promised me I would see 30 minutes of serious argument, was a done deal before he opened his mouth. The judge opened the proceedings by throwing out the pre-nup, awarding the house to community property. Game over. This was all decided on a poorly written (by the intern) statement that did not include all the relevant facts. I did not know my entire case would rely on this statement. Gary seemed taken aback, but the judge didnt let him argue anything, offer any statement or evidence, literally not a word. it was over before it began. He told me we should settle now (in the halls of the courthouse, literally) because the judge clearly had gone against us and would continue to do so. So I sat in the courthouse hallway with my ex across the hall while the 2 attorneys hashed things out. It sucked. I think his lack of knowledge of the judge (Alameda County, Gary is Contra Costa) cost us this case, not to mention the cavalier handling of the critical statement relevant to this hearing. He billed his intern at $300/hr, and himself at $400. I was a fool to hire him. I was cleaned out. it was an awful experience.

Gary was previously my lawyer but I fired him. He represented me in a divorce case that went on for more than 2 years which was much longer than Gary originally estimated. I've now been with my new attorney for 6 months and I am extremely confident that Gary was severely over charging me for work he claimed was completed. I am now also stuck with a temporary support order that Gary negotiated that has proven to be extremely difficult to manage and has cost me thousands of more dollars than it should have if the document was properly written. I challenged Gary on my invoices multiple times related to errors and received several reductions., In addition I feel like Gary gave me poor advice when negotiating different part of my divorce that have come back to haunt me as I've worked through the divorce process. Gary was not proactive in working to settle my case. In summary I would never hire Gary again nor would I recommend him to any clients. On the positives Gary was very accessible in terms of being reached by phone.

I hired him to finish my divorce and mainly child support and custody. Gave him a $5,000.00 retainer of which he depleted and was still in the same place 1 1/2 years later. He is not trustworthy as he told the court I was reconciling with my ex-husband and told the court that I requested him to do no more work. NOT TRUE, this man is a clown and not worthy of practicing law at all. I took him to arbitration and won, got almost every bit of my retainer back and enjoyed that the arbitrator repremanded him! This man is a Joke, no lie. I represented myself and did a 100% better.