Gary Alan Cornwall

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 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.

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!