Gina Policastri is a Certified Family Law Specialist. Call for a free 1/2 hour consultation.
Gina Policastri is a Family Law Specialist as certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and partner at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri, where she has worked since graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law. Gina was one of the firm’s first associates and, during her 19 year tenure, has been instrumental in growing the firm into one of the largest family law firms in California. Most recently, Gina was honored by the distinguished legal publication, The Daily Journal, as a Top Family Law Lawyer for 2022.
Gina obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2003, where she earned a place as an editor of the Santa Clara Law Review by writing a legal comment on the Barry Bonds divorce case and the prenuptial agreement legislation it subsequently sparked.
Gina has been certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Family Law Specialist since 2011. To obtain this certification, an attorney must: 1) be an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California; 2) pass a written examination covering California family law; 3) have substantial experience in the field of family law; 4) complete State Bar of California approved legal education requirements applicable to the family law field; and 5) be favorably evaluated by judges and/or other attorneys concerning his or her knowledge, ability and experience in the practice of family law. A Certified Family Law Specialist maintains and improves his or her knowledge and competence in the family law field regularly.
Gina handles all areas of family law including high conflict custody and domestic violence cases, complex business valuation and asset division issues and complicated child and spousal support matters. Gina also draws from her extensive network of family law professionals including forensic accountants, appraisers, vocational and child custody evaluators, parent coordinators, and mental health professionals to assist her in efficiently moving each case toward resolution.
As Gina’s 10.0 AVVO rating and 5-star AVVO reviews reflect, she handles all of her cases with care, compassion and attention to detail. She uses her persuasive writing skills, familiarity with the Santa Clara County family court system and psychology background to effectively litigate what are often emotionally driven matters, but is also cognizant of the financial burden of litigation and assists clients in making the best cost-effective decisions along the way. Gina finds that her psychology background is particularly useful in understanding the underlying dynamics in a family law case, as well as in effectively analyzing the other side’s litigation tactics.
Gina is a California native and has lived in Silicon Valley for over twenty five years. She enjoys spending her free time in Truckee as well as in her community in Willow Glen with her husband, daughter and son.
Gina is a member of the State Bar of California and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California. She is also a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association (including the Family Law Section).
Practice areas
Handling all aspects of divorce including spousal and child support and property division, including complex issues related to businesses, deferred compensation and property characterization issues.
18 years, 300 cases
Handling all aspects of child custody including paternity actions, move-aways, abuse/neglect; working with mental health professionals to ensure the best interests of the children are served.
Handling complex issues related to child support including application of extraordinary high income earner exception to guideline support, Smith/Ostler issues, determination of income for self-employed parents, and unemployed and underemployed parents.
Handling of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
18 years, 300 cases
Handling complex issues related to spousal support ("alimony") including determination of income for self-employed spouses, Smith/Ostler issues, unemployed and underemployed spouses, effects of retirement on spousal support.
Languages spoken
English
Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri
1871 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA, 95126-1755
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2003 | 06/10/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Family Lawyers | Daily Journal | 2022 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2021 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2015 |
Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40 | The American Society of Legal Advocates | 2013 |
Northern California Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2013 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
Top Women Attorneys in Northern California | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
Certified Specialist - Family Law | State Bar of California | 2011 |
Academic Excellence in Community Property | Witkin Legal Institute | 2003 |
Academic Achievement in Community Property | CALI | 2003 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri | 2003 - Present |
Law Clerk | Lonich & Patton, LLP | 2001 - 2003 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists | Member | 2011 - Present |
Santa Clara County Bar Association | Member | 2003 - Present |
State Bar of California | Member | 2003 - Present |
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California | Member | 2003 - Present |
Better Business Bureau | Member | 2003 - Present |
National Association of Professional Women | Member | 2013 - 2013 |
World Wide Who's Who | Member | 2012 - 2012 |
American Bar Association | Member | 2003 - 2007 |
Santa Clara University Law Review | Editor | 2003 - 2003 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Lonich and Patton, LLP Blog | Who Dunnit: Playing the Blame Game in a Divorce | 2018 |
Lonich and Patton, LLP Blog | Who Dunnit: Playing the Blame Game in a Divorce | 2018 |
Lonich and Patton, LLP Blog | What Happens if You Disobey a Court Order to Vaccinate Your Child? | 2018 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | The "Dirty DUI" Case | 2014 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | January, AKA "Divorce Month," is Over! | 2014 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | Olympic Skiier Reaches Custody Agreement | 2014 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | Does "Shacking Up" Mean "Splitting Up?" | 2014 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | Independent Evaluations: Could Denying Your Child Junk Food Affect Child Custody? | 2014 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | Tax Ruling: Joint Federal Tax Returns For Everyone! | 2013 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP BLog | Contemplating Divorce: What To Consider Before You Cut Ties | 2013 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog | Annulment: Cleaning the Marital Slate | 2013 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP | Fiduciary Duties Between Spouses: Respect Thy Spouse | 2013 |
Lonich & Patton Blog | What are the Legal Implications of Conceiving a Child Through Artificial Insemination? | 2011 |
Lonich & Patton Blog | What is Income for Purposes of Support? | 2011 |
Lonich & Patton, LLP | Actor John Cryer Order to Continue Child Support Payments Despite Having Primary Custody | 2011 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Santa Clara University | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
Santa Clara University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2000 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center - Small Business Seminar | How to Start a Small Business | 2002 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
International Custody Dispute Resulting in Return of Child to China | Prevailed |
DCSS v. John Doe | Prevailed Against DCSS in Paternity Action |
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Jeffrey Curl, Family Attorney on Aug 29, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Gina is my "go-to" attorney for referring clients for family law matters in the South Bay. She is one of the smartest and most diligent attorneys I know in an area of law that is complex and emotional. She must hold the record for clients sending her candy, flowers and thank you notes for consistently helping clients in need.
Jeena Cho, Business Attorney on Apr 6, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Gina has handled several business dissolution cases for us. Excellent attorney. I highly recommend her.
Alistair Shaw, Alimony Attorney on Oct 31, 2018
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Jessica Siegel, Family Attorney on Jul 9, 2018
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Rahul Aggarwal, Unknown Attorney on Feb 28, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.
Riley Pennington, Unknown Attorney on Jan 23, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Bobby Khalajestani, Family Attorney on Jan 17, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Virginia Lively, Family Attorney on Jan 17, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Bethany Brass, Family Attorney on Jan 16, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Alexis Revelo, Family Attorney on Jan 16, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Ernest Baello, Family Attorney on Jan 16, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Ross Russell, Unknown Attorney on Apr 19, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Gina is an excellent attorney with a reputation for her zealous advocacy and results. I endorse this lawyer.
George Munoz, Family Attorney on May 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Hiring an experienced family law attorney is the best way you get peace of mind when dealing with custody , visitation, spousal support, etc. Having a family law attorney's services helps ensure that nothing is left out of your case/claim or matter, which means that costly mistakes won't come back to bite you later. I endorse this lawyer . -Anthony Munoz, Esq.
Gretchen Boger, Family Attorney on Jan 22, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Rachel Leff-Kich, Family Attorney on Jan 22, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Rebecca Sternbach, Family Attorney on Jan 22, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Linda Chen, Family Attorney on Jan 21, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Kristin Davis, Family Attorney on Jan 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Clients referred to Gina were very satisfied.
Rory Coetzee, Family Attorney on Jan 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Gina is highly capable!
Mitchell Ehrlich, Family Attorney on Jan 9, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Jennifer Mispagel, Family Attorney on Feb 11, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
David Patton, Child custody Attorney on Feb 11, 2011
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
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