Recognizing that divorce is a difficult time and often involves the division of an estate, Steven A. Dinneen applies a keen understanding of marital assets and how they can be valued and divided to achieve maximum benefit to the client. Steven understands what it takes to build, manage, and sustain a business.
Licensed to practice law in 2007 and establishing his own firm in 2012, his attention to detail in cases that require complex property division and valuation of closely held businesses has helped hundreds of clients better understand the value of their property and assets.
Befitting the founder of the firm, Steven also brings a certain stature to his cases that supports each client’s goals in their proceedings. As a Board-Certified Family Law Attorney by the California Board of Legal Specialization, he been recognized for his passion in mentoring and teaching family lawyers on how to be the best through his numerous awards.
With his background as a financial planner for high-level executives prior to his career as a family lawyer, Steven has a deep expertise with complex financial matters, including stock options, pensions, financial issues related to a privately-owned company, business valuation and separate versus marital assets.
His clients include a wide variety of individuals—from professionals, C-suite executives, tech and start-up entrepreneurs, and owners of privately-held businesses and their spouses to those in short- or long-term marriages. Many of his clients are involved in high-net-worth divorces and have made wise financial decisions in other aspects of their lives, aiming to do the same during their divorce.
What Steven helps clients do:
Encouraging clients to look at the big picture when establishing priorities to avoid being distracted by frivolous matters.
Focusing on family law settlement through a combination of perspective and skill that allows him to leverage his extensive courtroom and litigation experience when necessary.
Avoid unnecessary expenses that do not bring value through a planned approach to efficiently reach a resolution that preserves the client’s assets
Validate client feelings and help them to understand the logic of their decisions and where emotions can cloud good judgment
Listen actively to deeply understand each client’s unique situation, goals, and challenges
Skillfully negotiate with opposing counsel to resolve cases with a reputation for honesty and integrity
With an eye toward preserving assets rather than destroying them, Steven offers clients a thorough analysis and a creative but realistic plan to accomplish their objectives. But if divorce is already on the horizon, he is able to listen to each client’s unique needs and walk them through the process step by step so that they feel comfortable and confident.
Primarily practicing out of his office in San Jose, he is especially proud of establishing a law firm that has developed a great reputation among judges, mediators, other professionals, and clients.
As a San Jose native, Steven is familiar with the city and all the cultural experiences it has to offer. Outside of his legal practice, Steven enjoys playing golf, exploring diverse restaurants, and traveling.
The firm handles cases in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Alameda counties. Steven is a highly experienced, credentialed, and client-centered California divorce attorney who can help you. Contact our firm to get started.
Education
California Western School of Law, San Diego, California
2006
San Jose State University, San Jose, California
2001
Bar Admission
California, 2007
Honors
Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2015-2016
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2016
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, 2016
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates, 2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2013-2016
Client's Choice Award, Avvo, 2013-2014
Rated 9.0 "Superb" Attorney, Avvo.com
Super Lawyers: 2021-2022
Professional Associations
National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2015 to Present
Santa Clara County Barristers Club, 2013 to Present
Provisors, 2013 to Present
Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2008 to Present
Santa Clara County Bar Association, 2008 to Present
State Bar of California, 2007 to Present
Association of Certified Family Law Specialist, 2015 to Present
National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, 2016 to Present
Certified Legal Specialties
Family Law, State Bar of California, 2015
Current Employment Position
Founder & Certified Family Law Specialist
Practice Areas
Family Law
Divorce
High Net Worth Divorce
Legal Separation
Same Sex Divorce and Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships
Child Custody
Child Visitation
Child Support
Alimony
Modification and Enforcement of Prior Orders
Division of Property
Complex Property Issues
Domestic Violence
Military Divorce
Parentage Actions
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