Mary J. Martinelli

Partner

621 Capitol Mall
18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Areas of Law:

Family Law, Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation, Domestic Partnership, Guardianship, Custody, Paternity, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements/Cohabitation Agreements

Admitted to Practice in:

California

SUMMARY

Mary Martinelli, a Certified Family Law Specialist, leads one of the largest family law practices in California, representing clients in sophisticated custody matters, and high-stakes property matters that include estates valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

A fierce, compassionate advocate and relentless trial attorney, Mary leaves no stone unturned. Her in-depth analysis of the most intricate legal issues, fused with her deep, knowledge and strategic synthesis of family case law have earned her the highest rating (AV) from Martindale Hubbell.

Exuberant and supportive, Mary is highly respected for her caring, responsive devotion to her clients, and the financial and custodial outcomes she develops on their behalf.

In fact, Mary’s work has set legal precedent. LaBass vs. Munsee for which Mary was prevailing trial counsel, is now long-established case law precedent for the principle of imputing income based on ability to earn.

EXPERTISE

Complex business valuation of closely held domestic and international businesses across a variety of industries; extensive property tracing issues.

Spousal Support: Tenacious discovery process designed to secure maximum client value and supported by a best-of-class cadre of forensic accountants, actuaries, technology, estate-planning, real-estate, tax and pension experts.

Co-tenancy arrangements that maximize the value of joint investments while protecting the interests of both parties until the economy improves.

Child Custody & Guardianship issues: Work with experts to determine best interests of minor children, including matters involving substance abuse, domestic violence, child exploitation and abuse, “move away” and child abduction. Experienced with UCCCJEA and FPKPA issues regarding custody and abduction contests between states.

Discreet, responsive client support coordinated by the region’s largest family law team of attorneys, paralegals and administrative professionals.

GENERAL

Trial attorney, mediator, collaborator, private judge, mother of five

Adjunct professor at UCD School of Law

Statewide speaker and writer on family law topics

Member of Downey Brand's Executive Committee

Former Marketing / Business Development Partner at Downey Brand 

Former Manager of Downey Brand’s Family Law & Wealth Planning Practice Group

CLIENT/ISSUES

National and regional automobile dealership: extensive tracing issues, child custody and spousal and child support issues.

National trucking business: extensive tracing issues, income tax issues and spousal support issues.

Restaurant chain: corporate and stock redemption issues.

High earner: (film actor/director/professional athlete/musician/band/ developer): child, and spousal support issues.

Real Estate Developer: complex valuation and tax issues.

Lobbying firm: income tax and pension issues.

Large farming business: tracing issues and real estate valuation issues.

Hydroplant business: business valuation issues.

Family held appliance business: business valuation issues.

Medical and Dental practice: business valuation issues and spousal support issues.

Legal practice: business valuation issues and reimbursement issues.

Film production business: business valuation issues and buy-sell agreement issues.

Engineering firm: large commercial and rural real estate holdings, pension and business valuation issues.

MEMBERSHIPS

Dean’s Leadership Council at UCD School of Law, Member

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Member, Past Member Board of Directors and Legislative Analyst

State Bar of California, Family Law Section, Member

Sacramento County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member

Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member

American Bar Association, Member

Sacramento Ballet Company, Former Board Member

Sacramento County Pro-Tem Judge, Member

California State ADR Standing Committee, Past Co-Chair

Milton L. Schwartz American Inn of Court, Former Barrister

Judicial Council Family Court Services Grants Advisory Committee, Former Member

EDUCATION

University of California, Davis (J.D., 1986)

University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 1980)

PUBLICATIONS

Legislative Update, ACFLS Newsletter, Writer

Irreconcilable Differences: When Family Law & Bankruptcy Collide, Writer

Child Custody and Visitation in California, Writer

CEB Publications, Writer

PRESENTATIONS

C.E.B., N.B.I., S.A.L.A., Employee Benefits Roundtable, Bankruptcy Law Forum, and County Bar Estate Planning Section; Barristers’ Club: Seminar “Bridging the Gap”; Young Lawyers.

University of California, Davis School of Law, Marital Property; Family Law Practice/Clinic; Family Law Mediation, 2000 – 2006, Visiting/Adjunct Professor