Family Law
The Family Law Practice of Downey Brand, headed by Mary J. Martinelli, Certified Family Law Specialist*, consists of seven attorneys who practice solely in the area of family law.
Mary who formerly taught Marital Property Law and Family Law at the University of California, Davis, School of Law, has nearly 35 years’ experience in the family law field and practices with a team approach involving cost efficient use of associate attorneys and paralegals.
Our attorneys understand that family law is unique and decisions can have a lasting impact on a family. We have expertise in sophisticated family law issues involving dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity, adoption, child custody, prenuptial, postnuptial and cohabitation agreements, writs and appeals. Additionally, Mary has extensive experience in mediating family law issues.
Downey Brand’s experienced family law attorneys also provide clients full representation with family law issues tangential to business related matters, including corporate acquisitions, mergers, and business and tax planning.
One of the hallmarks of our practice is the strict confidentiality employed to all family law matters.
*Certified Family Law Specialist, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Jackeline E. Castro
Staff Attorney
Sacramento 916.520.5222 direct
Thomas E. Marrs
Thomas E. Marrs
Partner

Tom Marrs draws from extensive litigation experience to efficiently resolve complex family law matters for clients throughout California. Known for his practical approach, Tom skillfully advances his clients' interests, resulting in successful and timely resolutions.
Sacramento 916.520.5210 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5210 direct
Mary J. Martinelli
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5278 direct
In the News
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July 21, 2014Can You Finally Afford a Divorce?
Sacramento Business Journal
Press Releases
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November 9, 2020Downey Brand Ranked Nationally and Regionally in 2021 “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®
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October 1, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes Jaismin Kaur to the Family Law Practice Group
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November 4, 2019Downey Brand Ranked Nationally and Regionally in 2020 “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®
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June 27, 2019My Tien Doan Joins Downey Brand’s Family Law Practice
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November 12, 2018Downey Brand Ranked Nationally and Regionally in “Best Law Firms” 2019 by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®
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December 12, 2017Downey Brand Names Six New Partners
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November 6, 2017Downey Brand Named a Tier 1 Regional “Best Law Firm” in Six Practice Areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in 2018
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December 19, 2016Three New Associates Join Downey Brand
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December 12, 2014Downey Brand Welcomes Three New Associates
Speaking Engagements / Events
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January 29-30, 2018Death and Taxes are Certain, Divorce is Possible, and Business is Unpredictable – Are You Prepared?
Co-Presenter, Capital Region Family Business Center's 2018 Annual Generations Conference -
March 2, 2017Divorce, Family Law Issues, and Family Business
The Capital Region Family Business Center
Blogs
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November 12, 2016Are California Trusts that Favor Spouses Presumptively Invalid
Trust on Trial
Legal Alerts
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March 14, 2020COVID-19 and Child Custody
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and UpdatesFamily Law