Introducing Michael E. Lonich: Dedicated Attorney Specializing in Divorce and Estate Planning
With nearly four decades of experience, Michael E. Lonich is a highly skilled attorney based in San Jose. He has devoted his career to fighting for the rights of his clients, particularly in the areas of divorce and estate planning. Recognizing the profound emotional and financial impact of divorce on individuals, Michael brings integrity, common sense, and a genuine passion to his practice, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and related issues, require a deep understanding of both legal complexities and emotional dynamics. Michael possesses the expertise necessary to navigate these multifaceted cases effectively. Whether dealing with financial concerns, child custody disputes, domestic violence issues, property valuation, RSU analysis, hidden assets, or spousal and child support, he approaches each case with a tailored approach. Whether through trial, mediation, or a collaborative effort, Michael ensures that each client receives the personalized attention they deserve. Recognizing the uniqueness of every family law case, he partners with his clients to develop comprehensive strategies that yield the best possible results.
When divorce mediation is sought, Michael offers three different roles in the collaborative process. He can serve as a mediator, facilitating productive discussions and enabling parties to work together towards a mutually beneficial solution. Drawing on his extensive experience, he understands the significant financial and emotional costs associated with court battles. Thus, he advocates for a less expensive alternative—mediation. Regardless of whether parties are represented by an attorney, Michael encourages exploration of this collaborative and result-oriented approach, which can resolve family law matters in a fraction of the time and cost typically involved in traditional advocate-based litigation.
Moreover, when clients engage in mediation with their spouse, Michael provides valuable consultations, helping them develop effective approaches and ensuring that their legal positions are supported by the appropriate laws. His deep understanding of family law and mediation techniques enhances the chances of success for his clients in this alternative dispute resolution process.
For those seeking a private judge to adjudicate their divorce, Michael leverages his trial experience to select a suitable private judge and guide his clients towards achieving the best possible outcome.
Complementing his family law expertise, Michael leads the estate planning practice at LPEP (Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri). Estate planning often intersects with family law, giving rise to overlapping issues. With his firm's resources and his own extensive knowledge, Michael collaborates with individuals and families to develop comprehensive estate plans. He also represents clients in trust administration and probate matters. Whether clients need revisions to existing documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, or require a plan from scratch, Michael offers his assistance in creating personalized estate plans that align with their specific needs and concerns.
In a testament to his dedication to his family law clients, Michael extends a unique offer. He provides a temporary or 'divorce' will at no cost to those going through the divorce process. Recognizing the limitations imposed by the Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders during divorce proceedings, he believes that this additional protection is often necessary. This commitment exemplifies the ethos of LPEP—going above and beyond to support their clients.
Born in San Rafael, California, Michael grew up in the Santa Clara Valley, witnessing the region's growth since his family moved there in the early sixties. Together with his wife Lisa, he is raising three boys—Andrew, Ryan, and Michael—and their beloved family hound, Copper. Actively involved in the community and their parish at Sacred Heart, they call Saratoga their home.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology from the University of San Francisco in 1977. Subsequently, he obtained his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1981.
Michael's exceptional legal skills and commitment to his clients have garnered recognition within the legal community. He has received a perfect 10-star rating on Avvo and has been elected as a "Super Lawyer." The esteemed rating service Martindale Hubbell has honored him with an AV Preeminent rating. In addition, Expertise voted him the "Best Probate Attorney of 2020." Michael's expertise and professionalism are highly valued, leading the presiding judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court to frequently appoint him as judge pro tempore for family law or probate matters. He is an esteemed member of the State Bar of California, the Association of Defense Counsel, and the Santa Clara County Bar Association. Michael's contributions extend to serving on the temporary judge and arbitration panels of the Santa Clara County Superior Court. He is admitted to practice before all California courts, including the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of California.
Professional Associations & Memberships:
• State Bar of California, Member
• Santa Clara County Bar Association, Member
