Child Custody & Paternity: Our approach to problem solving, especially when we are helping families with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, is to be creative and non-judgmental. We never try to impose our values. Divorce: Our philosophy is simple: Divorce is supposed to solve problems. If you want to keep fighting, stay married. We handle all sort of types of divorce from simple "we agree on everything" cases to family businesses and complex property and high asset cases. Support Litigation & Mediation: Our role is to make sure both sides are heard and offer help so people understand the risks and benefits of what they may want. Understanding how children are affected by discord or how to develop a plan to divide assets and debts is better mediated than litigated.Oakland_Child_Custody_Lawyer_%7C_San_Francisco_Parental_Rights_Attorney_%7C_Contra_Costa_County,_Concord_CA.htmlSan_Francisco_Divorce_%26_Child_Support_Attorney_%7C_Piedmont_Marital_Separation_Lawyer_%7C_Alameda_County,_Oakland_CA.htmlOakland_Mediation_%26_San_Francisco_Family_Law_Attorney_%7C_San_Leandro_Divorce_Mediation_Lawyer_%7C_East_Bay_Area,_Orinda_CA.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2

DIVORCE ■ CHILD CUSTODY ■ MEDIATION

Since 1992, Oakland attorney and mediator Sylvia Woods has been helping Bay Area families to achieve healthy, constructive resolution to their family legal issues including divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, grandparents' rights, and injured minors.

DIVORCE ■ CHILD CUSTODY ■ MEDIATION

Our experience includes handling high-conflict mediation and multi-ethnic child custody, visitation, and adoption cases. We also handle cases where domestic violence is an issue.


Divorce is never easy, but the process shouldn't destroy the people involved. Divorce is supposed to solve problems but guidance while turning life's corners makes it easier.


As a rule, we advise our clients to avoid going to court. Why? It's risky. California's family law courts are under funded and overworked. Many judges spend only one year there and then move on, and often have little training in child development and family resolutions.


It is better to work with seasoned people who can be creative problem solvers.


I have a large family - children and grandchildren - and years of experience as both parent and attorney. There are not too many issues or scenarios that I do not have deep understanding about, including family dysfunction, cultural issues, and violence. - Attorney Sylvia Woods


If you need an experienced California family law attorney who is energetic, forward thinking, and will work tirelessly to achieve the results that are best for you and your loved ones, please call or e-mail us today and tell us about your situation.


Law Office of Sylvia Woods

City Center

499 14th Street, Suite 220

Oakland, CA 94612

Map and Directions


510-839-1200 phone

510-444-6698 fax

At the law offices of Sylvia Woods in Oakland, California, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area including the cities of Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Hayward, San Leandro, Fremont, Marin, San Mateo, Redwood City, San Jose, Fairfield and Vallejo; and in Alameda County, Marin County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and Solano County.

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CALL 510-839-1200 or Email info@sylviawoods.com