Dedicated service to family law appellate practice
Stephen Temko brings over five decades of dedicated service to California appellate practice, focusing on the intricate legal frameworks that define family law. His career is built on a foundation of meticulous research ensuring that every case is approached with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
By combining 50 years of litigation experience with a methodical approach to appellate strategy, Stephen provides the authoritative guidance necessary for complex legal challenges. Whether representing individual litigants or serving as a referral partner for other attorneys, his practice is defined by the pursuit of excellence and the relentless pursuit of the truth.
More Specialized Family Legal Appellate Experience Than Any Lawyer in California
Individual Appeals
I provide meticulous appellate representation for individuals navigating complex family law litigation, ensuring every argument is methodically crafted and presented with absolute precision.
50 Years of Experience
I have been dual a member of the State Bar since 1975 or about 50 years. I have been certified by the State Bar as a specialist in both family law (CFLS) and appellate law (CALS). I am a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). My practice is limited to appeals and appellate consulting. I have handled over 500 appeals to the Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court of California. I specialize in family law appeals and have many published opinions including the following: Marriage of Sullivan (2023) 89 Cal. App.5th 585 [jurisdiction to divide military pension by Gilmore request under FUSPA]; Marriage of Destiny and Justin C. (2023) 87 Cal.App. 5th763 [ Fam. Code section 3044 on the issue of when the five year period applies]; Marriage of Blake & Langer (2022) 85 Cal.App.5th 300 [whether there is jurisdiction under FC section 271 to award sanctions if the underlying joinder complaint has been dismissed] M.M. v. D.V. (2021) 66 Cal.App.5th 733 [denial of third parent right under FC section 7612 subd. (c )]: Marriage of Mather & Strawn (2021)63 Cal.App.5th 356 [whether child’s college expense may be considered in an award of spousal support]; Pont v. Pont(2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 428 [application of prevailing party attorney fee clause in MSA]; In re Marriage of Macilwaine (2018) 26 Cal.App.5th 514 237 [deviation from guideline Child Support & options are income upon vesting]; Marriage of Pearson (2018)21 Cal.App.5th 218 [spousal support & fees]; In re Marriage of Burwell (2014) 221 Cal.App.4th 1 [character of term life insurance]; Marriage of Georgiou and Leslie (2013) 218 Cal.App.4th 561 [breath of FC 1101 post judgment]; Marriage of Sorge(2012) 202 Cal.App.4th 626 [fiduciary duty and appellate attorney fees][1]; Marriage of Simmons (2013) 215 Cal.App.4th 584 [FC 1101 does not apply to separate property]; L.M. v. M.G., (2013) 208 Cal.App.4th 133 [maternity presumptions and single parenthood]; In re Marriage of Feldman (2007) 153 Cal.App.4th 1470 [fiduciary disclosure]; In re Marriage of Kerr (1999) 77 Cal.App.4th 87 [spousal and child support]; In re Marriage of Shaughnessy (2006) 139 Cal.App.4th 1225 [spousal support]; Casas v. Thompson (1986) 42 Cal.3d 131 [partition of military pension] and Muckle v. Superior Court (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 218 [motion to quash].
Methodical Strategy
My approach is defined by methodical legal research, focusing on the structural integrity of legal arguments to secure favorable outcomes in high-stakes family law appellate issues including property division, spousal support, child support, breach of fiduciary duty, attorney fees, division of military pensions, valuation of assets, division of stock options, parental rights, and restraining orders.
Trial Consulting, All Appellate Matters
Stephen Temko has handled over 500 appeals with over 60 published opinions. Stephen represents litigants in appeals from any county in California. Stephen also consults with litigants and their attorneys in the trial court regarding legal research, requests for statements of decision, objections to proposed statement of decisions and points and authorities on any California family law issue.
estemko@aol.com
(858) 361-4264