Linda D. States
Attorney
Highest Caliber Experience
After a decade working for a large firm on the most sophisticated family law cases throughout Northern California and additional years with the court and private practice, I have the depth of knowledge and experience necessary to expertly handle any family law issue that may arise for my clients. Now I am able to complement my expertise in complex matters with the flexibility to provide more efficient and accessible services in my solo practice.
A Unique Solo Practice
My style of family law practice is unique, as I am…
Efficient – I focus on solutions that save time and money.
Effective – I am equally adept at negotiation and litigation.
Communicative – I listen carefully and stay in close touch.
Flexible – I am budget-conscious, and offer full, limited or consultation services.
Collaborative – I work to reduce conflict and enhance the environment for settlement.
Compassionate – I have real life experience as a divorced single parent of minor children.
Savvy – I know business and finance, and how to solve crises relating to them during divorce.
Accessible – I am usually reachable 24/7/365 by mobile phone, and offer evening appointments.
Financial Issue Focus
For about 20 years, 100% of my practice has been devoted to solving personal and business issues arising in divorce, legal separation and custody/parentage matters, as well as prenuptial, cohabitation and joint asset separation planning. Skilled at solving the most complex financial issues, I bring essential expertise to substantial asset matters, that can be instrumental in efficiently resolving smaller scale matters as well. Frequently arising issues in my practice include:
Complex community property division
Establishing or modifying child and/or spousal support (or arrears)
Business valuation and income-available determination
Underemployment, vocational evaluation and income imputation
Community and separate property characterization and separate property tracing
Marital retirement benefits and domestic relations orders/QDROs
Family business management disputes relating to divorce
Establishing and modifying child custody and parenting time/visitation
Custody mediation and/or evaluation with county or private CCRCs
Move-away and other custody litigation
Custom prenuptial/premarital, postnuptial/post marital and cohabitation agreements
Areas of Practice
Family Law (100%)
Bar Admission
State Bar of California, 1994
Certified Family Law Specialist (State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization), 2019
Education
University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, California
- J.D. – 1994
UCLA
- B.A. – 1989
- Major: Philosophy/Business
Awards
Top Lawyers (Family Law), Sacramento Magazine – 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018
Professional Associations and Memberships
Sacramento County Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2005-Present
Family Law Executive Committee Mentorship Program
Placer County Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2016, 2016-2021
California Lawyers Association
Kennedy Inn of Court, 2017-2019
Rotary Club of Sacramento, 2016-2017
Past Employment Positions
Family Law Attorney – Downey Brand LLP, 2005-2015
Assistant Family Law Facilitator/Research Attorney – Sacramento Co. Superior Court, 1998-2000
Principal/Owner – Family Law Office of Linda D. States, 1995-1998
Volunteering/Pro Bono Activities
- Settlement Conference Temporary Judge, 2022-present
- One-Day Divorce Clinic Attorney Volunteer, 2020-present
WEAVE pro bono attorney, 2016
VLSP Lawyers in the Library legal clinic volunteer, 2015
Habitat for Humanity volunteer, 2016
Court Appointed Special Advocates Board member and officer, 2014-2016
McClatchy High School Law & Public Policy Academy mentor, 2014-2015