Linda D. States

Attorney

Location: Sacramento, California
Phone: 916-696-2425
Fax: 916-696-2502

Email: Email Me

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

Contact Me To Discuss Your Case

Based in Sacramento, my solo practice allows me to give each client the personal attention and care they deserve.

To schedule an appointment, call 916-696-2425 or fill out my online contact form.

Get in touch