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About the Firm

Ms. Molinaro is a California native and Sacramento resident. Ms. Molinaro was admitted to the California State Bar in 1990.  She is certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist.

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From Mary's interview for the Masters of Family Law series on ReelLawyers.com.

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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

With over 35 years of experience in family law advocacy, collaborative law and mediation Ms. Molinaro brings a unique quality of expertise by addressing her clients’ needs in the best way that suits each particular case.  Her approach is to provide legal services in a professional but compassionate and personal manner that addresses each case with a focus and attention to detail required for each client’s particular situation in the most expeditious and economic manner possible. Whether your case is complex or straight forward she can help get you to the resolution that is best for you.  She is dedicated to client satisfaction. She has established relationships with a broad range of financial, forensic and mental health experts who assist in providing the highest quality legal counsel and guidance to her clients.

 

Ms. Molinaro serves clients locally in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties. Ms. Molinaro serves clients across California virtually. Ms. Molinaro devotes 100% of her practice to the area of family law including litigation, collaborative law and mediation.

 

Ms. Molinaro is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2004.

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EDUCATION

  • McGeorge School of Law University of the Pacific, Sacramento, CA JD 1990

  • Admittance to the California State Bar 1990

  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from University of California at Sonoma

 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Secretary (1998); Treasurer (1999); and Vice Chair (2000); Chair (2001); and Past Chair (2002) of the
    Sacramento County Bar Family Law Section Executive Committee

  • Assistant Legislative Chair (2003 - 2004); Legislative Chair (2004 - 2005); Vice-Chair (2005 - 2006);
    Chair (2006 - 2007) and Advisor (2007 - 2008) (2009 - 2010) of the Family Law Section of the State Bar (FlexCom)

  • Board of Directors Sacramento Collaborative Group (2008 - 2010)

  • Chair of Legislative Committee

  • Chair of Bylaws Committee

  • Chair of Special Events Committee

  • Member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

  • Current Board Member for Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

  • Member of the American Bar Association and its Family Law Section

  • Member of the California Bar Association and its Family Law Section

  • Member of the Sacramento County Bar Association and its Family Law Section

  • Member of the Sacramento County Children's Counsel Section

  • Member of the Sacramento Area Custody Discussion Group

  • Member of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento

  • Member of the California Association of Legal Mediators

  • Member of the Sacramento Collaborative Divorce Group

  • Member of the International Group of Collaborative Negotiators

  • Member of the California CPA Education Foundation

  • Member of the Sacramento Minors' Counsel Committee

  • Member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Presents on divorce, child custody and child support issues throughout the state of California

  • Founder of the Kobayashi Award, an annual award recognizing individuals who make significant contributions in the area of family law

  • Co-Founder and current Member of the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Children's Fund, a private non-profit corporation designed to provide financial assistance for children in family law cases

  • Co-Founder and President of Strive2Free a private non-profit organization designed to raise awareness about human trafficking through presentations and working with at risk youth

  • Board Member of ACFLS Charitable Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization designed to provide grants for the improvement, advancement and education of the family law community

  • Graduate and current Alumni Member of the FBI Citizen Academy

  • President Sacramento Collaborative Divorce Group - 2023, 2024, 2025

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PRESENTATIONS AND TRAININGS

  • Presenter at Divorce Options California workshops

  • Annual presenter and trainer in Collaborative Law

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PUBLICATIONS

  • Co-Author of Child Custody, a Practical Guide for Parents

  • Co-Founder and Editor in Emeritus of the Family Law Counselor

 

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Named a Best Lawyer in America.

  • Named one of the top 50 Women Lawyers in Northern California.

  • Named in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers of California.

  • Voted one of the top lawyers in Sacramento as featured in Sacramento Magazine.

  • Selected by peers as a Best Lawyer in America.

  • Top rated AVVO attorney​

  • 2024 Collaborative Practice California Eureka Award Recipient

Throughout the most overwhelming, difficult and painful time of my life Mary’s experience, guidance and wisdom were invaluable in navigating all of the challenges divorce brings. Incredibly on top of the practicals of gathering information from me, filing things on my behalf, and court preparation. Her staff were always communicative and efficient while maintaining a compassionate tone with me. I never had to contact her office to keep things moving - it always felt like they were more on top of my divorce than I was. When it came time for court appearance, I felt well prepared going into it, and the confident and clear way Mary communicates with the judge assured me I made the right choice in my representation. Empowering, educating, calm and a strong voice on my behalf - I would absolutely recommend Mary Molinaro.

- Laurin

Mary is the only advocate you need to have if you are going through a divorce. At a time when my case was languishing with previous representation, Mary agreed to take on this challenge, and she changed everything for my family and me. Mary has integrity and is truly dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. She delivered results within her first week and defined strategies to drive my complex case to resolution and closure. She coordinated with her vast network of subject-matter experts to resolve all matters related to living will and trust, property ownership, spousal support and appeals. Through each twist and turn, Mary was in complete control. Mary was the charming silver lining throughout my divorce proceeding. Regardless of her active case load, Mary makes you feel like you’re her only client. With each successful hearing (most notably a landmark court ruling in my favor), I was filled with renewed hope. Her tenacity and sustained optimism served as a compass to keep me pointing forward. Mary is the first person who really listened to me. She clearly explained all options and empowered me to make the final decisions. By encouraging me to find my voice, she also restored my self-confidence and strengthened me from the inside out. I am forever grateful for her help in winning absolute freedom.

- Phoenix

She is a blessing! Ms. Molinaro is a fighter for her clients’ rights. When you meet her in her office she is pleasant and sweet but in court she is professional, quick and a powerful adversary. She has integrity so you have to be honest with her but she will defend her clients’ and keep you well informed through out the entire process. It is because of her my children are safe.

Testimonials

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