Dennis Geis Temko

I am a California family law attorney with a practice dedicated to addressing complex family law matters, including child custody, support, domestic violence, and high-conflict litigation. My work often involves navigating significant legal issues, analyzing intricate factual records, and providing thoughtful, strategic advocacy. A large part of my practice focuses on family law appeals and writ proceedings. I represent clients in the California Courts of Appeal on issues such as custody determinations, domestic violence restraining orders, support rulings, and the interpretation of marital settlement agreements. My appellate work often requires addressing matters of statutory interpretation, standards of review, and identifying reversible errors, such as due process violations or misapplications of governing law. I also have experience handling appeals in high-asset cases, involving property characterization and valuation, transmutation, apportionment, set-asides, and breaches of fiduciary duty. I frequently analyze trial court findings, assess credibility determinations, and evaluate whether the evidence aligns with the court’s orders under the relevant standard of review. In addition to my appellate practice, I work closely with clients on trial-level family law cases, particularly those likely to require appellate review. My approach emphasizes building a strong record, preserving key legal issues, and positioning cases for success both at trial and on appeal.