Kristen Van Antwerp

“I’m really drawn toward children’s safety, their nurturing and support, and giving them a childhood. I believe every child is entitled to a childhood, and that every child is entitled to frequent, continuing contact with both parents unless there’s a concern about their safety. I will never put a kid in between his parents or use a kid as a weapon. Sadly, it's become too common to see this in divorce/custody cases.”

Kristen Van Antwerp

Managing Associate | Mediator

Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support, Adoption, Guardianship, Name Change, Legal Gender Affirmation, Mediation

Originally from Puyallup, Washington, Kristen Van Antwerp has made the Bay Area her home since 2002. She attended college and law school here and has spent most of her legal career in family law but has also practiced in the areas of tort litigation, medical malpractice, and administrative law.

Kristen is dedicated to achieving superior results for her clients as a child custody and support lawyer and is trained as minor’s counsel. Her focus is to put the needs of children first when there is conflict and to rebuild safe and secure situations in which children can thrive.

Kristen is also passionate about building and solidifying new or alternative families as an adoption and guardianship lawyer. Whether they’re adopting a stepchild, participating in an independent adoption, formalizing a legal relationship with an adult child, or becoming a legal guardian to a child whose parents are unable to care for them, Kristen walks her clients through each step of the process.

Outside of work, she spends her time volunteering for her children’s elementary and middle schools, making costumes for her daughter’s ballet school, walking her dog, and maintaining her small garden. She loves to be outdoors with her family and hiking in the mountains.

Admissions

California State Bar
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit Court for the Northern District of California

Professional Affiliations

San Mateo County Bar Association
Santa Clara County Bar Association
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
National Association of Certified Mediators

Education

University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California, J.D.
Mills College, Oakland, California, B.A. European History, Minor in Psychology, Lifetime Member of Phi Alpha Theta, National History Honor Society

Community Involvement

Family and Children's Law Center in Marin County, volunteer attorney, 2013-2014
Vallemar Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, Board of Directors, 2018-2022

Kristen Van Antwerp

In a Client’s Words

“Kristen was an absolute lifesaver, literally! My previous law firm made an unforgivable mistake in the filing of my motion, the outcome of which could have been detrimental to my family’s health and well-being. Kristen stepped in like a pro and provided guidance and support that resulted in the Judge granting my motion. Kristen and the Laughlin team are experts in their field with great attention to detail. I am grateful to have found Kristen and highly recommend her!”

Anonymous (post-judgment custody client)

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Kristen Van Antwerp

Admissions

Professional Affiliations

Education

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In a Client’s Words

You have rights.

Want to feel confident
about your future?

Kristen Van Antwerp

Admissions

Professional Affiliations

Education

Community Involvement

In a Client’s Words

You have rights.

Want to feel confidentabout your future?

Want to feel confident
about your future?