Robert A. Roth is widely regarded as one of the leading family law appellate specialists in California.

He has over 30 years’ experience as an appellate practitioner and more than 25 published (and scores of unpublished) appellate opinions to his name. Robert has won twice in the California Supreme Court, and notably represented the successful respondent in In re Marriage of Ostler and Smith (1990) 223 Cal.App.3d 33, a seminal case that established the method California courts use every day to calculate division of bonus income.

 

He was one of the first attorneys in California certified as an appellate specialist by the State Bar.

Robert has remained a certified appellate specialist for more than two decades. In addition to family law appeals, he has substantial experience handling probate, real property, business transaction, tort insurance, admiralty, and State Bar appeals.

 

Robert frequently gives CLE presentations on appellate issues and writes articles on matters related to appellate practice and family law.

He also has extensive experience as an appellate mediator.

 

He has received a number of honors.

Robert is a Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated attorney, is listed in U.S News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America, and has been repeatedly selected as a SuperLawyer in Northern California.

 

Robert graduated from DePaul University, College of the Law, in Chicago.

He served on the Law Review.

Law School

DePaul University, College of the Law

  • Law Review

Awards

Super Lawyer Super Lawyers Magazine

Best Lawyer Best Lawyers Magazine

AV Preeminent Martindale Hubbell

Bar Admissions

California

U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

Certifications

Appellate Law

  • Certified Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Some of Rob's cases

California Court of Appeal

In re Marriage of Ciprari

Spousal support reversed as not comporting with marital standard of living. Child support reversed. Denial of attorney fees reversed because financial disparity between parties made fee award mandatory. New standard created for tracing commingled property.

California Supreme Court

In re Marriage of Green

Reversing Court of Appeal determination of marital community interest in CalPERS military service retirement credits.

California Supreme Court

In re Marriage of Sonne

Reversing trial court and Court of Appeal apportionment of community property interest in spouse’s CalPERS retirement accounts.

California Court of Appeal

In re Marriage of Ostler & Smith

Won landmark case authorizing child and spousal support based on a percentage of supporting spouse bonus income.

Publications & media appearances

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