Lowy, Michael J - Divorce Lawyer & Mediator

Facing a divorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences, often filled with emotional turmoil and complex legal considerations. For residents in Palo Alto, California, and throughout the greater Bay Area, finding a legal professional who can guide you through this difficult process with both expertise and empathy is paramount. Michael J. Lowy, a prominent divorce lawyer and mediator, has been known for offering a unique and less adversarial approach to family law matters, particularly through collaborative law. This article aims to provide an informative overview of his practice, focusing on his commitment to amicable resolutions that prioritize the well-being of families.

While recent information suggests that the physical office location at 2225 E Bayshore Rd #200 may be closed, with phone lines still active for messages and mail being received, Michael J. Lowy's impact on the family law landscape, especially in collaborative practice, remains significant. His approach has historically centered on finding peaceful and respectful solutions, moving away from traditional courtroom battles that can often exacerbate conflict. For Californians seeking a way to dissolve a marriage with dignity and mutual understanding, the principles championed by professionals like Michael J. Lowy offer a valuable alternative. This overview will detail his services, particularly in mediation and collaborative divorce, and highlight why his approach has been well-regarded by the local community.

Michael J. Lowy's professional presence has been associated with the address 2225 E Bayshore Rd #200, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. This location is situated in the vibrant and accessible area of Palo Alto, a hub within Silicon Valley. East Bayshore Road offers convenient access for individuals residing in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and other surrounding communities in the Bay Area.

The accessibility of this address is generally favorable for local Californians. East Bayshore Road runs parallel to the scenic San Francisco Bay, and its proximity to major highways like US-101 makes it easily reachable by car from various parts of the Peninsula and beyond. For those who rely on public transportation, Palo Alto is generally well-served by Caltrain and local bus services, though specific bus stops immediately adjacent to this precise address would need to be verified for exact public transport accessibility. Parking in such commercial areas is often available, providing convenience for clients visiting the office.

It is important to note, however, that current information indicates that this physical law office is now closed, although the phone lines remain active and mail is still being received at the E. Bayshore address. This suggests that while in-person consultations at this specific location may no longer be available, contact can still be made through the provided phone number. For any new inquiries, confirming the current mode of operation and any alternative arrangements for consultations would be a crucial first step. Michael J. Lowy is also listed with an office at 2600 El Camino Real, Suite 506, Palo Alto, CA 94306, further indicating his long-standing presence and commitment to serving the Palo Alto community.

Michael J. Lowy has built a distinguished career primarily focused on family law, with a strong emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods. His services are specifically tailored for individuals and families navigating the complexities of divorce, aiming to provide solutions that are less confrontational and more constructive than traditional litigation.

• Divorce Law: At the core of his practice is guiding clients through the divorce process. This includes handling all aspects of marital dissolution, from initial separation to the finalization of agreements.
• Divorce Mediation: Michael J. Lowy is a skilled mediator, facilitating communication and negotiation between divorcing parties to help them reach mutually acceptable agreements outside of court. Mediation is often a cost-effective and less emotionally draining alternative to litigation.
• Collaborative Law: A significant cornerstone of his practice, Michael J. Lowy is a founding member of The Collaborative Law Association (now Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley - CPSV). This approach involves both parties and their respective collaboratively trained attorneys committing to resolve disputes without court intervention. It often includes other professionals like financial specialists and divorce coaches to support the family through the transition. His long-term dedication to collaborative practice, including successfully completing over 50 collaborative cases and contributing to the drafting of principles and guidelines used globally, underscores his expertise in this area.
• Family Law: While divorce is the primary focus, the broader umbrella of family law often encompasses related issues such as child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support (alimony), and property division. His collaborative and mediation skills are applied to these areas to foster cooperative resolutions.

His emphasis on collaborative and mediated divorce aligns with a growing preference for out-of-court settlements, particularly in California, where many seek to minimize conflict and protect family relationships during difficult transitions.

Michael J. Lowy's professional profile is marked by several significant features and highlights that underscore his expertise and standing in the legal community, particularly in the realm of family law and alternative dispute resolution.

• Pioneer in Collaborative Law: A standout highlight is his role as a founding member of The Collaborative Law Association, which later became Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley (CPSV). He actively participated in drafting the principles and guidelines that are now widely used in collaborative cases globally. This indicates a deep commitment to and influential role in developing non-adversarial divorce methods.
• Extensive Experience: With a license to practice law since 1980, Michael J. Lowy brings over four decades of experience to his practice. This extensive background provides a profound understanding of family law and the nuances of various dispute resolution strategies.
• Award-Winning Recognition: In 2007, he received the prestigious Eureka Award for outstanding service to collaborative practice in California, a testament to his dedication and significant contributions to the field.
• "SuperLawyer" Designation: Since 2011, Michael J. Lowy has consistently been designated as a "SuperLawyer," a recognition that highlights his high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in his area of practice.
• High Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating: He holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which signifies the highest level of professional excellence, indicating very high to preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards as judged by peers.
• Interdisciplinary Background: Before his legal career, Michael J. Lowy earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology. This academic background contributes to his unique ability to comfortably handle divorce cases involving individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, adding a valuable dimension to his client approach.
• Focus on Conflict Resolution: His dissatisfaction with the traditional court process led him to pursue and champion collaborative practice, demonstrating a deep-seated belief in finding better ways to resolve family disputes, prioritizing amicable outcomes.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of an attorney who is not only highly experienced and recognized within the legal profession but also deeply committed to a client-centered, cooperative approach to family law, making him a distinguished professional in the Palo Alto area.

While explicit "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered by legal practices due to ethical guidelines and the nature of legal services, it is common for attorneys specializing in divorce and mediation to provide initial consultations. For Michael J. Lowy, in particular, given his historical emphasis on collaborative practice and mediation, the opportunity for an introductory discussion is highly probable and valuable.

Prospective clients are strongly encouraged to contact his office via the provided phone number to inquire about initial consultation availability and structure. During such a conversation, you can expect to discuss:

• The nature of your divorce or family law matter.
• Whether an initial consultation is offered free of charge, or if there is a nominal fee.
• The typical duration of a consultation.
• What information or documents would be helpful to bring to the consultation to make it productive.
• His approach to collaborative law and mediation, and how it might apply to your specific situation.
• An overview of his fee structure for ongoing representation, should you decide to proceed.

Given the information that the physical office location may be closed, it would be prudent to ask about the current mode of consultations (e.g., phone, video conferencing, or if there's a new physical address for meetings). This initial conversation is crucial for both parties to assess fit and determine the best path forward, especially when considering a collaborative or mediated divorce.

For those in California looking to reach Michael J. Lowy for divorce and mediation services, here is the contact information:

• Address: 2225 E Bayshore Rd #200, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA (Note: While mail is received here, the office is reported as closed for in-person visits. Other sources suggest an office at 2600 El Camino Real, Suite 506, Palo Alto, CA 94306.)
• Phone: (650) 856-6262
• Mobile Phone: +1 650-856-6262

As noted in the provided information, if you have received a HACKED lowylaw email, it is important to report it. Potential clients should use the phone numbers provided to inquire about current service availability, consultation options (e.g., virtual meetings), and confirm the best way to connect for legal assistance.

For residents of Palo Alto and surrounding communities in California's Bay Area who are facing the challenging prospect of divorce, Michael J. Lowy has historically presented a highly suitable and distinct option, particularly for those seeking a less adversarial path. His suitability for locals stems from several key aspects of his practice and philosophy.

Firstly, his decades of experience in family law, specifically since 1980, mean that he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of California's legal framework to every case. This extensive background provides a solid foundation for guiding clients through complex divorce proceedings. What truly sets him apart, however, is his pioneering and enduring commitment to collaborative law and mediation. In a region known for its innovative spirit, his embrace of peaceful, out-of-court resolutions aligns perfectly with many Californians' desires to minimize conflict, protect family relationships, and retain more control over the divorce process rather than leaving decisions to a court. For those who prioritize amicable settlements, especially when children are involved, his expertise in these areas offers a much-needed alternative to traditional litigation.

Secondly, his involvement as a founding member of Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley demonstrates a long-standing dedication to the local professional community and the development of more humane legal practices. This connection to local legal networks can be invaluable for clients, potentially offering access to a broader team of professionals (like financial specialists or child psychologists) through the collaborative model.

While the physical office location may now be closed for in-person visits at the previously listed E. Bayshore address, the continued activity of his phone lines and mail reception indicates a professional legacy that remains connected to the community. For local users, this means that even if his practice model has evolved, his renowned expertise in collaborative divorce and mediation remains a significant point of reference. His suitability lies not just in his legal acumen but in his philosophical approach to family law, offering a path forward that resonates with many Californian values of cooperation and resolution. For those embarking on a divorce journey, Michael J. Lowy's established reputation as a mediator and collaborative lawyer provides a valuable resource for navigating these personal transitions with dignity and a focus on future well-being.