Cullum Law’s primary focus has always been family law, and includes extensive experience in domestic partnership issues and divorce. Although highly committed to conflict resolution through mediation and arbitration, Carole can be an aggressive litigator when the case warrants.

Carole received her law degree from New College of California School of Law, San Francisco, and was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1984. Prior to forming her own firm, she was a partner in Cullum & Sena.

Education

New College of California School of Law, San Francisco

Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Awards

Carole Cullum was again named one of the top 100 Super Lawyers for Northern California in 2009. See more here ».

Community and Professional Affiliations

• AIDS Legal Referral Panel
• American Civil Liberties Union
• Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
• Bar Association of San Francisco
• Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom
• California Women Lawyers
• Horizons Foundation
• National Center for Lesbian Rights
• National Lawyers’ Guild
• President/Member, San Francisco Board of Appeals (Willie Brown administration)
• San Francisco Bar Association, Family Law Section
• The State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Testimonials

“Carole Cullum is one of the hard-to-find lawyers who would stand up and zealously advocate for her clients. She is a top-notch and absolutely MUST have attorney.”
-- K.C., San Francisco

“My husband left when our children were in pre-school, and I could barely cope beyond the day-to-day mechanics of caring for two young children. I wanted an amicable agreement that kept our children's needs as the top priority but didn't even know where to start. Carole helped me get organized and patiently walked me through the process to ensure the agreements we made in mediation were properly executed in our divorce.”
-- J.T., San Francisco

“I want to thank you for helping my father. He came to you several years ago. He was elderly, disabled and confined to his home. My mother married him when I was six months old, and I was raised as his daughter. He wanted to adopt me, but my biological father refused. When I turned 18 he asked me again if I wanted him to adopt me. I loved him very much and was thrilled that he wanted me to be a full member of the family. You were able to arrange for the adoption in court, even though he could not physically be there due to his disability. It was a wonderful day for our family. When he died last year, he left me a letter telling me how happy he was he was able to be my father.”
-- V.G., San Francisco

“My partner and I were together for eight years, then became registered domestic partners for another three years. During that time we bought a house which was in both our names. She made more money than I did, but I did a lot of work on the house throughout the relationship. When we broke up, I told her I wanted my share of the house. She said I shouldn't get anything because she paid more. Because of your help, we were able to mediate an agreement which allowed her to keep the house, but pay me for my own interest in the property. One of the best things is that we kept it out of court and used a mediator. It kept down the expenses, as well as the fighting.”
-- L.P., San Francisco

“A couple of years ago I found out I needed to have very major surgery. It made me think about all the ‘what ifs’: what if I died, what if I couldn't make decisions for myself, what if I needed extended care. Since I am single, I realized that if something happened to me, decisions would legally be made by my elderly father or my brother who lives far away. My friends are much closer and better equipped to know my wishes in case ‘what if’ became a reality. You helped me write and expedite a will and power of attorney for both finances and health care. You took time, and helped me understand the implications of all my decisions. Also charged a very reasonable fee. Luckily, none of these efforts were necessary, but having my wishes in place and having someone listen gave me a far greater sense of security going into the hospital and for that I am thankful.”
-- J.K., Santa Rosa

“I contacted you when I was staying at a battered women's shelter. The children's father was an officer in the military, had a bad temper, and he hit me and the children again and again. I didn't know where to turn. You helped me to obtain a restraining order and a therapist for my children. With your help, I filed for divorce and was able to get full custody of the children, as well as support. We even got the court's permission to move back to my parents' home in the Midwest. I've been working with my own therapist and learning how to be a good parent and a strong and powerful woman. Thank you so much!”
-- M.G., Chicago

“My partner and I came to you because our child's school would not recognize both of us as parents. You were able to work with us and help us through the maze of adoption services, interviews and forms. Finally, we invited our friends and relatives to the court on the first day of the year to celebrate the adoption of our child. Thank you again so much!
-- L.B. & T.S., San Francisco

“My partner died of AIDS last year. Since he came out to his family 10 years ago, they have refused to have anything to do with him. John and I were together for eight years and had a wonderful relationship. He came to you several years ago to ask for help in preparing a will and a trust. You sat patiently with John, answering his questions, preparing draft after draft, and working with him to develop a living trust. When he died, I became the executor of his will and the successor trustee of his trust. When his father arrived, declaring that John's death was 'retribution for his evil ways' and demanding that I turn over John's belongings to him, I was able to refer them to you. At a time when I was grieving over the loss of my partner, you were able to keep the vultures away.”
-- P.O., San Francisco

“After 32 years of marriage, my husband decided to leave me. I was devastated and thought my life had come to an end. You helped me get through the trauma of a divorce, obtain support, divide our assets, and helped me find vocational training and a new job, even at my age. You were with me all the way, protecting my rights and giving me encouragement. I recommend you to others who are in the same boat.”
-- S.P., Half Moon Bay

“My wife left me and took our three children. She refused to talk with me or even let me see them. When I came to you I was very angry and wanted to ‘get even.’ You were able to help me focus on the needs of our children and come up with a plan to ask the court for joint custody, and recognize the need to encourage a relationship between the children and their mother. As a result of your work, we have taken parenting classes, the children are doing well and we are both able to spend quality time with our children. I appreciate your willingness to support me, while encouraging me to find a reasonable solution to our situation.”
-- A.K., San Rafael