John J. Gilligan, Family Law & Divorce Attorney

Practicing Family Law & Divorce Attorney Since 1981

John J. Gilligan, CFLS has practiced family law for 39 years and handled over 7500 family law matters. He sits on the Family Law Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar and donates several hours of his time each month to the court system as a mediator and Judge Pro Tem. There is no family law case that John hasn’t handled in some fashion over his extensive years in practicing family law.

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Family Law & Divorce Attorney Education

State University of New York at Brockport
Bachelor of Science, Political Science

Western State University
Juris Doctorate

Pepperdine Law School
Mediation credential

State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
Certified Family Law Specialist, 1997

Only 10% of California’s family law attorneys have earned this additional education and title

Honors & Awards

Author of four Appellate Court decisions
Voted by peers as a Super Lawyer for the past 10 years
Received the highest possible rating (AV rating) by Martindale-Hubbell
Voted one of the Top Attorneys in the State of California

Professional Activities

Judge Pro Tem in the Superior Court for family law and domestic violence matters
Appointed Superior Court Mediator in Los Angeles and Orange County
Member of the Long Beach, Los Angeles, South Bay and Orange County Bar Associations
Member of the American Bar Association, LA and Orange County Bar Associations, Irish-American Bar Association, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Association, and Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
Qualified Court-Appointed Minor’s Counsel
Serves on the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the LA County Bar Association
Recognized author in the field of family law

Representative Cases

The following cases are indicative of Mr. Gilligan’s experience as a divorce attorney and his commitment to fairness and justice in all areas of the legal system.

1981 In re Marriage of Willard 15 B.R. 898

1992 In re Raiton v, G & R Properties 139 B.R. 931

1981 In re Marriage of Cordero 95 Cal.App.4th 653

1981 In re Marriage of Lucio 161 Cal.App.4th 1068

Published Works

Mr. Gilligan has published a number of articles drawing on his years of divorce expertise. Feel free to browse them at your leisure and contact us with any questions.

FINANCIAL
Costly Divorce Heads Into the Ninth Inning with Dodgers’ Sale
ESTATE
The Need for A Legal Expert in Dividing & Distributing Your Pensions Upon Death or Divorce
LIFESTYLE
Post-Divorce Life
ASSETS
Which Spouse Should Get the Family Residence Following Divorce

Testimonials From our Clients

I was very happy with the results of my case. Going in, I knew it would be a tough, and emotional battle, but I had trust in my attorneys. They listened to the end result I wanted, and were creative, and worked hard to obtain the result I wanted. I am grateful and happy with my results!
S.T.
John Gilligan represented me for 3 months in my child custody modification case. He was kind and listened with compassion in my initial consultation. He knew the judge in my case and put my mind at ease, preparing for my hearing. He was always calm and professional. I got the order I was looking for, at the hearing and it was honestly a stress free experience. My new orders gave me more time with my child that I was seeking. His help meant the world to me. I highly recommend him.
Anonymous
I had a QDRO restriction on my employer savings plan and I was unaware of this restriction for years until I tried to rollover the money into a classic IRA. The reason for the QDRO restriction was incomplete paperwork submission of the QDRO lawyer 15 years prior. I tried to find a family law firm in Southern California and none of the law firms either were interested in my case or they did not understand the core problem of my case. I contacted 7 law firms in total and was unable to find a law firm who could help me to remove the restriction on my retirement account until I found GILLIGAN FRISCO & TRUTANICH, LLP. GFT law firm was very professional and John Gilligan understood immediately the nature of my QDRO case and he could offer legal help for me. At first, the investment company refused to help me but after John Gilligan contacted me the case could be resolved completely with a simple notarized affidavit. I would like to thank John Gilligan and his entire team for their hard and excellent work on my case and their professionalism. I highly recommend GLT law firm as your premier law firm for family law issues. Thank you all for your great work.
Tareg B.
John Gilligan's knowledge gave me a sense of confidence and I was satisfied with the end result. He represented me in a way that was assertive or dogmatic, really sticking to his guns. Thank you, John.
R.L.
When I met John, almost 25 years ago he had a successful family practice. But John did not sit on that success. With his experience and training, the State bar certified him as a "family law specialist". I would not go to family court without John J Gilligan. If you have any doubts about using him, or questions contact me at fdcretired@hotmail.com.
F.D.C.
John Gilligan is professional, ethical and astute. I regard him very highly. I would not hesitate to recommend him and have already done so.
Ms. B.
John Gilligan was the strength and clear-minded thinking I needed when I had none. He walked me through every step of my divorce like a father. His knowledge of the law and years of experience were instrumental in achieving the best end result of my case. I am grateful.
M.W.

The Team of Attorneys You’ve Been Looking For

Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through life’s murkiest waters. At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, we have the resources needed to represent clients in all aspects of family and criminal law.