California's Only Certified Family Law Specialist with Offices in Both Merced & Mariposa Counties
Strategic advocacy to protect your assets, income, and long-term stability from the first filing through final judgment.
Get Representation →Focused representation for parenting plans, custody disputes, and court orders that protect your child and your parental rights.
Get Representation →Alimony strategy whether you are seeking fair support or defending against unreasonable demands.
Get Help With This →Complex tracing and valuation of business interests, retirement accounts, and community property.
Get Help With This →Separate finances and responsibilities without dissolving the marriage status.
Get Help With This →Fast legal action for filing or defending domestic violence restraining order matters.
Get Help With This →Not all family law attorneys are created equal. The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization recognizes only a small fraction of practicing attorneys as Certified Specialists.
To acquire this distinction, an attorney must pass a rigorous secondary bar examination focused solely on complex family law matters, demonstrate an exceptionally high level of trial experience, and undergo comprehensive peer review by opposing counsel and judges.
For high-asset divorces, contested custody battles, or deeply entrenched disputes, you cannot afford to work with a general practitioner. You need a verified expert.
Family law is deeply personal. These are the words of clients who trusted The Archer Law Firm during the most difficult chapters of their lives.
I was going through a very difficult season, and Casey did an amazing job. I was super emotional and not easy to work with but she really blessed me and my children. She was professional and kind. My son's really like her as did I. She is an inspiration to women as well. Wishing nothing but success for her and I recommend her.
— Irene L., Divorce & Child Custody
Casey has been my lawyer for several issues. She has always gone above and beyond for me. She cares about my case and does everything she can to achieve the best possible outcome.
— Rebeka S., Family Law Representation
I first walked into Casey’s office with a huge mess of custody issues, an extremely heavy heart, and feeling like the world was against me. With her combination of calming rationale, razor-sharp intellect and unsurpassed knowledge of the law and local legal system, Casey managed to sort through the mess of questions, paperwork, and emotional turmoil that I brought to her.
— JR S., Child Custody & Visitation
Client names abbreviated for privacy. Testimonials reflect individual experiences.
Ms. Archer's initial consultation is $300 for a one-hour phone or video conference. No special app required — we send you the link.
We respond promptly. Scheduling is done via email for your convenience.
We know you're navigating unfamiliar territory. Here's exactly what happens when you reach out to The Archer Law Firm.
Contact us by email at office@merceddivorce.com or complete our online intake form. This is the fastest way to get the process started — we respond promptly and prioritize your time.
Your first meeting is a one-hour phone or video conference with Ms. Archer personally — no associates, no intake staff. The consultation fee is $300. No special software is needed; we send you a simple link.
Ms. Archer will give you a candid assessment of your situation, explain your legal options clearly, and outline a realistic strategy — including what outcomes to expect and what the process will cost.
Once retained, The Archer Law Firm handles your matter from filing through resolution. Whether that means negotiating a settlement or litigating in court, you will have a certified specialist in your corner at every step.
Casey Archer has dedicated her more than 36-year legal career entirely to the practice of family law. Recognizing early on that families in crisis require specialized expertise, she rigorous pursued and obtained the title of Certified Family Law Specialist from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
With offices strategically located in both Merced and Mariposa Counties, Ms. Archer provides sophisticated, strategic representation to clients throughout the Central Valley. She regularly handles high-net-worth divorces, contentious custody disputes, and intricate property divisions involving business valuations and tracing.
Her approach is rooted in reality: she provides candid, straightforward advice to set realistic expectations, coupled with aggressive advocacy when settlement yields to litigation.
Serving clients throughout Merced County, Mariposa County, and the surrounding Central Valley.
Video and telephone consultations available for clients unable to visit in person.
With over 36 years of certified family law experience, The Archer Law Firm is ready to help you protect what matters most.
Request Your Consultation TodayThese are the questions we hear most often. We believe you deserve honest, straightforward answers before you even pick up the phone.
The cost varies significantly depending on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, the complexity of assets involved, and whether child custody is disputed. Ms. Archer will give you a candid, realistic cost assessment during your initial consultation — including attorney fees, court filing costs, and a projected timeline. We believe in transparent expectations from the start.
A Certified Family Law Specialist has passed a rigorous second Bar Examination specifically on family law, undergone peer evaluation, demonstrated extensive courtroom experience, and been approved by the California Supreme Court. It is a meaningful distinction — not a marketing title. Ms. Archer is the only certified specialist with offices in both Merced and Mariposa Counties.
California requires a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served before a divorce can be finalized. However, contested divorces involving property disputes, custody battles, or support disagreements can take considerably longer. An uncontested divorce with a complete agreement can often be finalized close to the six-month minimum. Ms. Archer will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific circumstances.
Even in amicable divorces, having a certified attorney draft and review your Marital Settlement Agreement is critical. Agreements that appear straightforward often contain unintended consequences regarding property, retirement accounts, taxes, or future support obligations that only become apparent years later. A properly drafted agreement protects you permanently — not just today.
The most important first step is getting informed before taking any action. Do not move out of the family home, close joint accounts, or make major financial decisions before speaking with an attorney. These actions can have significant legal consequences. Schedule a consultation with Ms. Archer to understand your rights and options before anything else.
California courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. There are two components: legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). Either or both can be sole or joint. Factors include each parent's relationship with the child, stability of each home, and the child's own preferences depending on age. Ms. Archer has extensive experience in contested custody matters and will advocate aggressively for your parental rights.
Yes. California allows modification of custody, visitation, child support, and in some cases spousal support when there has been a significant change in circumstances — such as a job loss, relocation, remarriage, or a change in the child's needs. The Archer Law Firm handles post-judgment modifications and enforcement matters.
The fastest way to schedule is to email us directly at office@merceddivorce.com or complete our online intake form. All appointments are scheduled via email. The initial consultation is $300 for a one-hour phone or video conference with Ms. Archer personally. No special app or software is required — we send you a simple link to join.
Have a question not answered here? Email us — we respond to every inquiry.office@merceddivorce.com