How much does it cost to hire Marybeth for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marybeth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Marybeth offer a free consultation?

Marybeth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marybeth's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Marybeth's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in California typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Marybeth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Marybeth take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?

Marybeth is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Marybeth will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Marybeth?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Marybeth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Marybeth accepting new child custody clients right now?

Marybeth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Marybeth Wentz Martinelli, Child Custody Attorney in Sacramento, California

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Divorce · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratDowney Brand Llp

Sacramento, CA

Practicing child custody in Sacramento since 1986.

40+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Civil Rights Divorce Family Law Paternity POA +2 more →

Are you Marybeth Wentz Martinelli?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Marybeth Wentz Martinelli is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Divorce. Marybeth has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Downey Brand Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Sacramento, CA
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: Child Custody · Civil Rights · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Divorce matters from Sacramento, CA.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Marybeth takes on

Marybeth concentrates on child custody, civil rights, divorce, family law, and paternity. Each area below outlines the kind of case Marybeth handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Sacramento, California

Marybeth takes child custody matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marybeth agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Sacramento, California

Marybeth takes civil rights matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marybeth agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Sacramento, California

Marybeth takes divorce matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marybeth agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Sacramento, California

Marybeth takes family law matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marybeth agrees to represent you.

Paternity cases in Sacramento, California

Marybeth takes paternity matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marybeth agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Marybeth Wentz Martinelli — child custody lawyer in Sacramento

Marybeth Wentz Martinelli is a lawyer practicing family law, dissolution of marriage, legal separation domestic partnership and 5 other areas of law. Marybeth received a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, California in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Marybeth practices at Downey Brand LLP in Sacramento, CA.

Marybeth's approach to child custody cases

Clients Marybeth works with

Marybeth reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, civil rights, and divorce matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of California, Davis, School of Law, Davis, California
J.D. · 1986
University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, California
B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Marybeth's state bar admissions

California
1986 · ACTIVE

Marybeth studied at J.D. in University of California, Davis, School of Law, Davis, California and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, California.

Law school and academic background

Marybeth completed J.D. in University of California, Davis, School of Law, Davis, California and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marybeth runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Marybeth has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Marybeth Wentz Martinelli's office in Sacramento

Marybeth's primary office is at US Bank Tower, 621 Capitol Mall, 18th Floor, Sacramento, CA, 95814. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Downey Brand Llp

US Bank Tower, 621 Capitol Mall, 18th Floor

Sacramento, CA 95814

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Marybeth Wentz Martinelli — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Marybeth. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Sacramento.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Marybeth Wentz Martinelli claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Marybeth Wentz Martinelli — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Marybeth usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Marybeth charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marybeth's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Marybeth will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Sacramento, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Marybeth

Marybeth discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Marybeth confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Marybeth's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Marybeth Wentz Martinelli

How much does it cost to hire Marybeth for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marybeth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Marybeth offer a free consultation?
Marybeth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marybeth's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Marybeth's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in California typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Marybeth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Marybeth take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?
Marybeth is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Marybeth will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Marybeth?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Marybeth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Marybeth accepting new child custody clients right now?
Marybeth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Marybeth handles child custody matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Marybeth's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Sacramento handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.