Custody and family law, in English and Spanish
What we handle
Criminal Law
Marie served as a Certified Law Clerk in a district attorney's office before entering private practice, which shapes how she reads criminal cases and advises clients facing charges. Whether the matter is a misdemeanor, a felony, or a federal case, she walks you through each stage clearly, in English or Spanish, and represents clients throughout Marin County and the Bay Area.
Learn moreFamily Law
Family law at Marie Barnes Law centers on what matters most: your children and your future. Marie looks for a collaborative solution first and moves to full litigation when that is not possible. She handles divorce, custody, parenting plans, and support matters in English or Spanish across Marin County and the Bay Area.
Learn moreDomestic Violence
Marie handles both sides of domestic violence matters: defending against criminal charges and obtaining or contesting protective orders in family court. Because DV cases often touch both criminal and family proceedings simultaneously, having one attorney across both forums keeps the strategy coherent.
Marie A. Barnes
Marie A. Barnes devotes herself to Criminal Defense and Family Law. Former Certified Law Clerk at the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, prosecuting in the Misdemeanor Division and Felony Narcotics Division. In private practice she represents defendants in DUI, theft, domestic violence, assault and battery, sex offenses, white collar crimes, and juvenile matters. Family law practice focuses on domestic violence and its effect on divorce and custody. Born in San Francisco and fluent in Spanish. BA from Sonoma State University; JD from Western Michigan University, Thomas Cooley Law School, concentration in Litigation.
What's on the wall
Bar admissions
- Admitted to Practice in the State of California
- Admitted to Practice before the U.S. District Court Northern District of California
Memberships and roles
- Association of Latino Marin Attorneys (ALMA)
- Alameda County Bar Association
- Marin County Bar Association, Director 2017-2020
- Richard Sangster American Inn of Court
- Alameda County Bar Association Volunteer Attorney (Pro Bono)
- Contra Costa Lawyers in the Library (Pro Bono)
- Marin County Lawyers in the Library (Pro Bono)
Honors
- Super Lawyers Northern California Rising Star 2018-Present
Reviews are pulled from public sources and printed verbatim.
“Marie was absolutely wonderful to work with! She assisted me with custody issues I was having with my ex. She was very professional, thorough, knowledgeable, efficient and reliable. She was thoughtful and really took the time to explain my rights and court processes. She understands what it means to be a good parent fighting for the right to be with your child. I will most definitely call ...”Shannan M · Google review
“Marie Barnes is an Excellent choice for an attorney. She is very kind and thoughtful. Thanks to her, I have custody of my son today. She is a very family person and keeps one calm and cool while she takes the brunt of the heat. I would recommend her to everyone and will also hire her again. Thank you Marie :)”RaviNesh Prasad · Google review
Schedule a confidential consultation with Marie, in English or Spanish.
The first conversation is free, and it's usually one of us, not an intake service. If we're not the right firm for what you need, we'll say so and point you somewhere honest.
DA clerk background: both sides of criminal law
In the area of Criminal Law Marie has prosecuted and defended Felonies and Misdemeanors. As a Certified Law Clerk in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office Marie prosecuted cases in the Misdemeanor Division and the Felony Narcotics Division. As an attorney and in private practice Marie has represented defendants charged with DUI; theft offenses; domestic violence; assault and battery; sex offenses; property offenses; white collar crimes; and juvenile offenses.