Patricia M. Zerbini is a Certified Family Law Specialist and experienced family law litigator who combines skilled negotiation, a thorough knowledge of family law, a strong foundation in analyzing complex financial matters, confidence in the courtroom, and a mother’s compassion for children and families in crisis.
A Bay Area native born to immigrant parents, Patricia graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005 with a double major in Politics and Legal Studies. She earned her Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2009 and earned the prestigious title of Certified Family Law Specialist through the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in 2024.
Before focusing her practice on family law in 2016, Patricia spent six years practicing bankruptcy law which has provided her with the experience necessary to represent her high-asset clients through complex financial matters, including property characterization, business interests, tracing, hidden assets, and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
When Patricia joined Hoover Krepelka, LLP in 2022 she already had extensive family law litigation experience which she has continued to sharpen with the firm, while handling a high volume of complex custody, financial, domestic violence, and post-judgment matters. She also has significant experience with interstate and international jurisdictional disputes, including cases arising under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
Patricia has a strong sense of civic responsibility. She has served the Santa Clara County Bar Association in many capacities over her professional career, and she regularly accepts cases as a court-appointed minor’s counsel, representing the best interests of the children in high-conflict custody, divorce, or abuse cases.
Patricia is prepared to take a case through trial when necessary and is comfortable advocating for her clients in contested hearings and other courtroom proceedings. At the same time, she understands that unnecessary litigation can be financially and emotionally costly. When a reasonable resolution is possible, she uses strategic negotiation to pursue the best available outcome. While her goal is to resolve cases efficiently, when the opposing party is unwilling to take a reasonable position, she is prepared to act decisively and seek court intervention when necessary. She is committed to helping clients understand their options, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.
Some of Patricia’s press releases, media, and publications include:
- The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz, Episode 74
- Attorney Patricia Mercedes Zerbini Explains What Happens if You Declare Bankruptcy During a Divorce Action
- Silicon Valley Business Journal – People on The Move
- Patricia M. Zerbini Promoted to Senior Counsel at Hoover Krepelka, LLP
- Navigating Blended Families and Estate Planning – The Keys To Your Legacy Podcast
- What to Do When You’re up Against Cruella de Vil – CLE Library
Bar Admissions
- California
Education
- Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, California
- J.D. – 2009
- University of California, Santa Cruz, California
- Bachelor’s Degree in Politics and Legal Studies – 2005
Certified Legal Specialties
- Certified Family Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, 2024
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Chair of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section, 2022
- Vice Chair of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section, 2021
- Member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section Strategic Planning Committee
- Member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section Legislation Committee
- Member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section Education Committee
- Member of the Santa Clara County Minors Counsel Committee
Honors and Awards
- Northern California Super Lawyers: 2023-2026
Languages
- Spanish
