Atty. Gary S. Gorczyca
Gary S. Gorczyca was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1951, and has been an Orange County resident since 1960.
Family Law Attorney · Serving Irvine, CA
Profile Summary
About Gary S. Gorczyca at a Glance
Gary S. Gorczyca is a family law attorney based in Irvine, California, practicing at Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin LLP. Educated at Loyola Marymount University (J.D., 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Appellate (2026). Serves clients in Irvine, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Gary S. Gorczyca
- Gary S. Gorczyca was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1951, and has been an Orange County resident since 1960
- He and his wife, Patti, have two sons
- Mr. Gorczyca graduated from the University of California, Irvine (B.A., 1973) and Loyola University School of Law (J.D., 1976)
- He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1976 and has practiced law in Orange County ever since
- Mr. Gorczyca is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics
- He is rated as a SuperLawyer and named one of the Best Lawyers in America© for his work in the practice area of family law
- In 2002, he was named California Attorney of the Year, Family Law, in California Lawyer Magazine
- In 1996, Mr. Gorczyca received the Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Service Award from University of California, Irvine, Extension
- Mr. Gorczyca is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Chapman University, where he has taught classes in Community Property and Family Law continuously since 2004
- Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member for the Paralegal Certification Program offered through UCI Extension where he began as an Instructor in 1979
- He is a former Director at Large for the UCI Alumni Association
- Mr. Gorczyca serves as Editor of the “Family Law Corner” column in Orange County Lawyer Magazine and has authored articles for that publication, including “Hearsay in Ex Parte Applications” (December 1993) and “Extra Income” (November 2002)
- He has been an Education Committee member and presenter for the Orange County Bar Association Family Law Section and has also served as a Lecturer for Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
- Mr. Gorczyca incorporates appellate work into his family law practice and has been Appellate Counsel in a number of published decisions: Lovato v
- Sante Fe International Corp. (1984) 151 Cal.App.3rd 549
- People v
- Calderon (1991) 232 Cal.App.3rd 930
- In Re Marriage of Serna (2000) 98 Cal.App.4th 482
- and In Re Marriage of Manfer (2006) 144 Cal.App.4th 925
- Mr. Gorczyca served as President of the Orange County Bar Association Family Law Section in 2005
- He has been a member of the California State and Orange County Bar Associations since 1977
- He served as a Consultant to the Orange County Family Violence Counsel in 1999 and is a past Secretary of the Orange County Bar Association Committee on the Administration of Justice
- Mr. Gorczyca has served as a Mentor in the Orange County Bar Association Mentor Program
Practice Areas Explained
Gary S. Gorczyca's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Gary S. Gorczyca handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Irvine.
Family Law in Irvine
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Gary S. Gorczyca is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Irvine
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Irvine are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Irvine Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Irvine-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Irvine or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Irvine Choose Gary S. Gorczyca
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Gary S. Gorczyca's practice in the field of family law.
Focused Family Law Practice
Concentrating on family law means Gary S. Gorczyca's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Irvine
A Irvine-based practice means Gary S. Gorczyca attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Gary S. Gorczyca Handles in Irvine
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Gary S. Gorczyca has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Gary S. Gorczyca directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Gary S. Gorczyca Online
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Gary S. Gorczyca's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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