Who We Are

Michael V. Kattelman

I became a lawyer because I enjoy working with people of diverse backgrounds and occupations. For several years I worked in the prosecution of white collar crimes. In 1997, I took the opportunity to work as a law clerk to the now retired Honorable Scott Jordan of the Family Division of the Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada. I am now dedicated almost exclusively to the practice of family law and appellate practice.

Familial relationships, I believe, are the most emotional, complex, joyous and frustrating associations we have. Counseling a client through the legal dynamics of a divorce or child custody litigation requires compassion, common sense, constant communication, integrity, and often a stern hand. I strive to employ each of these traits in the light of fairness and good judgement. Animosity and unnecessary aggression do not make for effective lawyering where your children and assets are concerned. I tell the truth; you may not like to hear it.

The most important part of any case is knowing the facts and the applicable law. This requires attention to the client, experience, and detailed research. We have earned our reputation for presenting cases and the law in an honest and zealous manner. I am proud to be associated with my partners, Gary Silverman and Mary Anne Decaria, two outstanding lawyers who blazed the family law trail in Nevada, and our newest lawyers, Dixie Grossman and Alexander C. Morey.

Nevada is my home state. The Kattelman family owned the land where the Legislative Building now sits, not long after Nevada joined the Union. I am licensed to practice law in Nevada and California. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Pacific and received my law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. My first job was emptying the trash and sweeping the floors at Nevada Rubber Stamp Co., the business my parents purchased when I was a child.

My wife, Nicole, is a school psychologist - a very emotionally attuned and intelligent woman. We have two children, Jake and Elise. Our free time is spent in the mountains. I know what it entails to be a co-parent and the importance to children in having a loving relationship with their respective care givers.

I serve on the Executive Council of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada, and as an officer of the Washoe County Bar. I am member of the Nevada Trial Lawyers Legislative Steering Committee; the Washoe County Family Law Bench Bar Committee; and the Committee of Family Law Certification Requirements. I lecture, publish and edit articles for various family law entities. I am committed to making the family law courts work for our community.