Summer Abel

Summer Abel helps individuals and families navigate some of life’s most personal transitions. She represents clients across the full range of family law matters, including divorce and separation, child custody and support, spousal support, property division, and pre- and post-marital agreements. Summer approaches each matter with care and precision, tailoring strategies to her clients’ goals through mediation or litigation.

A significant part of Summer’s practice focuses on parental rights and family formation. She regularly advises clients on second parent and stepparent adoptions, as well as egg, sperm, and embryo donor agreements. Her work supports families as they grow, change, and plan for the future, often during moments that require both legal clarity and thoughtful guidance.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Summer is deeply committed to serving families of all kinds. She understands the legal and practical challenges LGBTQ+ families may face. She is experienced in presenting family dynamics effectively in court, negotiating with opposing counsel, and crafting solutions that reflect each family’s unique circumstances. Summer has developed a referral network of LGBTQ+-affirming professionals, including financial planners, accountants, real estate professionals, and therapists, to help clients address issues that extend beyond the legal process. She also contributes to LGBTQ+ thought leadership through writing, speaking engagements, and professional training.

Clients appreciate Summer’s approachable style and the personal attention she brings to every matter. She listens closely, communicates clearly, and helps clients move forward with confidence in difficult, emotionally charged situations.

Summer’s perspective is shaped by a diverse legal background, including work at national law firms and experience handling complex litigation. Earlier in her career, she worked on matters before the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and on pharmaceutical and toxic tort cases. She also served as a public defender, representing clients in criminal, mental health, and juvenile proceedings. This breadth of experience informs her ability to manage sensitive, high stakes matters with sound judgment, empathy, and practicality.