Meet Attorney
Cristina M. Crescentini, Esq.

My Story

Advocating for a better future

I became a divorce attorney because of my passion to help those who refuse to let divorce define their family.

In 2017, I united my own experience in mediation and over 15 years of family law experience to form CMC Law Group. As an attorney in both California and Michigan, I have seen firsthand that mediation is an imperative first step in family law.

Emotions navigate divorce more than you might think – even you, yes you can end up making decisions that are not in your families best interest based on old scars and wounds. Emotions drive the decisions you’ll make, which will impact how long your divorce will take, how much it will cost, how often and where you will see your children, who will be awarded debts/assets, and even where and when you can take your children on vacation.

The lasting effects of divorce can affect how you fare in your life and future relationships. However, dealing with the emotional residual of divorce is manageable with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.

I’ve been taught by some of America’s greatest trial lawyers, family law attorneys, judges and law professors – learning the dynamics and techniques of being a lawyer who represents and cares for each client.  Even when it is challenging to talk directly with each other, I can help open the door to positive and productive problem-solving discussions leading to workable resolutions that are best for you and your family.

Meet the CMC Family Law Team

Meggan Nouman

Legal Assistant

Sam Hakim

Paralegal

Jennifer Arabo

Paralegal

Experience in corporate and family law

Cristina began her career working as an in-house corporate attorney in Detroit, Michigan. Having a strong desire to help people during one of the most difficult times in their lives, she transitioned from corporate law to family law; working on issues such as paternity, divorce, breach of fiduciary duties, child custody and visitation, UCCJEA, pre/post and cohabitation agreements, child and spousal support, and post-judgment modification of support and/or custody.

Cristina then opened her own law and mediation practice because she is passionate about helping people find a better way to resolve disputes affecting them and their family. Her combined experiences in corporate law, in-house counsel and family law make Cristina comfortable and well-versed in litigating and/or mediating the complicated financial situations often part of divorce settlements. Cristina is the calm mediator, confident presence in court and the advocate you want by your side.

She currently divides her time between CMC Law Group and providing volunteer services for the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation. Cristina is actively involved with numerous social service organizations throughout the greater Los Angeles area and the United States. She is currently legal counsel and Vice President to the Dee Dee Jackson foundation; a non-profit foundation established by Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, focused on making a positive impact through the community through music therapy.

Native English Speaker & Quadringual

Cristina, was born and raised in Michigan. She speaks fluent English and Italian. Her family is from the Republic of San Marino and so the Italian language and culture was a big part of her upbringing. “Chi si volta, e chi si gira, sempre a casa va finire.” A saying that translates to “No matter where you go or turn you will always end up at home”. Her family has been a big influence on why she wants to help others resolve conflicts as efficiently and effectively as possible.  Cristina was bilingual until she studied both Spanish and French while in school.

  • Native English

  • Fluent Italian

  • Conversational Spanish

  • Conversational French

Memberships & Volunteering

  • Vice President & Legal Counsel for the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation
  • The Pontiac Women’s Shelter Divorce Clinic
  • Michigan State Bar & Family Law Section
  • California State Bar & Family Law Section
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association & Family Law Section
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association & Family Law Section
  • Oakland County Bar Association & Family Law Section
  • Detroit (Wayne) County Bar Association & Family Law Section
  • Macomb County Bar Association & Family Law Section
  • Italian American Bar Association
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California

Testimonials

“Cristina was humble to say the least, from her courtroom skills to her community involvement. I was involved in a contentious child custody case and Cristina did more than expected to make sure I retained sole custody of my children.”

April2020

“I have retained this firm since 2017 for a variety of custody, divorce and post-divorce matters. I became aware of this firm from a fellow practitioner, who was represented by Cristina for her divorce. Cristina has been nothing short of trustworthy and fair. You’re doing yourself a disservice if CMC Family Law Group isn’t on your short list for any divorce or custody issues.”

March2020

““CMC is professional, extremely knowledgeable, responsive, kind and always understanding. Working with Cristina and her team during my difficult situation became an easier experience almost immediately. I would suggest her and her firm to everyone in need of a supportive attorney ready to fight for you and your family.”

February2020

“CMC has been the lead advocate to help guide me through the most difficult situation of my life and to help protect my children. Her knowledge, strategy, and bedside manners have given me comfort and peace of mind throughout this very difficult and emotional process. She has shown the utmost integrity and honesty with all her dealings with me. I always knew that her priority was to help me and my children. She doesn’t always tell you what you want to hear, but she will tell you what will be best for your personal situation and guide you to the best results to protect you and your family. She is accessible and will be there for you when you need her. I never questioned if she truly cared about my case and my family. I highly recommend Cristina and her hard-working team!”

January2020

“I had an acrimonious divorce with an ex-husband who used the legal system to try to annihilate me. I needed a lawyer who was tough, smart and could stay a step ahead of the monster I was dealing with. Cristina is highly skilled at child custody issues, division of assets, and spousal & child support. Her billing is honest and she has integrity in everything she does. She’s also the best litigator I’ve seen should your case come down to that.”

September2018

“When we first sat down with Cristina, she helped us create a parenting plan. She sent us updates and called when something important arouse. We are glad we hired Cristina to mediate our divorce and will again if the need ever arises as our children grow older.”

December2019

“My soon to be ex-husband was out for blood and wanted alimony, half of everything, lawyers fees paid for. Cristina is just as nice as can be and was there when I needed to talk. I can wholeheartedly recommend Cristina and her entire team at CMC!”

November2019

“CMC helped me through a VERY difficult custody modification which included child alienation. She was not only extremely skilled and knowledgable but very attentive and sensitive to all of my needs and concerns before, during and after the process. I always felt that I was in good hands and would highly recommend her to anyone in a difficult time.”

October2019

“Cristina represented me throughout my divorce and made me feel at more comfortable during the entire process, from beginning to end. She was always patient and accommodating. She made it so easy to speak with her and understand the divorce process. This was a very difficult and stressful time for me and my family; she helped me relax and took care of everything for me that would’ve been otherwise completely overwhelming I highly recommend Cristina and her team. She was with me every step of the way and I don’t know how to ever repay her.”

October2019

“Having to hire an attorney is pretty scary, at least it is for me. I hired an attorney that treated me like just another client in his rolodex. I decided to look for another attorney hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that my issue will be resolved. After hiring CMC Law Group, not only was she swift with her actions but Ms. Crescentini and her staff were professional, honest and personable. Her swift response with every email or message was incredible. If you need an attorney that is knowledgeable, professional, honest, and personable, I highly recommend Ms. Crescentini and her team.”

February2019

“I feel confident in Ms. Cresecentini’s knowledge of the law and the legal process. She is direct, confident and no nonsense. I endorse her and CMC Law Group.”

January2019

“I’d give Cristina the highest rating and recommend her to anyone needing legal representation. She helped us understand our options and we felt like a team in one of the hardest times of our lives. Our family thanks you Cristina.”

June2018