Meet Our Attorneys

At Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP, our attorneys bring a wealth of experience typically associated with larger firms, while maintaining the personalized approach and accessibility of a boutique firm. We understand that individuals with family law concerns deserve attentive and hands-on representation.

Collectively, our attorneys boast over 125 years of experience in the field. Partners Hal Bartholomew and Diane Wasznicky hold certifications as Family Law Specialists by the California Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of legal practice. Their commitment has earned them an esteemed AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a superb rating of 10.0 from Avvo.

Together, we provide comprehensive family law services, including litigation, mediation, and collaborative legal solutions, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients. To learn more about the individual backgrounds of our attorneys, please click on the links below.

Hal D. Bartholomew

Born and raised in Elk Grove, California, Mr. Bartholomew is deeply connected to his local community. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis in 1968, followed by his Juris Doctor from the same institution in 1971. Prior to co-founding Bartholomew & Wasznicky in 1989, he spent 15 years as a partner at Desmond, Miller, Desmond & Bartholomew.

Mr. Bartholomew’s impressive background extends beyond his legal career. He served as a United States Army Reserve captain and holds a real estate broker license. Admitted to practice before esteemed courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Court of Claims, he has gained recognition as an accomplished attorney.

With his extensive expertise in family law, Mr. Bartholomew has achieved distinguished recognition. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Furthermore, he is certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist, underscoring his deep knowledge and mastery in the field.

Diane E. Wasznicky

Ms. Wasznicky, originally from Massachusetts, embarked on her legal journey at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned her undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology, and law in 1977. Following her passion, she relocated to California and pursued her Juris Doctor at the University of California, Davis, completing her legal education in 1980.

In 1989, Ms. Wasznicky co-founded Bartholomew & Wasznicky, a renowned firm dedicated to practicing Family Law. Her commitment and expertise in the field led her to be certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California, underscoring her exceptional knowledge and skills in this specialized area of law.

Carla Castaneda

Carla, a California native of Sonoma County, has always connected deeply to her home state. In May 2009, she graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology and a minor in Chicano Studies. Following her undergraduate studies, Carla worked for a non-profit child development agency in Sonoma County. Her experience fueled her desire to pursue a law degree, leading her back to UC Davis School of Law, where she obtained her J.D. in May 2013.

During law school, Carla’s passion for family law grew, as she engaged in various experiences to explore and develop her expertise in the field. She served as a legal research extern at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse and as a law clerk for the Family Violence Appellate Project, gaining invaluable insights. Carla honed her writing skills as an Articles Editor for the UC Davis Law Review and gained practical experience in the UC Davis Immigration Law Clinic, where she represented a domestic violence survivor in an affirmative application for immigration relief. Her dedication to public service was recognized with the Public Service Law Program Certificate award upon graduation.

After law school, Carla initially practiced as an associate attorney representing injured workers before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. While she found fulfillment in helping clients navigate challenging times, her true calling was in family law. Drawing on her skills and experience, Carla made the transition to family law, reaffirming her passion for this area of practice.

Carla is committed to serving her community and is fluent in Spanish, providing valuable assistance to Spanish-speaking clients.

Carla is certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist.

Therese A. Larrea

Therese, a Sacramento native and graduate of St. Francis High School, embarked on her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her love for France led her to study in Montpellier and later reside in Paris, working as an Au Pair for nine months.

Upon returning to California, Therese settled in San Francisco, where she gained experience in marketing and advertising. However, her desire to make a difference led her to volunteer for the Support Network for Battered Women, ultimately igniting her interest in the legal field. Therese pursued her passion by attending Santa Clara University Law School, where she excelled academically, becoming a member of the law review and receiving recognition for her public interest work. She graduated as a Public Interest Law Scholar and gained valuable experience through off-campus law clinics in East San Jose and Santa Clara. Therese’s faculty advisor, a renowned expert in family law, inspired her to focus her practice in this area. She has been a member of the California State Bar since 1997.

Since graduating from law school, Therese has dedicated her career exclusively to family law. She practiced in San Jose before returning to her hometown of Sacramento. In 1999, she initially joined Bartholomew & Wasznicky, and she has recently rejoined the firm to continue her work in family law. Therese’s passion for the field extends beyond her practice; she has served as assistant editor of the Sacramento Family Law Counselor newsletter for three years and has taught family law classes for Fathers First and the Learning Exchange. She has also contributed as a mentor for the Volunteers in Parole program. Therese is an active member of the Family Law Section of both the Sacramento County Bar and California State Bar, and she is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District.

Katharine Biwott

Katharine, a native of Oregon, was raised in Southern Oregon and developed a strong connection to her home state. In 2009, she graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a minor in Music. Katharine’s passion for law led her to pursue her Juris Doctor at the University of Oregon School of Law, which she successfully obtained in 2012.

During her time in law school, Katharine devoted herself to the study of family and criminal law. She gained invaluable courtroom experience as a certified law student at the District Attorney’s office, representing the State of Oregon in prosecuting possession offenses. She further honed her legal skills as a judicial extern for the Honorable Debra K. Vogt at the Lane County Courthouse, where she assisted with research and writing. In her final semester, Katharine interned at Legal Aid, assisting clients with family law and domestic violence cases.

After completing her law degree, Katharine relocated to California and became a member of the California Bar in 2016. Since then, she has exclusively focused her practice on family law. Prior to joining Bartholomew and Wasznicky LLP in September 2019, she worked as an associate attorney in Roseville, California, and later established her own solo practice in Folsom, California. Katharine is certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist.

Katharine actively contributes to her community through volunteer work at One Day Divorce in Sacramento County. She is also a proud member of the Sacramento Collaborative Practice Group, showcasing her dedication to collaborative family law practices.

Mende Romaniak

Mende’s roots trace back to Bend, Oregon, where she spent her formative years before embarking on her educational journey in California. Since 2013, she has dedicated her practice exclusively to family law. In 2009, she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Redlands, followed by her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2012. Her remarkable achievement of passing the July 2012 bar on her first attempt led to her admission to the State Courts of California. Mende’s expertise in family law is further recognized by her certification as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California.

Prior to her role as an Associate Attorney at a reputable Sacramento law firm specializing in family law, Mende served as a law clerk for a former Presiding Judge in Sacramento County. This experience solidified her passion for assisting clients during what is often one of the most challenging periods in their lives. As a law clerk, she provided valuable support to the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, contributing to initiatives such as the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Workshop (DVRO) and the “One Day Divorce” program. Mende gained hands-on experience helping Sacramento residents obtain domestic violence restraining orders and navigate the dissolution process.

Beyond her legal career, Mende finds joy in reconnecting with her Oregon roots by visiting her family. She also cherishes the friendships she has cultivated in Sacramento, considering them her chosen family. In her leisure time, she immerses herself in literature, explores new culinary creations through recipes, and embraces the opportunity to travel whenever possible.

Nathan Erickson

Nathan Erickson’s upbringing took place in the vibrant East Bay of Northern California. He pursued his higher education at Arizona State University, where he not only excelled academically but also showcased his athletic prowess as an NCAA Athlete. Graduating from the prestigious Honors College at ASU, he then gained admission to ASU Law School, a renowned institution ranked among the top 30 law schools nationwide and fifth on the West Coast. In 2016, he successfully completed his legal education and was admitted to the Arizona Bar.

Embarking on his legal career as a felony prosecutor, Mr. Erickson honed his trial skills by conducting felony jury trials on behalf of the People of Phoenix, Arizona. In 2018, he returned to Northern California and was admitted to the California Bar. Since then, he has devoted his practice exclusively to Family Law, accumulating nearly three years of experience. Prior to joining Bartholomew & Wasznicky, he worked with another firm in Sacramento that focused solely on family law. Mr. Erickson possesses extensive knowledge of family law matters across the greater Sacramento area. Nathan is certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist.

As a family law attorney, Nathan takes great pleasure in providing dedicated and zealous representation to his clients. His exceptional written and oral advocacy, coupled with his strong communication skills, enables him to comprehend the multifaceted aspects and complexities of family law cases. Recognizing the significance of the attorney-client relationship, especially when dealing with crucial aspects of life during turbulent times, he prioritizes ensuring that clients feel heard, supported, understood, and protected.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Nathan finds solace and joy in various outdoor activities, including golf, skiing, and surfing. He cherishes quality time spent with his family, embracing the beauty of Northern California’s natural surroundings. Nathan’s background as an NCAA Swimmer at Arizona State instilled in him a sense of dedication and discipline, which he seamlessly translates into his legal practice.