Lawrence H. Stotter

H. Stotter

Lawrence H. Stotter (“Larry”) passed away peacefully at his home on October 25, 2026, at the age of 97. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Stotter; his children, Daniel Stotter, Jennifer Koran, and Steven Stotter; and his grandchildren, Benjamin Burress-Irving and Mia Koran.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Larry was a graduate of Ohio State University College of Law, and was a nationally renowned family law attorney. He served as chair of the American Bar Association Section of Family Law, and was the U.S. delegate to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. Among his professional achievements, Larry won a landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court involving interstate child custody. His research into the field of family law led to the publication of his 2011 book, “To Put Asunder: The Laws of Matrimonial Strife,” which traces over 2,000 years of family law history.

Larry served as chair of the Mount Tamalpais Conservation Club, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the conservation of the Bay Area’s natural environment, and he was a longtime volunteer with the Angel Island State Park. An avid reader, Larry also volunteered for the Friends of the Belvedere-Tiburon Library Bookstore. In the later years of his life, Larry became an accomplished masters track and field athlete, setting triple jump and sprint relay records in the 85+ age category. In 2016, at age 85, he was No. 1 nationally in the decathlon for his age group. He was also an active member of the Oakland, Mission Hills, and Sonoma-Cutrer croquet clubs.

Larry led a long and active life, devoted to his family, while pursuing professional excellence, conservation advocacy, athletic activities, and community service. He will be remembered by all whose lives he touched. Details on his celebration of life event will be shared when available.