Lawyers map
Christopher Charles Melcher
Data reflects the status as of the most recent database update. We generally conduct data reviews and updates on a
monthly schedule.
5.0
Avvo rating
5 Reviews
All reviews
01 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I have been dealing with attorney's for all of my life and I trust this lawfirm like I trust my family. Anytime I have ever had an issue they were quick to come to bat for me and they always produced the best result. I first learned of their lawfirm by googling them and I noticed they had worked on many high end legal cases which I thought they wouldnt take my case.
What I learned is that they take pride and care in all cases large or small, celebrity or just your average person. I am very happy with my results with them and I am thankful for their loyalty and compassion in my time of need. Hats off to you Mr. Melcher and Walzer!
05 Apr, 2014 by Arash
One of the most important qualities that you are looking to find in a good lawyer is for he/she to give you a piece of mind regarding the legal issue under consideration. This requires expert knowledge of the field and the ability to communicate the key points without confusing the not-expert client. Chris has taken the expert knowledge of the field and communication capability to perfection. I highly recommend Chris.
03 Apr, 2013 by Debra
I found Christopher Melcher's name while feverishly researching IRS codes etc., regarding alimony and mortgage contributions. My ex-husband was insisting that I claim not only my spousal support for the entire 2012 tax year as income (which I knew about and was prepared to do) but also his "mortgage contributions" as well.
My ex gave me 40% of the mortgage monthly for the "marital home" from January 2012 to October 2012. This was home, not only to myself, but to our children as well. Both my ex and I were on the deed and the mortgages. I never imagined that mortgage consideration would be taxable to me!
My own attorny was zero help on this. After 2 grueling years of being his annuity, I wasn't surprised that once again, he was unable to give me a definitive answer. That's why I set out on a mission to understand the divorce and IRS tax laws on my own, which quite frankly, is comparable to my becoming a physicist. But I persevered, and came across a terrific article on the topic by Mr. Melcher. I was so impressed with this article that I decided to contact him, even though we were in different states. I was hoping that since this was a federal tax income issue, he might still be able to help me regardless of where I lived.
I am not only happy that I reached out to Chris-- but I'm ecstatic! He responded immediately to my online inquiry and he asked me to email him all the various court orders. I emailed the files and he wrote back-- again on that same day---outlining his advice, answering all my questions concisely and thoroughly.
Thanks to Chris's keen perusal of my 3 court orders, he caught something that I would have never realized (and sadly neither would my own attorney). The one court order that was executed in June of 2012 had modified the September 2011 court order, and made it "retroactive" to September 2011. Chris explained that the IRS will not recognize that type of modification, retroactively. The June 2012 order was modifying the older order for child support, keeping the amount of money the same, but changing the breakdown from all child support to child, spousal and mortgage contribution. Chris explained that the IRS would only recognize the order that was in place at the time of the payments. So.....now this meant that EVERYTHING my ex paid me prior to June 2012--in the eyes of the IRS---would be considered ALL child support!
He also weighed in on the mortgage consideration issue, explaining that since my ex was also on the mortgage at the time of those payments, they were not spousal support, and that it would be a very difficult case for my ex to make. He confirmed my thinking that I should not take those payments as income, and suggested how I could give my ex his "fair portion" of the mortgage interest. This will now be a very small amount since, as Chris pointed out, according to the court documents, there was no mortgage contributions ordered until mId year! Can you say KARMA?!
Chris and I exchanged a couple of emails and we had one phone call (which by the way he made to me while on his family vacation!). Chris is obviously extremely sharp, extremely knowledgable, very kind and he was very generous with his time.
I was also very impressed that on all of Chris's emails, his cell phone is listed along with his other contact info! Very unusual, and I think that says a lot.
Moral of the story? Trust your instincts, be your own advocate, don't be bullied, do your homework, and call Chris Melcher.
If I had a "re-do"- I would live in CA and hire Chris to handle my whole divorce!
09 Jul, 2012 by Steve
I've been a litigator for over 16 years, and I've chosen Chris to counsel and represesent me in a couple of family law matters over the past six years or so. Chris actually keeps your best interests in mind, and in a divorce or other custody situation, is actually looking out for your kids. He is professional, courteous, knowledgeable, a recognized expert in his field, and is highly respected among family law judges. If you're looking for a family law attorney who's going to fan the flames of acrimony, churn the case, and burn through your savings while promising to deliver your ex's head to you on a silver platter, look elsewhere (by the way that is NOT the kind of attorney you want, believe me). If you're looking for a family law attorney who's going to efficiently and professionally help you make the best out of a bad situation, do so for a reasonable fee, and genuinely look out for you (and your kids), call Chris. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
31 Dec, 2011 by Claudio
Mr. Melcher helped me through a very long and contested divorce. In many different situations he always had the ability to determine what the real issue was, and to counsel the best course of action. Examples of this were plenty:
- We prevailed in the valuation of my business; the Judge set the value at exactly the amount we proposed (around one eighth of the amount the opposite side wanted). This was no minor issue; I had a business that it was hard to put a price on. The opposite side insisted on a higher payoff amount, the hired several people and constantly tried to make the Court believe that I was a liar; my lawyer was always cool-headed, supported his allegations with hard facts, in a clean, firm, convincing manner. Never got into any name calling, bulling, etc. Believe me, I saw a lot of that while in court waiting for my turn. I saw many lawyers that played the “tough cookie” role to please their clients. Chris never resorted to that or any other cheap display. He was simply well prepared, and ready ALL THE TIME, A TRUE PROFESSIONAL.
- Kept my residence and paid my ex-wife the fair market value of the house
- Spousal and Child support was set according with the figures proposed by Mr. Melcher
- Finally, the most important issue to me had to do with custody of my children; all 4 of them ended living with me. Mr. Melcher helped me obtain FULL PHYSICAL AND LEGAL CUSTODY of my son. This was the light at the end of the tunnel, it made it all worth it. I was told by several people that it was “virtually impossible” to get the full custody of my son, now we live together in big part thanks to Mr. Melcher’s work
Worth mentioning also is his honesty, I NEVER GOT CHARGED FOR ANYTHING THAT WASN’T DONE. I could go over my statement carefully, and identify that the charges made corresponded to services performed.
Finally, his entire law firm team is great; his Partner Mr. Walzer was available anytime we deemed necessary consult with him. The other lawyers, Arlene, the paralegals, secretaries... I knew at all times that I had THE BEST LEGAL TEAM BEHIND ME.
I have recommended him to my best friend, and he was extremely satisfied with the way they handled his divorce.
Best lawyers in Woodland Hills, CA
19 Apr, 2012 by Hendrika
Ms. Cohen is the most respectful, knowledgeable, and caring attorney I have ever had the privileged to hire, and I've hired more than a few. Despite the fact she has only been licensed for a year her understanding and comprehension of the law is extensive and her professionalism unparalleled.
She does all the things you're paying her to do, represent you, call and email you back, (you'd be surprised how many don't!) show up on time for court appearances as well as meetings with you and opposing counsel, fully researching, preparing, and filing all the required documents and forms in a timely manner and has the insight, knowledge, and expertise to advise you in your case. She's also smart and sensible and well spoken to you, as well as other attorney's and especially judges.
What takes Ms. Cohen far above the competition is her loyal and caring attitude, something that I have paid over $50,000 in the past trying to find. It doesn't matter if you're paying someone $400 an hour, you can't pay them to care. Ms. Cohen is the exception, she is invested in her clients and in their causes. She is not only a wonderful and talented attorney but a good, kind, and genuine person, the kind of person you want in your corner.
To date Ms. Cohen has represented me in cases regarding child support, child custody, mediation, and contempt. I've also consulted with her in regards to financial and entertainment law. Her rates are very reasonable considering the service you're receiving. I would highly recommend Ms. Cohen and will continue to use her for all of my legal needs.
Read more
07 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I have had quite alot of run-ins with the law and I can say that this lawyer, Mr. Higgins, has been the most efficient and hard working counsel I have ever witnessed in any court. He is smart, quick witted, confident, and very supportive of his client. I do not plan on being in another court room again, but if I was, there would be no other lawyer that I would want representing me then Mr. Higgins!
Read more
24 Feb, 2023 by Karen
There are so many points that add up to a 5-star rating for Ben Mironer. He did everything possible to defend our case and our prayers were answered. He developed a strong defense that resulted in the best court ruling possible! Ben is so conscientious and professional and he truly represents his clients with remarkable honor and respect. He established clear and consistent communication throughout the case and always welcomed any questions with patience and he provided honest and straightforward advice. His confidence in planning a defense and leading us through it was such a relief. I would recommend Ben to anyone who is looking for dependable and expert legal representation. He is absolutely a 5-star choice.
Read more
15 Aug, 2019 by Eric
From the initial call to the decision in court, Ben was trustworthy and a pleasure to work with. Out of the six lawyers I spoke with, Ben was the only one that believed in my case against the DMV. His communication always comes from a place of compassion and understanding. Needless to say he WON our writ against the DMV when everyone else said I didn't have a chance.
We won our initial writ and the DMV decided to appeal to a higher court. Needless to say, Ben took on the new case and was equally communicative and helpful. Ben always made the time to talk and provide updates. I never had to speak with anyone other than Ben himself where he was continually demonstrate full understanding and interest in my case. We won again, and again I owe it to the amazing representation I had with Ben.
I would and will refer any friend of mine to Ben. His ability to see the law at a human level is second to none. In the most stressful time of my life I was able to put my trust in Ben. Thank you again sir, everyone else do yourself a favor and give Ben a call!
Read more
16 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Ben Mironer personally handled my case from the beginning to the end. He consulted me at every step of the way. Not only was he knowledgeable, he helped calm my nerves on a very stressful circumstance. He genuinely cares about you, and is vested in your success. He's also a great criminal attorney to boot. He knew all the ins and outs of how to defend my case. Aside from getting a great result I made a friend for life. It really makes a big difference hiring a great lawyer.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?
Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:
-
What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses. -
Who will be handling my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
What potential outcomes can I expect?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the expected timeline for my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What challenges do you foresee in my case?
Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Woodland Hills, California?
Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:
-
Within the Same State:
Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state. -
Outside of Their Licensed State:
If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:- Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
- Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
-
International Representation:
For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.
It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.
How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer
Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:
-
Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
Ask for References:
A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:
-
Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as:- Contracts or agreements
- Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
- Legal notices or court papers
- Financial records (if applicable)
- Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
-
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed. -
Budget Constraints:
Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options. -
Openness and Honesty:
Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
