Best Child Support lawyers in San Leandro, CA

1 Child Support Lawyers in San Leandro, CA

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Kelly Jean Gamble

477 Callan Avenue, San Leandro, CA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

4.1/5

4.1

8 Reviews

10 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous

I retained Kelly upon deciding to file for divorce from my now ex-wife. It's a decision I will regret for the rest of my life. I explained to Kelly my situation upfront and what I expected my ex to try to use against me. She indicated that wouldn't be an issue in retaining joint custody of my kids as long as I was regular part of their life and routines, and that Family Court wouldn't use the arrest as a basis of proof that I did anything wrong or abusive. My ex was ultra-aggessive and hired an attorney that amplified her aggression to obtain sole custody and ability to move children to East Coast. They secured Nancy Lemon (DV expert) to produce a 20 page report painting me as an abuser, just from talking to my ex and her accounting of incidents, real and made-up. I was appalled and scared when I saw this, but even more so when Kelly indicated she had never seen anything like this before. It was clear at that point that she was in over her head and over-matched. The bulk of the strategy was spent trying to defend against their numerous false narratives and accusations. I provided everything I could think of to combat their accusations including written responses to the “incidents” they claimed occurred, and even providing potential witness list to attest to the voracity of her claims (neighbors, teachers, family members, friends). To my surprise, Kelly immediately sent over the potential witness list to opposing counsel before we even discussed it and the strategy involved in using these potential witnesses. After all of this, at trial we ended up with ZERO character witnesses while my ex had three witnesses on their side (including her mother). Kelly only pursued one (and they ended as a witness for the other side). This was a clear misstep on Kelly’s part and left me looking like I had no supporters while my ex had multiple. After being through this experience, I understand that it’s a perception game and whomever plays it the best, wins over the judge. Kelly’s excuse was that friends and family would be seen as biased.. but she didn’t even consider using teachers and neighbors, mutual friends and this assisted in me losing the perception game. Another tactical misstep was in not spending enough time detailing my involvement in my kids life. So much time was spent on defending against their accusations… but if more time was spent on my involvement as a father and the need for me to be in their lives, it would’ve been much more difficult for judge to grant decision for them to be moved away from me. Aside from the many tactical mistakes and missteps, Kelly was simply unprofessional. In court, there were many times the judge had to reprimand her for her behavior and it was clear she wasn’t effective with her in-court arguments at all. She was thoroughly out-maneuvered and dominated in court by the opposing counsel. Other tactical missteps included not insisting on a Custody Evaluation and making the judge accountable to do so before rending a custody verdict, and in allowing the judge to render a 3044 ruling without there being a standing restraining order issued. These were two areas that baffled others that looked at my case. Outside of court, she was unprofessional in her dealings with me, multiple times yelling or being very short with me in our meetings. There was one occasion where I was very worried and emotional regarding the judge possibly making a decision just off of her testimony, and she showed no sensitivity and instead yelled at me saying “The worst thing that can happen is they allow your ex to move your kids to the other side of the country. It’s not the end of the world.” That showed me right there that she didn’t understand how serious this was for me. Why else would I be paying this much to her if it wasn’t a big deal? When I lost custody, it was the worst day of my life. And I regretted not changing counsel when I had a chance.

03 Mar, 2017 by Sheetal

Kelly Gamble and Associates is a great law firm. They have been handling my case with lot of expertise. Kelly is patient, very knowledgeable and gives aggressive representation in court with detailed know how about legal aspects. I recommend her law firm to anyone dealing with child custody and divorce cases.

03 Aug, 2016 by Anne

I cannot say enough about Kelly Gamble and her staff. I had a somewhat complicated case and had been to another attorney in San Leandro that said he could not help me. I was totally freaked that I was not going to be able to protect my nephew and I called Kelly's office and set up an appointment. WOW Kelly said she would do what she could, we had an out of state emergency guardianship case to protect our nephew who was staying with us on a temporary basis. Kelly and her staff got right on everything RIGHT AWAY as time was the essence. Kelly is OFF THE CHARTS SUPPORTIVE and will get the job done. Kelly is NOT afraid of a challenge. Not only is she a GREAT attorney but a wonderful person !!!!!! Her staff Kimberly, Lorena, Jacquie BEST... Seriously supportive and on the ball. I was able to keep my nephew safe and make sure his mom got her act together before we had to send him home. If you need a family lawyer that is on her game you should call Kelly.. hands down the best in the area. Bottom line I cannot thank the "KELLY TEAM" enough for all they did to help my family. Kelly Gamble - I will be forever grateful for all you did to help our family !!!!!!!

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What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You

A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.

Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.

When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:

Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.

Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.

What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?

A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:

Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.

How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?

Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:

Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:

Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.

How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.