Best Family Law lawyers in California

9,844 Family Law Lawyers in California

>9.8k

experienced lawyers

Alexis L Scott

3111 Camino Del Rio N, Ste 1050, San Diego, CA

Criminal Defense Family Law Sex Crime +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

22 Oct, 2014 by Grayling

Without Alexis and her hard work and determination and never letting me give up hope I have my daughter full time now...She put a lot of time and energy into my case and its great to know I have her in my corner...thank you much Alexis.

13 Aug, 2013 by Josh

I found that Ms. Scott was knowledgeable when it came to the custody case. Ms. Scott was always professional and genuinely cared about my dayghter and and myself. She was always informing me of the status of my case and different possibilites of the outcome. If I had questions I could call anytime and if she was not available she would call back as soon as she was able. Ms. Scott showed up to court dressed very professional and understood my wishes for custody. She would talk to me about an agreement and if the agreement was bad or not to my liking then she would voice that and not agree. Ms. Scott never pressered me to do or agree to anything, instead she recommended that before I would discuss anything to contact her. I had talked to a few lawyers in the area and all of them seemed to busy to sitdown and discuss my case, others would purse an expensive case. Ms. Scott made me feel comfortable and eager for me to dicuss my case. Ms. Scott would also inform me if doing something was a bad idea and educate me on a different approach, that was effective and saved time and money. I will use Ms. Scott to represent me in the future and I would recommended her to anyone needing legal assistance for a fair price and comfortable no pressure representation.

02 Oct, 2012 by Josh

I am a father and I could not have gotten my daughter back in my arms without the tremendous work done by Alexis Scott. I now have my five-year-old daughter back in my life AND with full custody after her mom abducted her and fled the state in 2009. I wasted precious time and money with the wrong lawyer for over a year. When I hired Alexis and Tony Solare they fixed the mistakes made by my previous lawyer and covered all the bases to ensure that I received full physical and legal custody of my daughter. It can go unmentioned how extremely difficult it is for a father to receive custody of his child, but she did it! They were great to work with and very flexible on money matters. I recommend them with 100% confidence; my only wish was that I went to them first, so I wouldn’t have wasted time and money with my previous lawyer.

Tess Marie Cozine

8484 Wilshire Blvd Ste 660, Beverly Hills, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

12 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous

I hired Tess Cozine to represent me in my divorce case. In my case, we had no children but a 12 year marriage with significant assets and I am the breadwinner. So, I had a lot to lose from a financial perspective -- I was on the hook for spousal support, and was going to lose half of my investments and two LA properties to my spouse who had none and contributed little during our marriage. I was also on the hook to pay not only my own attorney costs, but to pay my spouse's costs. I was facing an enormous financial cost and was very concerned that my divorce outcome would cause financial ruin or worst case, bankrupt me and I would lose all the properties and savings that I worked so hard to achieve. When I was evaluating different attorneys, I chose Tess because of her credentials and experience -- UCLA Law school grad with 13 solid years of Family Law experience. And I liked that her firm, Levin Margolin, was specialized in Family Law but wasn't too large or small. If I ever needed other more senior counsel, Tess could draw upon her partners to provide that. For the "day to day" work, I was able to get a very skillful and knowledgeable attorney but at a better value (Tess is an Associate Partner) than if I hired a Partner. And if I did need a Partner's counsel, Tess's firm was able to provide that. Getting divorced is one of the most traumatic and scary experiences I've had to endure. You're at your lowest point emotionally and at a scary financial juncture that could ruin your financial future for many years to come. It's a crappy and ridiculously expensive system here in the US but there's no other way out of a marriage. So, finding a lawyer that is not only skillful, and experienced -- while not taking financial advantage of me, was my utmost concern. Tess Cozine has operated with fairness and integrity throughout the 3 year process. Furthermore, she has a rare ability to understand short-term tactical strategy while keeping her eye on the long term strategy and goal. She's incredibly smart, savvy and personable. I enjoyed working with her. A divorce case is very much about making "cost-benefit" decisions -- i.e., analyzing what costs to incur with the intent that those investments would pay off and save me money in the long term. I've learned that it was critically important to not only hire Tess but to hire a couple experts that she recommended (forensic accountant and vocational examiner) that proved to be extremely worthwhile investments. With my positive outcome, I look back at the recommendations Tess made along the way after careful consideration as to whether or not it was a wise investment -- and she was always right. She knew who to hire and who not to hire -and she knew when it made sense to spend money and when it didn't. She always carefully considered the cost of each tactical move and would discuss with me before proceeding. She knew I was extremely cost-conscious and was able to put herself in my shoes with every decision. Due to my ex-husband's reluctance to settle or cooperate in the process - and because he was living in my house at my expense -- our case dragged out and was unusually long (over 3 years). This 3 year process gave me a lot of insight into the keys to a successful client-attorney experience and I'm so thankful that I hired Tess and Levin Margolin. With Tess's skillful tactical and long term strategy, I was prevailed on all issues of my case. Tess has given me renewed confidence in the Family Law profession -- as she and her firm are not only super savvy, smart and strategic -- but she and her firm operate with integrity. Many attorneys are not this way. There are many shady, unethical and unscrupulous attorneys. I was very skeptical of all attorneys when I hired her. But along the way, she earned my trust and I now can emphatically endorse her. I recommend her very highly for divorce and family law cases.

12 Sep, 2017 by Craig

I hired Tess almost 8 years ago to represent me as a single new father in a custody battle case. I knew going in that I didnt have much of a chance of anything going up against the legal system and the Mother of my child. But immediately I felt that Tess cared about me and my situation and wasn't just going through the motions. Throughout the 2 and half year ordeal Tess guided me through each and every step and provided thoughtful, caring, and logical advice and counseling to get me through each and every hurdle along the way. Over the course of my case, there were many obstacles to over come and many battles to be fought and the temporary outcomes did not always go my way but I knew I was in good hands with Tess and her firm. At the end of the custody war Tess won FULL custody for me, a single Father, which is simply unheard of these days. I dont wish this process on anyone but if you have to go through it I recommend Tess Cozine with all of my heart and soul.

12 Sep, 2017 by Michael

Tess really saved the day for me. I had a very hostile ex-wife who wanted her day in court. I was married for 12 years, had two young children at the time, property and debt to deal with plus my ex-wife was constantly changing her mind and demanding more. Tess saw right through my ex and prepared a bullet proof deposition that focused the judge directly on the truth. My case was settled on only one court date. Tess was truly amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who is unfortunate enough to be going through divorce. Tess is truly the best!

Matthew Scott Ritchie

331 J Street, Ste. 200, Sacramento, CA

Business Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

13 Sep, 2021 by Isabel

I hired Mr. Ritchie to represent me on an uncontested divorce trial and a child custody battle. I had a super very difficult divorce and custody trial. I am really satisfied with the results and I recommend him 100%.

22 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous

Mr. Ritchie assessed my very complicated divorce when it was half way through the case and cleared things up, prioritized and got the case back on track. He is extremely skilled, smart, available to answer questions and clarify and a great asset to have. High recommend him.

03 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous

Matthew Ritchie won a very difficult case for me. He was very thorough and always got back to me when I had any questions or concerns. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anybody seeking a great attorney. Thank you Matthew!!

Ladan Palabod

17412 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

11 Jul, 2020 by Peter

We thought our dilemma was unique, impossible to overcome, and would drag on longer than we could handle. But after meeting with Attorney Ladan Palabod, she listened, took control of the situation, executed and overcame every obstacle in order to achieve every goal we set together. I highly recommend her if you are looking for an attorney who is fair, considerate of your objectives, and gets the job done!

30 Apr, 2020 by Sarah

I hired Attorney Palabod to complete my Estate Planning documents. She also drafted a Special Needs Trust for my daughter. She was very patient. Loving and kind. Every detail was covered. Did a great job. Came to my house several times to help me organize my documents. She had done extra miles to complete. She finished our estate planning documents. I thank her very much. I need someone to push me to do everything, she was there for me. She is a very good woman and lawyer. Cared for every member of my family

08 Sep, 2019 by Alice

Attorney Ladan Palabod is so professional and courteous that it is a delight coming in contact with her. I consulted with her a few times on volunteer services that we both do for the poor and low income community. On both occasions her humane and gracious attitude shone through even when the “chips were down” so to speak.

Roger Myers Keithly III

16935 W Bernardo Dr Ste 232, San Diego, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

05 Feb, 2017 by Jonathan

Roger's father took care of my divorce, and many years later, one of the aspects of that ruling came into effect. My ex wasn't cooperating, so Roger took on his father's case and worked the issue despite delaying tactics and attempts to skirt the law by the opposing party. Through his perseverence, he was finally able to bring the divorce to an end. I can't thank him enough.

17 Dec, 2014 by Frank

Having interviewed many lawyers both in person and over the phone, none stood out to me as Roger Keithly did. Some of the lawyers that were interviewed were considered among the hardly affordable "San Diego Super Lawyers" and were asking ridiculous retainers that would have me getting a second mortgage on my house. All but one, Roger Keithly III, appeared to want to settle through mediation. For me, mediation was not an option. Every lawyer besides Roger seemed to want the case to settle in mediation. I, on the other hand, did not want to settle as it would infringe upon my rights as the parent to be able to decide who my child saw and for how long. Roger stood out within the first five minutes as he demonstrated confidence and poise. He demonstrated that he truly cares about both the client and the child that is regarded in the case. Most importantly, he was willing to to bring such a contest to the opposing party that it would almost appear that weren't on the defensive side at all. As a father with sole legal and physical custody, I found myself on the defensive end of a grandparent who was seeking visitation while her daughter, my ex-wife, is incarcerated. In the short period leading up to the case, He reviewed the laws thoroughly and came prepared and with confidence. He took on my case with short notice, only a week after mediation with Family Court Services and three weeks prior to my hearing in front of the judge . In the courtroom, Roger was a true artsison, capable of defending my case in such a manner that the court would have no other options but to see an outcome in my favor. His courtroom ediquette and mannnerisms are second to none as he demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in the court room. Roger retains my strongest recommendation for anyone with any Family Law matters at hand!

27 Mar, 2011 by Shannon

Attorney Keithly was great. He was always available to answer my questions and did not give my case to some associate attorney, he handled it himself personally. He was focused on helping get my case resolved, unlike other attorneys who are just about running up the bills. I would recommend Attorney Keithly to any of my friends and family that have to go through a divorce.

Adriana Cespedes

110 W C St Ste 1904, San Diego, CA

Criminal Defense Family Law Federal Crime +3 +6

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

17 Dec, 2019 by William

Adrianna was very easy to talk with about my case, she made me feel very confident that everything would work out fine and everything did!!!! would for sure recommend and use Adrianna again if ever needed.

04 Apr, 2016 by Joanna

We had hire another attorney, honestly they did not help at all! I contacted Adriana same day she answered my questions and scheduled me. Honestly she helped my brother out on getting less time and dropped charges. My family loves her ! She is awesome, I will sure recommend her to anyone!

09 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous

Adriana handle a case for my Son. I contacted her just to follow up and get information . She was able to get him early release and get some charges expunged, that helped him get employment to provide for his family. He's doing well as a result of fair and honest representation.

Kelly Renee McGrane-Irwin

1400 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 Jun, 2015 by Ling

Kelly handled my divorce case and I was very pleased with her!She is very knowledgeable,professional and trustworthy! Even though I don't wish anyone else to have divorced but if you need that service i high recommend Kelly!

27 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous

I hired Kelly to represent me in family court while obtaining a restraining order for my past relationship, which involved Domestic Violence. Kelly was very thorough and knowledgeable along every step of the way, and fully invested herself and her time in my case. She was very straight-forward with myself and my family, and most importantly for me, honest. I was extremely apprehensive about going to court in such a sensitive situation, but Kelly made me feel more at ease in the courtroom with the competency in which she represented my case. If need be, I would not hesitate to hire Kelly to represent me again in the future.

03 Apr, 2014 by Carmen

Kelly helped me get through a divorce that I had been working through myself for 17 years, I could not do it on my own, I needed professional help with this, and she listened to my needs and helped me through it every step of the way. I turned it over to her and let her do her magic, this divorce had so many aspects that a "normal" divorce wouldn't have, and she was able to work through it and resolve it in a professional and dedicated manner. I would refer her over and over again...kudos to Kelly!

Claudia D Garcia

110 West "A" St., Suite 750, San Diego, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Jan, 2021 by Martha

La Lic. Claudia Garcia es una abogada profesional en todo el sentido de la palabra. En uno de los momentos más difíciles de mi vida, enfrentando una separación después de una relación de 31 años, tuve la fortuna de encontrar a una abogada seria, sensata, honesta, con sentido común, impecable en sus consejos y acciones (virtudes difíciles de encontrar todas juntas). Claudia me ayudó a encontrar orden y paz en un proceso legal tan difícil de enfrentar. Recomiendo ampliamente a la Licenciada Garcia a quién estaré eternamente agradecida por su valiosa ayuda. Con profunda admiración y respeto.

29 Jun, 2011 by Ruben

Claudia is a breath of fresh air as a Lawyer. She is always willing to listen and help those who need an honest an accurate response in any situation that the customer needs. When it comes to Family Law and Inmigration I have no objection to recommend her.

28 Nov, 2010 by Joe

Claudia was very lawyer to work with, from the beginning she explain how she works and how she charges. That made me feel very trustworthy with Mrs. Garcia. She always kept me informed of everything was going on and the most important thing is that she has passion for what she represent and she very knowledgeable as a lawyer. Any calls I made or email I wrote to her was always answer the same day or next day, she was always responsive. In the end of my divorce she took care of everything and everything went as was plan, she was always punctual for her appointments with me and always showed to court with me on time which was very important to me since I had attorneys that I had in the pass that did even showed up to court. Overall I was very pleased with Mrs. Garcia and I will referred her to a friend, because I am sure she will threat my friends the same she threated me with respect.

Jeremy Scott Boyer

12636 High Bluff Drive., San Diego, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

03 Jun, 2019 by Ghazal

I just had a phone conversation with Mr. Boyer he’s extremely helpful and professional my divorce case is done but I had additional question 30 minutes phone conversation with Mr. Boyer was extremely helpful he’s very knowledgeable

28 Sep, 2016 by Chris

I recently worked with Jeremy on a custody case for my 12 year old son. From our first consultation, I was completely confident in Jeremy. He let us know exactly what to expect, and how he was going to get it done for us. He was a wiz in court; cool, calm, and collected. He over prepared me for every court appearance, and let me know exactly what was going to happen every step of the way. Overall, I had a wonderful experience working with Jeremy and his team. We couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome.

11 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous

Jeremy, treated me with respect and kept me fully informed. I had a bad divorce and Jeremy made feel confident to be able to rebound and mov eon with my life.

Lisa Marie Headrick

4308 Lime Street, Riverside, CA

Bankruptcy Business Car Accident +11 +14

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

04 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous

Marc's law firm was there for me when no other attorney would take my criminal case. I went with Lisa a few times to court and she informed me about my case status when Marc was out to court and not available. She was very friendly and knowledgeable about my case.

27 Sep, 2010 by Rick

Lisa is a savior. She handled my bankruptcy and helped me save my home. She is the single best attorney I have ever met (I had a criminal case a few years back). I would recommend Lisa.

25 Sep, 2010 by Sam

Marc had helped us on a personal injury case which is how we met Lisa. Lisa met with us several times without ever charging us before we finally decided bankruptcy was right for us. Lisa explained everything to us and helped us plan every move. Everything went like clockwork. Thanks Lisa - You're the Greatest!

Geri Rene Bray

1445 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

06 Feb, 2020 by Rick acevedo

Best landlord in Northern California that I know. Friendly and prompt with whatever needs repair in apartments.

12 Dec, 2018 by Robert barger

11 Oct, 2016 by Mike h

Geri Bray took my case after 2 other attorneys sold me out and threw me to the wolves and she was able to bring it back to a nice settlement for me. She went up against the so called "pit bull" of divorce attorneys Judy Burger and was a force to reckon with. I was with my wife for 24 years and married 18 of those and I got out of there with no alimony forever, kept the house and all the belongings, my 401K, my 1000 hours vacation pay, and it cost me a third of what the last two idiots charged me. She is the real deal folks. If you want solid family law representation from an experienced attorney with a heart that will listen to your story go see Geri Bray. You won't regret it one of the best decisions of my life.

Casey Allan Olsen

2367 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA

Family Law Trusts +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

07 Feb, 2021 by Carol anne

I hired Casey because he helped a friend of mine through a divorce with a narcissist. He was her third attorney and the couple were fighting over peanuts. I was open and first interviewed several attorneys before choosing him. I liked him because, during my first conversation with him, he chatted with me over the phone for about an hour. Gave me solid free advice. After hiring him, I had no regrets. I was divorcing a narcissist too, a covert narcissist. If anyone knows anything about narcissism, you will know that they are the most difficult, toxic, and delusional people to get out of your life. At first, my ex (in narc vocabulary we call that Nex) was representing himself Proper. Casey made many attempts to meet with him to help resolve things. To no avail. Because my nex had refused to meet, Casey requested a trial with the courts. Los Angeles County is so backed up that it took 6 months just to get an appointment to meet with the judge to schedule a trial. Then that was another 3-4 months after that where we had a mandatory mediation date scheduled and if we didn't come to a resolution there would be a trial a month after that (I was told 99% of the time, cases get resolved at the mediation). All was finally on-track and then Covid hit and all cases were dropped and canceled. My new court date was in fall 2020 exactly 1 year from my initial request for a trial (obviously, none of this was Casey's fault). Eventually my nex got a lawyer and made bogus claims. Ridiculous, crazy claims that he was entitled to more of my home than he actually was. Casey knows his field. I am beyond amazed how intelligent he is. He taught me that I had a Family Code Section 2640 Reimbursement which is a pre-existing interest in my home (I had no idea). Since I had owned it prior to marriage, had my own money invested into it and it appreciated in value. We had done a remodel to the home before and during the marriage and there were some grey areas as to who owned how much. Casey helped me by having me get a historical appraisal, taught me what a Moores Marsden calculation was, and many other things. (I'm a Realtor and being educated in this has helped me with my own clients going through a divorce too). My nex tried all sorts of games, throwing stuff at us last minute. We were ready to go to trial and Casey had to file a "Motion in limine" which is where you get a judge to throw something out of court based on blatant evidence and proof prior to the trial so you don't spend your time discussing their bogus accusations and attend to the actual issues. Basically, we were requesting the other side's testimony to be excluded. We won that part of my trial because of Casey. If you want someone that is professional, intelligent, comes across with class and poise then Casey is your man. I would say the only room for improvement would be that his assistant would send me info from the other side with no explanation of what they were and I would get upset. It would be nice to be explained how it all works a little more perhaps. That said, not sure if I want to pay for the education. I would recommend Casey to anyone. I honestly feel that he genuinely cared about me. He also picked up on my nex being passive-aggressive. My ex is a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Plays the victim constantly and tries to come across with great effort that he is a model member of society. He literally fake-cried in front of Casey to try to elicit his sympathy. Casey didn't buy it and stood by my side to help me. Even when I just wanted to be out and move on, he reminded me how my nex had treated me the whole time. So that I would fight for what I was entitled to. I appreciated that because even I sometimes would be manipulated and feel sorry for my ex. I have seen a few divorce attorneys and perhaps I'm generalizing but the few I saw, I found quite slimy and dirty. I don't think it's in Casey's nature to be that way. Plus you don't need to be that way if you

17 May, 2015 by David

Casey Olsen recently brought an abrupt resolution to a divorce "science project" that had been going on for a year and a half before I hired Casey. I had two previous attorneys that were not able to get any traction whatsoever with opposing counsel. My two previous attorneys just kept asking for more money, while opposing counsel just kept stonewalling. In my first consultation with Casey, not only was he very knowledgeable but he also had a plan. He even called opposing counsel right there on the spot in the consultation. I had heard a lot of horror stories about how many attorneys will purposely keep both sides at odds to draw things out longer so they can rack up more billable hours. This absolutely was not the case with Casey. Casey chose the course of action that was in my best interest and not the best course for his pocket. His actions and direction brought a swift resolution and an end to a nightmarish lengthy situation. If you are in need an attorney with integrity, knowledge and who is responsive when you need answers, then I highly recommend Casey Olsen. I had enough experience with previous attorneys in the past to know a great one when I found him.

09 Jul, 2013 by Maylene

Casey Olsen has been my counsel since 2004. He is responsive, thorough, creative and extremely insightful regardless of the complexity of the matter or the how odious the opposing counsel could be. His integrity is impeccable along with his staff. They are always available, compassionate and professional. My ex has gone through 4 attorneys however, Casey has always prevailed for my case and my children’s best interests have always been a priority. Our lives are better because of Mr. Olsen and I will always appreciate and recommend him to anyone who wants to win.

Alexandra Paige Easley

1939 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous

I’ve been involved with the family law court system for 4 years now. I’ve learned quite a bit. I’ve self-represented myself, and had other attorneys. I can’t recommend Alexandra enough. I had a last minute emergency order handled by Alexandra. She was professional, timely, and communicated very well. If she wasn’t so responsive I wouldn’t have had my case seen in time. Unfortunately family law can be ugly, and Alexandra handled my case in a manner that calmed me, and she communicated my options with clarity. She treated the other party with respect. My child is doing well with the split, and gets to see both parents. Alexandra is realistic and doesn’t give unrealistic expectations. She also is a lawyer that you can trust and doesn’t use short sighted tactics such as making up issues with the other party. I highly advise getting a lawyer that is truthful and knows the system in the county that your case resides in. This is very important. I was naive and originally expected the court and mediators to be professional and fair. For the majority of my family law experience this was not the case. Some judges and mediators are fair yet many are biased without cause. Since parents will always be the parents to the child, it is very important to get a lawyer that doesn’t see only the short term and throw mud at the other party. As long as the system has problems, you really need a good attorney.

23 May, 2016 by Anonymous

Alexandra was an amazing resource for me during a very challenging time. She was of course knowledgeable and professional, but she was also sensitive and caring which just made everything easier. I was always provided with sound and detailed instructions regarding my next steps, so I knew what to expect coming up. Additionaly, she was responsive to, and supportive of, any questions or concerns I had, and of my decisions while ensuring I maintained a healthy perspective of the situation. Though my case was not terribly contentious, there were some tense moments, at which point Alex was there with a calm, reassuring presence. Her empathetic personality and fair-minded inclinations make her a trustworthy attorney who will truly hear you, and who understands what her clients are going through. I highly recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in need of a family law attorney.

20 May, 2016 by Kaity

I consulted with Alexandra regarding a child custody and child support issue. Alexandra was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to explain the legal process to me. She made sure I understood what my options were so that I could make the best choice for my family. I highly recommend Alexandra Easley and will use her again should any other issues arise.

Michael Vincent Provenzale

1901 First Avenue, San Diego, CA

Family Law Litigation Mediation +3

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

19 Aug, 2024 by Ruben talamantes

Michelle is amazing, Having to deal with my legal issues was stressful. I don’t know what to expect. When I met Michelle for the first time she was easy to talk to, answered all my questions and explained how things would go each step of the way. She was always available to answer my questions. I feel like she worked really hard to help the judge understand my situation and took time to write an extensive client report that was helpful and supportive to my case. I often refer her to my friends and family. I hope I never need her again, but if I do I would definitely work with Michelle!

16 Aug, 2024 by River tepetla

Ms.Reynoso advocates fearlessly and is dedicated to her clients. During very difficult times she assisted in walking me through the legal process with clear and expert advise. Reynoso Law made me feel safe and protected and I highly recommend to anyone needing their services

03 Oct, 2015 by Ms. silva

Mr. Provenzale has been attentive, persistent, nimble, and classy throughout this ugly & nerve-wracking divorce process. It hasn't finalized yet, but I have acquired new faith in the system, primarily because Provenzale has gotten me everything I've asked for. He will answer emails on the weekend, come into court when he's sick. I feel like a priority. Not to mention experienced and savvy in his profession, great advice. My case has been complicated on several levels, but if it were a chess match, Michael certainly plays to win.

Aaron Judson Lodge

1414 Soquel Ave Ste 222, Santa Cruz, CA

Civil Rights Family Law Mediation +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

06 Apr, 2024 by Kimberly

I am not the best writer, so all I can say is Mr. Lodge was wonderful to work with, he explained everything, was very available, and got my divorce done. Thank you and I recommend contacting his offices if you are thinking about a divorce.

19 Dec, 2009 by Tina

Mr. Lodge worked on behalf of our business on two different cases. The first case involved an ongoing dispute we have had with another business. Mr. Lodge first negotiated with the owners of the other business and then set up some mediation sessions. After only two sessions, and some rather complex discussions of possible resolutions, Mr. Lodge put together a comprehensive solution, which essentially ended our years-long dispute. The other case involved a court action that Mr. Lodge filed and argued in court. I was impressed with both the pleadings and the arguing in court. Before a trial, Mr. Lodge reached a settlement which I felt was excellent. I would recommend Mr. Lodge and his assistants to anybody who needs an attorney or mediator.

23 Oct, 2009 by Sandra

Mr. Lodge was extremely personable and really made me feel he was on my side and fighting for me. He also was reasonable, and was able to work with my ex-landlord in a way the other attorneys could not. He won a very important case for me and I am forever grateful.

Noelani Maia Nasser

333 Twin Dolphin Dr Ste 350, Redwood City, CA

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

23 Jan, 2023 by Patrick canning

Toddler Paradise!!!

09 Apr, 2022 by Joanne ferretti

This office has taken care of my legal needs for 30 years. Thank you!

03 Nov, 2020 by Kaushik vinjamur

Tabasum Kawos

3432 Hillcrest Ave Ste 100, Antioch, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

03 Nov, 2022 by Meiqing he

19 Nov, 2021 by Daniel quinn

David Lederman supported me through every step of my divorce. He was ethical, honest, and proactive in preparing for my goals during a difficult time. His focus was always on protecting the interests of my family while preparing the best case possible for a favorable outcome, which we achieved. David’s no-nonsense style, knowledge of the law and the system were invaluable. I would highly recommend David to anyone who is looking for the ultimate professional who provides sound legal advice.

12 Nov, 2020 by Paddy kehoe

Integrity, professionalism and honesty are the words that describe David Lederman and his staff. It is very difficult to pick a divorce attorney and you never really know until you get to the end, I could not have been more pleased with my choice. I had to fire my first attorney and then hired David Lederman after a lot of interviewing. David is non emotional, organized, smart and very well respected in the family law profession. My divorce had dragged on for way too long and it would have been a lot better to have hired David day one. I could not say enough good things and he brought a timely end to a very difficult divorce. I should also say that his fees were reasonable for the work he put in and I think that this is rare in attorney world.

Monique Castruita Galvan

1328 K St, Bakersfield, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

09 Jan, 2024 by Me ya

Very nice and informative very appreciated

14 Oct, 2023 by Rocio martinez

I contacted The Law office of Monique Castruita Galvan law. For my divorce and child custody. I have to say she was amazing from start to finish. She always follows through doesn’t make fake promises. Monique is very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend her services to anyone.

12 Sep, 2023 by Aurelia pacheco

Thank you Monique, you are very professional and friendly. From beginning to end Monique patiently discussed the pros and cons of each decision I had to make. I always felt she had my best intrest in mind. The experience was smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend Monique Castruita Galvan law!

Erin Patricia Farley

755 Baywood Drive, 2nd Floor, Petaluma, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous

She was amazing. Understood my case, had a wealth of knowledge surrounding it. Had great empathy for the nightmare situation I was in. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone need help!!!!

06 Jan, 2016 by Rose

I would absolutely 100% recommend Erin Farley to a friend, and have already done so twice! LOL! I can't understand why anyone would give a subpar review for Erin here on Avvo, and have instead found her to be an incredibly kind, intelligent and competent attorney. I was first referred to Erin by a friend in 2013 when my ex and I decided to separate. I was obviously anxious and upset at the time (not to mention a little untrustworthy of anyone in the legal profession...), but I knew I needed to speak to someone about what a divorce would actually mean for me and my family. Erin really helped me understand and come to terms with my divorce, and helped prepare me for everything that would follow (divvying up assets, custody battle, etc.) I eventually hired Erin to represent me during divorce proceedings in 2014, and could not be more happy with that decision. I was really angry at my ex at the time and at first thought of hiring a 'shark' lawyer to get what was mine, but through mediation with Erin I was actually able to come to an agreement with my ex and settle our divorce out of the court room. Not only did the settlement swing in my favor, but I do believe that attempting to avoid conflict during the divorce was what was best for my children. I also thing that our divorce mediations helped my ex and I become better co-parents today because it helped us put our family first instead of ourselves. We will, after all, be in each other's lives forever through our children, and I want to thank the Law Office of Erin Farley for understanding that and respecting it.

29 Oct, 2014 by Chelsea

Erin Farley helped me four years ago with a dicey landlord/tenant issue. Long story short: my roommates and I signed a contract and agreed to live in an apartment without being aware that our unit would be under construction while we lived there. After living amidst sawdust and construction workers who walked in and out without knocking, I asked a friend for the name of the lawyer who had recently helped her out. She recommended Erin, and I am so grateful she did! Erin was gracious, intelligent, determined, and even more importantly - personable! It was so lovely to work with an attorney who actually genuinely seemed to care about me and my situation. I've experienced other attorneys before who were 'wooden' and anti-social. Erin was the exact opposite and was truly compassionate. Not only was she helpful, she got the job done! My roommates and I soon got a drastic cut off our rent, got money back, and even got to stay in a different unit while they finished construction. THANK YOU ERIN!

Lauren Elizabeth Nicholson

3800 Market Street, Suite I, Ventura, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Eulalia

I hired this lawyer for a guardianship case during a really hard, stressful, traumatic period of my family's life. From the begining she and her team were very attentive, detailed, responsive, professional, caring. Whenever I had a question (and I had alot of them) they were always on top of it and met me at my level of knowledge so that I could understand everything in detail. I would most definitly recommend this lawyer to my closest friends, family, and others in the community. I was completly WOWED by the service they provided me and my family. I will forever be greatful. And yes we won our case!

13 Mar, 2020 by Micki

Lauren doesn't get caught up in the drama that the other party or their attorney will attempt to drum up, hence keeping you calm. She sees the facts and can advise you while still letting you make the final decision on what direction you want to go. She is mindful of your costs which is very atypical for an attorney of any kind. (Thank you, Lauren!) Lauren worked closely with us to get pertinent facts to present to the judge and DCSS which shifted the entire case. She gathered the information and presented it flawlessly. It was really a work of art! My husband and I are VERY happy with the way she has represented him with a calm strength rooted in being realistic and rational. We were so happy the 1st time, we hired her again when he needed representation in regards to bogus support allegations. Lauren is one of the few truly "stand-up" attorneys out there. If she's available to take your case...grab her!

25 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous

After some absurd allegations followed by a missed hearing, I needed someone to represent me in a mean custody case. So after several mediocre consultations around Ventura County I was thrilled to meet Lauren. She was so thoughtful, courteous, and most importantly, she was patient given my fatherly worries and frantic state over my daughters wellbeing. If it wasn't for her and the rest of the Schaffer firm I couldn't have survived. Extremely supportive!!

Brit Benjamin

Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA

Child Custody Family Law +2

+1 (415) 234-5756

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

16 Jan, 2024 by Mat

Brit represented me in a consulting and coaching capacity during my contentious divorce, property division, and custody case. She is a strong advocate but never did anything to create unnecessary conflict or hostility. She was able to decrease the conflict in our case while also achieving a great financial and custody outcome for me. As my divorce coach, she helped me figure out how to set up my life post-divorce and be the best dad I could be to my son. She’s well worth the cost and very honest at all times during the representation. I am glad I chose her to be my teammate in this project.

05 Jan, 2024 by Scott

"Brit represented me in a high-conflict divorce. Brit was responsive, sharp, and helped me save a lot of money that would have otherwise been wasted on litigation. She showed me there was light/hope on the other side of a difficult situation. I trust her advice and would recommend her to anyone!'

02 Jan, 2024 by Jack

Brit was very knowledgeable, responsive, and understanding with navigating the personalities and paperwork of my divorce process. She is a good guide to have with you on the stesssful, confusing, and sometimes scary life change.

Maureen Ohlsson Rodarte

21281 Oakwood Ln, Foresthill, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

23 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous

Maureen represented me for a CPS case. She is a straight shooter and does not sugar-coat things. She navigated me through my case with skill and dignity. Her rate was very affordable, and she always gave me more time than she billed for. One thing that I did find frustrating was that she prefers not to use text or email, which I would have preferred. but she frequently answered her business line well after business hours and was never difficult to get a hold of. It is just hard to remember points to be made during conversations and what exactly was said after conversation is over. I wish she used email and text more, it is much easier to be concise and free to communicate at any hour via email, or to be more informal and available with texts, and to remember it all because it is recorded on both.

14 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous

Wow!! Is all I can say she is an amazing lawyer! She helped me with my child custody case. She is about the children and what is right for kids. I felt she treated my case as if it was her own. I have never seen a lawyer put so much hard work into something with out being ugly. If she takes your case just know you will most likely walk out of the court room with what you wanted or more and You are not going to get screwed by the other lawyer. She don't care if you are a female or male fighting for your kids she does what is right either way. I gotta say she is the best money I have ever spent and it's crazy to think she is so fair priced compared to so many lawyers, and I have called dozen of lawyers. If I ever have a problem again she will be the first lawyer and only lawyer I will run to. I believe she the best attorney money can buy and she is awesome to work with.

28 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous

Wonderful attorney, made my divorce a relatively pain free process and is very reasonably priced.

Tammy Janell Mercado

2430 Camino Ramon Ste 325, San Ramon, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Dec, 2021 by Tammy

First thing's first: divorce sucks. Paying to get divorced or continuing to be divorced "fairly" sucks. Trying to find the right lawyer to get the job done sucks. But the fact is: no matter where you go or who you go to, you're going to pay (unless you want to gamble doing it on your own) & at the end of it all no one should be happy because of the sheer suckiness of it all. With all that said, I was lucky enough to stumble upon Divorce Angels via Meetup back in May 2020 and hit the jack pot when Tammy Mercado agreed to take a chance on my case knowing how much of a hot mess it was right from the start. She even had the foresight to warn me that this fight was going to drain me financially and a year & a half later, I bow down to her infinite attorney expertise, empathy towards my situation, passion to get me what I deserve in this mess and without any hesitation can easily say over & over again that I would NOT trust anyone with my family legal issues other than TJM, Mary Whipple & Melissa Yago (their paralegal extraordinaire). I won't bore you with all the details of my drama, but let me tell you we've been through hell & back on multiple occasions and I'm sad to say that this will most likely continue for a few more years thanks to my ex's antics. Regardless, Tammy & Melissa have been there for me every step of the way through the thick of it with Mary joining in on the court hearings & sharing her knowledge when necessary. I'm not going to lie, there were many times when I wanted to just give in, but Tammy would fight ME to get me what she thought I deserved, so I've learned to kick back & let her be great at what she does. So at the end of it all, shell out the money to get things done right & leave it to the professionals, but it's critical to find the right one(s) for you. Fortunately for me, Whipple, Mercado & Associates is the peanut butter to my jelly, the ying to my yang, that team who will kick @$$ & take names and I am forever grateful for their services & commitment to my struggles through this sucky process. Thank you ladies!!

01 Feb, 2019 by Phil

I hired Tammy to represent me in what turned out to be an extremely difficult divorce. Throughout the time Tammy helped me with it, Tammy was always thorough, thoughtful and kept everything on track, and moving forward as quickly as possible. She truly does care about her clients and works hard to get the best result for them. I could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent me.

17 Nov, 2016 by Brook

I hired Ms. Mercado to help me on my divorce. She fought for me and that is what I needed because I was so vulnerable. She is attentive, focused and extremely intelligent. I recommend Ms. Mercado and her firm, to anyone who is going through a family law matter that needs a goal-focused and knowledgeable attorney.

Mary Jean Dederick

221 E Walnut St #136, Pasadena, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

01 Feb, 2017 by Jasmine

Mary Dederick is an AMAZING lawyer!!! Mary has represented me and my son for the past 10yrs with child custody issues. I admire Mary's hard work and dedication to her clients. She treats everyone as family. Mary is a hard worker and has a wonderful assistant Vincent who is on top of all the paper work and submitting it to the court. I'm forever grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for me and my family, she never gave up on me and encourage me to go back to school. Mary is a true gem and she will let you know exactly what you need and if she feels that certain situations are unreasonable she will let you know. Mary is well known at the Pasadena court for her hard work and many cases won. This review is looooooooong overdue. I thank God that I have her in my life. If you are looking for a hard working lawyer that will fight for you Mary is your person. Please don't hesitate to contact her.

13 Aug, 2015 by Vanessa

I've worked closely with Mary for over 10 years as she represents our Company in numerous arbitrations involving labor and employee relation matters ranging from collective bargaining, discipline, management policies and discharge. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, extremely responsive and provides timely/well-reasoned responses and has great judgement. I have much respect for Mary and the commitment she has to each and every case and above all, she is a absolute pleasure to work with.

27 Feb, 2013 by Gary cooper

Mary handled a Family law matter that was, to say the least, challenging. Mary always kept me informed on every twist and turn of the proceedings. She was always the voice of reason and patience. She was never shy about telling me when she thought my understanding and ideas we not in the best interest of the case. This level of honesty ultimately proved to motivate a settlement that was far more desirable than expected. Mary returns every phone call personally. You are never pushed off on to an assistant. She is extremely SHARP and Sensibly Aggressive. I was never left questioning her Loyalty and Dedication to my case. Above all of Her extraordinary Professional acumen, Mary is also one the most compassionate, caring, honest, loyal, understanding, curious, and humble legal representatives I have ever worked with. If you want your case handled by the CONSUMMATE Professional with the spirit to represent your situation in the most productive and professional of ways, I can think of no other Lawyer you should consult. Good luck with your case. I hope my review clearly illustrates my respect and appreciation for the legal services and support that Mary DeDerick provide for me.

B. Denise Vatani Heinz

120 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

23 Jul, 2023 by Jon

-This is not a paid ad or a review for discount. This comes as a purely and wholeheartedly satisfied client. Wow! Wow! Wow! Denice is a complete class act. She was positive, professional and compassionate. She's a family woman and understands the importance of the dynamic of both parents being in a child's life. I've been through several attorneys, and Denise was able to provide clear guidance through the process, she didn't try to prolong court (as most attorneys do) and shot straight from the hip, and she was able to get the judgement that we had wanted. Denise has given me confidence that not all attorneys are just out for monetary gain, and the purpose of this review is to provide someone else with this newfound experience. Although family court is stressful and ambiguous, Denise took the reins and lifted the stress off of my shoulders. Albeit thank you is an understatement, Thank You Denise!

23 May, 2016 by Janice

My experience with Denise Vatani Heinz was nothing less than perfection. When dealing with a heated child support issue, Denise diligently discussed my options, created a game plan and moved forward with ease. She was in constant contact and regularly provided honest and straight forward feedback, which I greatly appreciated. She was extremely personable and professional. Denise sat with me on numerous occasions to review and discuss each document at length so that I felt confident with each decision. During the case, an unresolved divorce issue (from another attorney) arose and Denise swiftly regrouped with a new plan of action. While in court, Denise was knowledgeable, sharp and never faltered. She sparred with opposing counsel and with ease met each argument with a clear and concise answer which was never challenged. The opposing counsel agreed to all of our terms. The level of expertise, hands on partnership and enthusiasm far outweighs any other attorney I have worked with in the past. I highly recommend Denise as she is a top notch attorney and truly invested in her clients!!

16 Mar, 2015 by James

Denise was great to work with. She made a very difficult situation as bearable as possible. My divorce was fairly complicated and Denise and her team were a tremendous help during a very challenging process. She kept things moving along - even if she had to drag information out of me. She was great to talk to and brainstorm with. Denise had some great ideas on how to handle some very difficult situations. She also wasn't afraid to tell you things that you didn't want to hear - because they were the truth - and because you needed to hear it to be able to make informed decisions. Denise was also a very calming influence. Divorce can be very emotional, and sometimes choices of action that are based on emotion tend not to be the most rational. She would help to get you through that - help to get you to make better choices - help to get you to think about things differently. Some battles need to be fought and others just aren't worth fighting about. Denise was a big help with that. She helped to get me to accept certain things that were hard for me. That is a big part of getting through all the negotiations involved in a divorce. Denise helped me navigate through a very complex process and got me out the other side successfully. Thanks again Denise, I couldn't have gotten through it without you!

David Mervin Kindopp

211 West Standley, Ukiah, CA

Business Car Accident Estate Planning +4 +7

+1 (707) 895-5806

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

06 Nov, 2015 by Allison

Circumstance unfortunate but outcome EXCELLENT due to retaining Mr. KINDOPP to represent me in a few cases starting back in 2001 in a traffic case and most recently this past year in a custody battle in which a father abandoned his first born after requesting emergency custody which was denied yet felt just 6 months later without any significant changes that leaving his daughter in the mothers care 100% showing his original request was a waste of everyone's time. Mr. Kindopp is very personable with his clients yet does not offer a false sense of hope but a few various likely realities so no surprises causing upset arise. He is quick to point out facts that are backed up by evidence leaving no room for error and providing a secure expectation and an attorney / client trust like no other. He explains why things need to be done a certain way eliminating all confusion or anxiety. He presents himself in a very professional manner and always one step ahead due to his thorough review of all case notes, discovery, pleadings abd correspondence. He can be a breath of fresh air yet demonstrates his knowledge and expertise in every case or individual he represents. He's matter-of-fact and straight to the point which in turn wastes no time or money. He is fair aND communicates directly with his clients putting each one at ease rather than leaving them to question the status of their case. We are fortunate to have such a driven, justice seeking, highly educated individual practicing law in our community. I highly recommend Mr. Kindopp for any case in his field of choice if you want a pleasant experience in the court room. I'm so thankful for his gratitude. Time, effort and compassion he has put forth in my cases and will continue to use him in the future shall any legal matters arise again.

18 Aug, 2011 by Karen

I received Mr. Kindopp's name through an Employee Assistance Program when I had an extremely difficult time dealing with a mortgage company and needed someone on my side. I was short on time due to an impending foreclosure/sale date; after seven months of getting nothing but the run around, verbal and financial abuse by a broken system and stress. I explained the time constraint to his assistant and was scheduled for an appointment quicker than I had imagined. Mr. Kindopp listened to me, provided information and the legal support I needed to effectively deal with this company who had not always been following "the rules" and conveniently lost documents, let them expire or didn't have information when it worked in their favor. I received a phone call from the mortgage company with a proposal for a permanent loan modification within days, and an apology regarding their business practices. When the modification papers arrived I faxed them to Mr. Kindopp's office, concerned about what I was signing. I was shocked to receive a telephone call at 7pm on a Friday evening from him to discuss them. I have never had an attorney who addressed my needs and concerns in such a quick and assertive fashion. Through personal necessity, and work, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with many lawyers in Mendocino County, Mr. Kindopp is at the top of my list. If my family EVER needs an attorney or legal assistance I will be calling Mr. Kindopp.

10 Jun, 2011 by Michael

Mr. Kindopp worked on a very complicated case that I started. He has been absolutely outstanding.

Marilyn Margaret Smith

301 E Colorado Blvd Ste 620, Pasadena, CA

Family Law Litigation +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

12 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous

I hired Marilyn to work on a case involving my brother and can I just say WOW! She was very understanding of are situation as we did not have to money to pay her full hourly rate so she came up with a payment plan to help us. Marilyn worked hard to really help my brother and I get through the trial that we were facing (which was an uphill battle). She was the only lawyer to even hear us out and offer help. Even when it looked like a losing fight, she still helped us! If not for her I don't know what would have happen to my brother, so I thank her and I highly recommend her to everyone

15 Nov, 2013 by Barry

Diligent, smart, hard-working, pleasant, brilliant, well-organized. She literally saved my life and I am eternally grateful.

12 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous

Marilyn Smith has talent beyond words. She helped me in my litigation matter--always remaining informed, calm, and Strong. She can tackle any opposition. I would hire her again in a Second!

Cynthia Carol Berman

21031 Ventura Blvd #803, Woodland Hills, CA

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

22 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous

Cynthia Berman helped me so much. She is and was my lawyer. She helped me with my ex. She achieved what I thought to be impossible. She was very clear and specific and I respect her so much. I would recommend her to anyone.

17 Oct, 2013 by Scott

Looking for a family lawyer was not fun. My fiancé was not happy with so many of them. But Cynthia was highly recommended by another attorney who was very busy, so we decided to call her. It was the right call. This is one woman who does not let the grass grow under her feet. She was on top of everything, with daily calls to us, spelling out every single thing we needed to do to get our custody papers and her assistant Pamela was the best too. Between the two of them, we both felt like we were ahead of it all and could not feel like we were in better hands. I cannot wait to refer her in the future as we could not feel any better with our decision to hire her. Today, about an hour ago, we got our custody papers signed by the judge from Cynthia and it is celebration night for us! Cynthia told us she would get us what we so wished for... and we got it all! We cannot thank you enough for so much hard work and your incredible tenacity. You delivered on what you promised and we love that! thank you for every single thing! S & H

13 Oct, 2013 by Dana

Cynthia Berman represented me in issues of separation, divorce, custody, child and spousal support. My case was a difficult, and she handled all with honesty, integrity, superior knowledge, and preparedness. She kept me informed on all issues. My ex retained a series of five different attorneys, affording me the opportunity to see that Cynthia was able to work smoothly with each of them. She is the consummate professional at all times. At trial she is prepared, confidant, and can handle any situation that arises. In addition to her trial skills, she is a first rate and willing negotiator, when the opportunity presents itself, and always works to achieve a fair settlement for her client. She is a rare gem in the family law world, who cares deeply for families and their children's welfare. In my case, post divorce issues were handled by her with equal skill, care, and attention to detail. I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide my review of Cynthia Berman. I hope it provides sound guidance to others searching for a great family law attorney to represent them. Put your case in her hands, you will be happy with your decision

Melanie Ramos

591 Telegraph Canyon Road, Chula Vista, CA

Family Law Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Nov, 2023 by Knyetta foster

Jan represented me in a custody case she was very professional She communicated everything well with me and was there every step of the way I definitely recommend her

08 Nov, 2022 by Ron graczyk

The practice Melanie runs, along with other very good people, helped me with my family immigration. I could not have done it without them. I would still be waiting in Russia with my family. I can't say enough good things. Perfect advice, always there and very understanding. Their advice and guidance saved me 1 year of suffering in a not so good place. I am forever grateful. We are all in USA and getting used to the change.

28 Apr, 2022 by Charles branham

Anahid Agemian

107 S Fair Oaks Ave Ste 218, Pasadena, CA

Business Family Law Personal Injury +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

30 Aug, 2023 by Helen bashoura

I hired Fernando to complete a premarital agreement for me. He is so personable and pleasant to work with. He is very patient and transparent with all questions that you have. His assistant Darla was also on top of everything. I would highly recommend Fernando for your family law needs

29 Oct, 2021 by Douglas birns

06 May, 2018 by Justin bennett

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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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Palm Desert

Cerritos

Folsom

Agoura Hills