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15 Jan, 2010 by Kelly
Mary Oaklund has been my attorney for over five years. I had five attorneys prior to her and was so happy once I finally found her. She is amazing in court and really cared about me and my son. She is always direct and to the point, professional, articulate, sensible, and honorable. My ex's attorney would try and tear me down, lie, attack my character, talk in circles, and ramble on and on, but she never went to his level. I have the supreme most confidence in her every time we are before the judge and feel extremely fortunate to have had her represent me.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
James Farinaro was a pleasure to work with from the start. In our initial consultation, he very patiently walked me through the possibilities for my case and gave me a frank assessment. I had consulted on the case with other attorneys, but none were as forthcoming or helpful.
James has a calming demeanor, which is really helpful when you're facing the stresses of a legal case. I ended up hiring him because he seemed reasonable, reassuring, and highly competent. Because I was nearing the statute of limitations at the start, he advised me to file a suit right away, which we did. That no doubt helped.
The case took almost exactly as long as he predicted, about a year, and the outcome, just recently, was a settlement that came in above the high end of the range he had initially estimated, which is great.
It's a huge relief to have it done, and I'm glad that I chose James.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Akira's book club
Warm and friendly but extremely knowledgeable! Help in getting necessary detail and information for our transaction plus supported us above and beyond what was expected. Highly recommend!
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03 Jan, 2024 by A clark
Mrs Montoya has been so helpful in offering good legal counsel. She’s prompt, knowledgeable and honest. Highly recommend!!!
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03 Jan, 2024 by Chanita stevenson
05 May, 2024 by Laura perez
17 Jan, 2024 by Sandra castillo
Aurum prep es una buena escuela porque cuando mi hijo llegó a finales de septiembre del 2023 los maestros lo trataron muy bien y lo hicieron sentir como en casa han ayudado a subir su nivel de aprendizaje ya que venía de una escuela con un nivel muy bajo y ellos lo han ayudado bastante en enero del 2024 mi hijo a subido sus calificaciones antes jamás las había tenido al nivel que a progresado por eso es que la recomiendo por qué a muchos niños les encantan sus maestros ya que ellos ayudan a los alumnos también con sus tareas. Gracias a todos los colaboradores de esta escuela 🙏
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12 Jan, 2024 by Gabriela galeas
11 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
1. Probably one of the worse lawyer anyone can hire!
2. His lack of professionalism and incompetence are astonishing.
3. When he took on the case, we spoke on the phone and he assured me it will be a "slam-dunk" for him as it's a simple traffic ticket.
4. The communications with Mr. Chang were always off, he didn't keep me updated with the case unless I keep messaging him. His answers were always just few useless words.
5. At the court date, he didn't even ask me to show up, he just sent me a text message that he lost the case and I had to pay the fine. He even texted me with the wrong fine amount!
6. My brother in law had the same exact ticket at the same court, and he was easily able to get it dismissed by a written declaration.
7. When I spoke with Mr. Chang on the phone, he was very dismissal, then he said it's nothing, it's just a fine (what was the point if hiring him in the first place then?!).
8. He also went on blaming me with non-sense lecture.
9. Lastly he started going in circles that he's a bottom feeder who takes little cases hoping to make some money out.
10. I later knew that his performance at the court was awful, he barely spoke, and and he looked like a joke.
11. If you are looking for a lawyer, go somewhere else, he is the WORST!!!
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16 May, 2016 by Marisol
" I have been struggling with child support for over 2.5 years. I just had enough of the court system and my patience had reached it limits with trying to work "magic" with my children's father. I was not referred to Robert! I took on my website skills and good luck in finding a close to home child support lawyer. I was taking a risk! This was one of the best risks I took! At first I had a bad experience with a previous attorney I had hired at a different place. I was taking a high risk in putting my trust and my children's financial future! Robert is a very professional young lawyer who is very honest and knowledgeable. Robert, has showed me a side that I never thought a lawyer would care to show!!! Robert is very caring and a good listener and kept me positive during the most negative times of my life. I have to say, I will always consider him as a friend for all the support given to me and the practical help, by extending time and patience in getting all my necessary paper work in order. I highly recommend this law firm". I will hire Robert once again for my bankruptcy filing and will highly recommend him to my family and friends.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Walter
Robert is terrific. I had a number of questions about a family law issue and he was generous with his time. He really helped clear up a lot of issues for me. I highly recommend him to anyone who has a family law issue.
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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.
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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.
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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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28 Apr, 2023 by Elizabeth banuelos
28 Apr, 2023 by Vicky chao
Mr. And Mrs. Unsworth helps me a lot. Mrs. Unsworth also from Taiwan, She can speak Mandarin, she can help me to translate if I don't know how to describe in English. With their help I can quickly complete the case
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10 Dec, 2019 by Florie francis
09 May, 2024 by Joe doe
Law Office of Dmitryi Veligurov is the place you want and need when you are in distress with any legal problem. If you are looking for a representation without deceit, without deception as many lawyers will lie to you to receive more money from you....Dmitryi Veligurov is your man. TRUTH, HONESTY, SINCERITY for as little as you can pay/afford....as he will help you for free in the intent to reach truth and justice for you. Dmitryi, May GOG bless u ou for all help you gave to me. I WOULD ALWAYS STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU TO EVERYONE. LD
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29 Nov, 2023 by Rm s
Horrible... doesn't even deserve 1 star.
Receptionist is VERY rude & unprofessional, and should be fired! Mr. Gonsalves is non-responsive to estate beneficiaries. Actually never even notified any of the beneficiaries he was representing the estate. And clearly isn't providing proper legal advice to the trustee about having to keep beneficiaries informed & that is required to provide financial & asset information to the beneficiaries, as required by law. This guy should have his license revoked!!
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23 Jul, 2021 by Janice kroll
22 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
BEWARE OF HIRING THIS DISHONEST UNWORTHY LAYWER.
PLEASE KEEP LOOKING AND READ THE REVIEWS BEFORE HIRING THEM.. look at Googles, Yep reviews.
This lawyer has her in law firm and she is the only attorney. She will take any and everybody case just to get there money. Once she gets your money, it is very hard to get in contact with this lawyer. She will not return your call, text or e-mail. As for you case she will not see you or talk to you to get information concerning your case. She will tell you to e-mail her your info and she will not read it.. once you go to court she will not give your evident to the judge for proof of your case. She talks rude to her clients and she will have you to sign the form to give to the judge then she will turn in a different form….. I would not write this review if this lawyer did not do as I have written.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
WARNING: if you're looking for representation for enforcing a restraining order or fighting for your child's well-being be advised to look elsewhere. I payed $3,500 & received services that I could've done myself. I wrote my declaration, provided & itemized my evidence, all she had to do was edit the document & submit it to the court. Yet, my 10 month old daughter & myself no longer have the protection in which we desperately needed, & I'm very disheartened that I entrusted a lawyer who could not communicate well nor follow through with what she claimed. I setup Zoom meetings & she cancelled, showed up to court unprepared/unaware of the critical details of my case, & didn't even submit any of my evidence to substantiate my claims of abuse/child neglect. She even advised I drop my case once we got to court, i went from having a temporary restraining order with full custody, to now having no order & sharing custody with a man I had to runaway from with my child. I've found a new lawyer who's been a lifesaver, & I've filed a complaint about Vonnah to the State Bar of California for malpractice. She intentionally didn't represent me to the best of her ability, & caused me & my daughter more financial distress & burden. After our case, she was unresponsive, didn't provide the documents in which I needed with the Judges orders, & had the nerves to refuse a refund stating she wishes me well. I should've represented myself in all honesty.
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FAQs
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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.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
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.
