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04 Oct, 2024 by Nayely
David worked in collaboration with Preston on the negotiations of my Marital Settlement agreement (when it became evident that I wouldn't be able to continue the divorce process on my own) all the way until the filed-endorsed copies of the Judgment arrived and the transactions of assets agreed uponwere completed.
The process of finding a lawyer in such a difficult personal time was very overwhelming, I talked with a couple more divorce lawyers before contacting the FKK&B LLP firm and I will forever be grateful for having been able to hire their service.
They were very patient with me when explaining my options, their ability to use hard cold facts to negotiate with opposing counsel was always on point and effective, their attention to detail, fast and clear communication to resolve my doubts (not just from them but from the Paralegal, Julia Morris) allowed me to maintain my peace of mind and stay focused on protecting my assets the best possible way, without doing any rushed actions. It took us about 10 months to fully settle and sign the agreement, I know that it would had taken me way longer if I'd attempted to negotiate on my own, I couldn't have done it without them.
I think they did a terrific job, you're in good hands with this team, would recommend them any day.
Thank you.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
David and his team were very helpful and kind. Divorce is never easy but with their help we were able to get to an agreement out of court saving us time and money. I would recommend Mr. Erb to anyone who appreciates professional, considerate, and honest service.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Daniel
David and his team did an excellent job representing me in my divorce. I was a client who came with experience working with other lawyers and working in Pro Per.
From the start David told me upfront that he’s more expensive than other lawyers. I had been going through the divorce process for almost 4 years at that time and had tried going the inexpensive route both in Pro Per and working with an attorney who had a lower hourly rate. Working In Pro Per was saving me money but I soon found out there was more at risk than what I thought. While working with an inexpensive lawyer, let’s just say you get what you pay for.
David himself is very articulate, punctual and professional. He knows the law and also leverages the intellectual capital of his colleagues to make sure your case has been reviewed from multiple angles. Though I may have paid more for David and his team on an hourly rate than I could have elsewhere, I feel that it was more than worth it due to the peace of mind they gave me, and they were able to accomplish more in 6 months than what an inexpensive lawyer did in 1.5 years at the same total cost.
David’s team works great together. They communicate very well both with each other and with me, the client. All three of them made me feel that mine was the only case they were working on and the only way you would know this wasn’t the case is when they were in court representing someone else.
I have no reservations recommending David and his team. I spent many hours interviewing numerous attorneys, as I’m sure most of you who are reading this will. I highly recommend David and his team; you’ll be in good hands.
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10 Jan, 2020 by George
April and Melissa were very professional from start to finish. April was my last attorney of many unprofessional and unethical attorneys in a long divorce. I did not work with her very long, however she was great the whole time. She was understanding to my Financial situation, and my needs. Her and Melissa were very prompt in answering my questions and my concerns. She did not charge for every minor issue. The billing was fair and accurate. It was even easy to close my account. Again very professional from start to finish.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Traci
April and Melissa were both very professional and knowledgeable. They were always available when I needed them. They responded quickly to emails and phone calls. They were both caring and personable. I had a very contested divorce, and it was complicated with my children. April was patient, worked hard, and also worked well with my ex's attorney. I appreciated her intelligence and the way she worked within the court system. Her paperwork was impeccable. Besides all of this, she is friendly, has a great sense of humor, and truly cares for people. She wants what is best for the family and not for herself. I recommend April and Melissa for ANY need that you have. If I need them in the future, I will definitely be back!
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07 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
In this entire process, I felt like I had a big sister looking out for me. A few years ago I could of never imagined I would of been in this state (with my now ex). With my head full of emotions April helped me get to my new chapter in the most efficient manner. Thank you so much.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Carol l
I highly recommend Jagar Family Law. Chelsea was very responsive and listened to all my concerns. She didn't push for litigation and was a successful advocate for me in settlement discussions. She helped me close this chapter of my life and months later, I'm still convinced this was the right decision. Couldn't have gotten here without her competent advice. She's fair, realistic and doesn't play games with opposing counsel.
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06 May, 2020 by Jackie
I can’t say enough positive things about Chelsea. I was the party of a nasty divorce with a narcissist; which is the worst divorce to encounter. After having two previous attorneys that wanted to play games, I hired Chelsea to complete remaining items. She was thorough and direct on completing the issues and knows the law better than any other. I also compliment her on her integrity and class, both in and out of the courtroom. She has a positive reputation with judges. I am also available for talking via the phone if you have more detailed questions in choosing an attorney as choosing the wrong attorney could be very costly.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Cp
Chelsea is knowledgeable and competent, and she has an excellent attitude. Her reasoned approach to my divorce made a big difference. In one of the more difficult moments for me, Chelsea was able to keep me focused - which is no easy matter. I am very grateful that I was able to work with Chelsea. Highly recommend.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Kat
Brittney was my consulting attorney. She simplified my ridiculous situation into easy steps. She is easy to talk to, and knows what she’s talking about. Brittney and her assistant got me through a situation I never thought would end. I definitely recommend her if you want something done realistically and accurately.
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08 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Brittney and Sara were my team and they were amazing! Brittney took my case after I struggled to connect with someone I felt would truly have my future and best interests in mind. She is very direct and empathetic to how difficult divorce can be. She was proactive in following through on every hiccup and concerns I had throughout the whole process. She was practical and yet did not back down on anything I needed to fight for to secure my own future. I would refer her to anyone having to go through this very difficult and painful process.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Serena
Brittney did a fantastic job helping my husband and I create our prenuptial agreement this past summer. As my lawyer, she walked me through the process step by step and clearly laid out what I should be thinking about in regard to my current and future finances. She was easy to work with, prompt, empathetic, and extremely professional. She made an uncomfortable process seamless, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to create a well-thought and all-encompassing prenup! Thank you for everything!
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18 Jul, 2018 by Celine
I met Caleb when he was pretty much fresh out of law school and helped me gather evidence to combat a contempt of court my ex-husband had filed against me (for taking our child to a Dr. appointment without providing the appropriate warning) while I was unemployed. Caleb understood that my ex-souse's filing was merely a tactic to financially ruin me and he wholeheartedly and tirelessly worked on my case. Several months later, late 2014, Caleb's very well written court brief got us well on the path of victory.
Admittedly, Caleb's oral defense was not quite as imposing as it could be, but again, he was pretty much fresh out of school.
Caleb helped me again in 2015-2016 when my ex filed another suit against me. This time, after months of attempting to settle with the opposite side, in order to avoid another expensive trial, it became clear that my ex wanted his day in court. From there, Caleb went in full attacking mode and counter-attacked beautifully.
Caleb will leave no stone unturned to help you counter vicious claims. He knows the law very well, but does not hesitate to do research to find creative ways to counter an attack.
Most of all, Caleb genuinely cares about his clients and my children and I are thankful for the tireless work he did for us.
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09 Mar, 2018 by Dora
My husband and I hired Caleb due to a scorned ex who was willing to go through extensive measures to keep sole custody of our daughter. Our defense and innocence needed to be brought to light due to the false and grotesque allegations of sexual misconduct. Caleb fought for our justice with his extensive research and knack for detail. He advocated for us with compassion and vigorously fought for us inside and outside of the courtroom. In the end everyone in that courtroom wanted to grant us our fair share of time. On our last trial we asked Caleb, "what do we do now"? he said, "enjoy your timeshare". Those words brought us so much relief and that's exactly what we are doing, continuing to be the best parents we have been to our children. Thank you so much Caleb for bringing us hope and peace of mind. You were an answer to our deep prayers and you were worth every cent. Our family has been restored because of your wisdom of the law and how we always felt you prioritized our case. We can't thank you enough.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Asma
I am a client of Caleb's and I have been utilizing the services of Mr. Moreno's Law firm for over 6 years. Everyone at this law firm displays the highest level of professionalism, they are caring and compassionate and truly care about their clients. Caleb has been my attorney in my difficult custody case and has and will continue to do all he can to protect my children and keep them safe and I have no doubt he will succeed. He displays the highest level of professionalism and is very knowledgeable and amazing at what he does yet he is always humble . He is a lawyer with a heart who cares about children. He will fight for the truth and is a honest lawyer with integrity and a strong faith in God. Caleb is a gem of a person and a superb lawyer. My entire family is very thankful to him for all he has done to keep my children safe and for all that he continues to do. He is truly an asset to Mr. Moreno's law firm and is an excellent lawyer. Thank you Caleb.
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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30 Jan, 2014 by Christine
Francesca helped (and continues to help) me through one of the most challenging times of my life. There are so many things I could say about her, some of them being educated but down-to-earth, level headed, skilled, knowledgeable, accessible, attentive, patient, professional, able to deal with professionally difficult attorneys in a tasteful manner. Take the time to schedule a face to face. Then you'll understand why she represents me in my family law case.
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08 Mar, 2013 by Matthew
I really appreciated Francesca's approach in handling my case. True me, you do not want a lawyer who fights fire with fire. Fight fire with water. Francesca is very adept at this. She conducts herself in a way that the court respects, she is not inflammatory towards the opposing side, she simply seeks what is fair. That is all anyone should ever expect from the legal process.
I would recommend her highly and have done so to a few friends already.
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16 Sep, 2013 by Theresa
I have always enjoyed having Stephen work on my cases he is very caring & knowledgeable in many areas of the law. I like an attorney that calls me back not just says he will & then doesn't he is pretty good at this.
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23 Jul, 2013 by Nancy
I have had this attorney for about a year. Since I hired him, all turned around !!! In my Family Law case in San Mateo, I went after my ex, who lied in Court and committed Perjury and Fraud. Fake RO against me and my husband was dismissed. My Attorney has become a part of my family. Very knowledgeable and honest, never overcharges, never wastes time, straight to the point.
I recommended him to my best friend and he represents her now in Alameda County, CA and she is winning her case as well. Cannot dream of better attorney than Mr. Duong
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01 Nov, 2021 by Mekhala
Linda and David represented me in my divorce and my only regret is that I didn't go to them sooner. After spending almost a year and thousands of dollars in legal fees with another attorney (who was highly rated), I switched to their office.
Linda is very thorough, organized and efficient. She never asked me something twice and took great notes. She responded quickly on time sensitive issues. When we were nearing our settlement conference date, she worked some long evening hours to get things ready. Their office billed fairly and ethically and never nickel and dimed me. Linda was always aware that I was conscious of my costs and recommended things worth pursuing and those that were not. She and David got me a good fair settlement without trial and most importantly, helped close it relatively quickly, after my divorce had dragged on for a year and a half before I switched to them. I hope no one has to go through a divorce, but if you do, you need someone like Linda working for you.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Dominique balabat
29 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Simona Zakheim to represent me in domestic violence restraining order, her expertise in the legal system proved that she knows how to protect her clients and deliver the best possible outcome. Not only I received granted restraining order but also a full custody of my child. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is in need of her services. Thank you, Simona!
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29 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Simona was referred to me by a family friend. I have been extremely pleased with her handling of my case. Simona takes the time to understand and consider my goals not only financially but to ensure the co-parenting relationship is also preserved. Her guidance has been crucial through the process; she has been willing to go to bat for me even when I may have otherwise agreed to something that would put me in jeopardy. Simona is quick to respond to my inquiries and keeps me in the loop every step of the way.
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29 Nov, 2022 by Matt
I had a high-conflict divorce case that took years to settle due to issues from the other side. Simona stayed calm, followed the law, provided me with exceptional guidance and, in the end, found a path to settlement that I didn't think would be possible. She did a fantastic job litigating a case that included six separate attorneys on my ex's side.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Ammar alomari
I called Peter and refreshingly he was honest with me and told me my situation didn’t even require a lawyer and I could just pay the ticket. Other lawyers tried to charge me thousands for a $100 ticket and said it would follow me around for the rest of my life if I didn’t use their service and fight it. I truly thank Peter for his honesty and integrity instead of taking advantage of someone in a stressful situation. BEST LAWYER EVER.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Ernesto camacho
Nerisha helped our family create our estate planning and every other legal document related to it. She is very detail oriented, extremely patient in answering all our questions and walking us through the process. She is a definite expert in her area, and gave us much confidence in knowing we're taking the right approach, appropriate to our specific situation.
Highly recommended!
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02 Dec, 2023 by Nana guzman
Very rude when I called
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05 Oct, 2022 by Jennifer blackmore
If I could, I’d humbly provide Tammy with the Universe of stars. Tammy Mercado is a miracle-working Super Hero! She did in less than 10 days what my four prior “top rated” greedy, patronizing lawyers could not even comprehend over multiple years.
Unlike all of my other attorneys, she didn’t take advantage of my massive distress to treat me like an ATM. I never say this kind of thing but, I truly felt like she was a best friend, a sister even, in lock-step who fought fearlessly for me when I had no fight left to give. My goals and her goals were One. She clearly and kindly reminded me of my real goals when I got blind-sided and upset. She kept everyone in line including my ex’s devious attorney and got the job done faster than Flash, the Marvel character who travels faster than the speed of light.
The other “top-rated” attorneys just patted me on the head, some offered thoughts and prayers. All of them told me to basically do nothing and wait. despite that my health and credit score - due to their abuse and exploitive fees - were rapidly collapsing.
Tammy achieved more with me in our first quick call than a allegedly super star attorney took $45,000 in fees and over 9 months to Not Comprehend, despite that divorce should have been easy, it was just assets, no children.
After 2+ years of pure hell with those “top-rated” thieves, I was panicked, traumatized and often inconsolable. Tammy handled me with the greatest of care both efficiently and highly effectively. She was tough on me when I really wanted to fight losing battles. She always had the perfect and reasonable quip to say to inspire me when I succumbed to doom and gloom. She had more compassion in one sentence then all of the other $700 attorneys did with their endless, expensive and exploitive proverbial pats on the head, with no sense of direction or purpose.
The fact that Tammy could do all that and get conceptual agreement with the devious other side in less than a week was ecstatically surreal. My ex’s attorney usually took weeks to acknowledge receipt of an email. Then at least another four weeks to hurl epithets, throw tantrums and chip away agreements that were already made. Him doing the red lines was like a very hot walk starting in purgatory.
None of that stopped Tammy from bringing him to his knees and tackling him him so we can get the deal done! He was so caught off guard that he had to take a sudden vacation to drag it out and come up with new tricks. Not only was she running circles like Flash Gordon around him, she also runs circles around any of the best attorneys you can find in San Francisco, East Bay, South Bay and Marin.
To my own shock, with her representing me now, I honesty want and am confident enough to restart the entire process because I know I would get a lot more benefit, relief and joy going through this with her.
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28 Jul, 2021 by Lani jackson
I would like to express my appreciation to Whipple, Mercado & Associates LLP. I knew I was going with them as soon as I hung up after our consultation. The whole thing was so scary just because I don't know anything about family law and the whole process can be completely overwhelming and intimidating. Every time I spoke with Tammy or Mary it was reassuring. All interactions with them and the paralegals were encouraging. The court process was the best. That was so scary and Mary totally nailed it. She said all the right things at all the right times. I'm incredibly grateful and highly recommend Whipple, Mercado & Associates LLP. I'm. Because of their hard work, my brother has a shot at happiness and might have saved his life.
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17 Feb, 2021 by Kim
I can honestly say that Mary Whipple made this experience comfortable and easy! I put off going to court for many years for child custody orders etc. The main reason was fear.
Mary put my my fears to rest.
She was honest, very knowledgeable, gave great advice, fought hard for me and my family! She is kind, and wants the best outcome for all involved.
Mary is very skilled, and up to date on child custody, support and mediation. Mary offered ideas that worked for me in the end. I am so pleased to have had Mary represent me in court. I would 100% refer anyone to her.
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05 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I was referred to Ms Kock from divorce.net and had an initial consultation that made me feel comfortable hiring her to represent me in a divorce. Not only did she and her team fail to acknowledge my request to have an RFO immediately due to the STBX's actions, but due to extensive vacation time my RFO was pushed months out, then due to COVID indefinitely. I had to fight my battle with the STBX to get money, no dissomaster provided, no guidance except constant billing during SIP after repeatedly requesting to HOLD on the case. Finally the RFO hearing occurred and had terrible representation and should have provided dissomaster to get higher CS/SS, instead opposing counsel used a new dissomaster to get lower CS/SS - win for the other team. Kock didn't even bother to get a transcript for the RFO to prepare the orders as required by the judge, and never filed the orders with the court as she was supposed to. I fired her and filed a complaint with the BAR! DON'T use this person - waste of $13k and still not divorced! She should retire as she is rarely in the office or contacts you directly, and has her paralegals running the show. Terrible experience and if I wasn't still in divorce mode I would take her to court to get my money back for the worst representation!
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30 Dec, 2017 by Loè
Life including dissolution sometimes happens. We find ourselves in need of legal counsel in order to move forward in matters of family law and common sense, equitable solutions.
Dissolutions are filled with angst, uncertainty, uncomfortable situations with changes that always have a direct, lasting impact on families.
Researching family attorneys is typically not an enjoyable process. We speak with friends, perform online comparisons, read comments and hopefully identify an attorney that fits our needs.
My introduction to Arlene Kock was through a friend who had worked with Arlene on his own dissolution and was completely satisfied with Arlene’s family law legal practice, her knowledge, integrity and honesty.
A consultation with Arlene followed, she was friendly, open and articulate while determining if our client attorney collaboration would be an effective match. My needs while few were complicated. Those needs were based on my core tenets of integrity, fairness and honesty in splitting marital assets, common retirements and equity while doing the least amount of dissolution damage possible.
Arlene matched my needs perfectly. She described the dissolution process, California family law, communication paths, the role of her legal staff and realistic likely timelines.
Arlene’s legal staff weaves all of the multiple details, clients needs and various schedules into a seamless practical tapestry of exceptional legal skills and personable, caring thoughtfulness tuned to each client. Maria was my primary contact. To me her demonstrated skills, knowledge and abilities are at the Superstar level. Her efforts and kind, patient words helped enormously.
Arlene Kock will always be in my heart. I appreciate and respect all that she is and has been. She made a terribly difficult process understandable and survivable. I would readily work with her again.
Loè
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28 Aug, 2014 by K andrew
I originally worked with Arlene in 2012 and came back on several occasions to asks questions. the case I was going to purpose in the first place was a divorce but after my initial interaction with Arlene, it actually became more of mediation and the need for divorce was mitigated. When you call a divorce attorney you never expect marriage counseling but to a degree that's what happened. Arlene informed me about the ins and outs of what divorce entails and offered some personal advice which I took and am still married as the result. I did use her from time to time in her capacity as a family lawyer afterwards but as I said this was more of a consultation - quick phone call or email here and there where she explained the law to me and offered advice. Very nice and professional - I'm most pleased about the fact that she took the stress part out of a very stressful situation for which I'm grateful.
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18 May, 2023 by Anonymous
My case was very simple and straight forward and so were my expectations with Tammy. Unfortunately, even the customer service provided by high school kids at in-n-out who are paid $15 hourly, is far better than the way Tammy and her assistant Jessika treated me as their client. I tried to be extra respectful to her since she is my grandmother's age, but Tammy was always very cold, rude and disrespectful to me from the beginning. There was no warmth, empathy or kindness about her, and the way she handled my case makes me highly doubt her qualifications. The first day I met her during consultation she appeared very clumsy when she was dropping things all over including spilling water all over her very ghetto office table and scribbling notes on paper (who does that nowadays?) but she still bullied me into retaining her with her very clever smart-talk technique. She even said "can you believe someone as smart as me can be clumsy as well?" Errrrrr.....I still chose to overlook her clumsiness and wanted to give her a chance and expected her to guide me in my very simple & easy divorce case but she was lazy, arrogant, unprofessional and incompetent. Based on her very high hourly charges, I expected her to guide me a bit after hearing my case, discuss expectations and/or strategize my case but she kept snapping at me any time I discussed my goals with her. She also told me that unfortunately moms have to compromise and my ex can do whatever he wants. At all times, I felt like she is trying to please the opposing counsel and the opponent instead of having my back. Her tone and attitude were always condescending. There were several times she missed responding to me regarding action items and each time I would try to follow up with her, instead of being polite she would snap back at me rudely. I could not believe this is the kind of representation and customer service someone would provide at $600 per hour. She then very clearly emailed me that "she does not care about the way she communicates with me". This was the final straw for me. If you value your time, self-respect and hard earned money, do not hire useless Tammy.
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28 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Tammy-lyn Gallerani for your family law needs. She represented me through a tough divorce and was outstanding throughout the process. She is an expert in the law and compassionate in guiding clients through an emotional and stressful time. I always felt that she was on my side, incredibly responsive and 110% dedicated to the best outcome for me - including making recommendations that kept her legal fees to a minimum.
If she has time, would suggest you schedule an introductory meeting and you’ll experience first hand her caring approach and legal talent.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Divorce is hard. Divorce is messy, heart breaking and life changing. I've worked with Tammy and her associates for more than 5 years with a challenging case and she has always gone up and above what is expected and needed.
She intently listens to your needs and is realistic about your obstacles. Her enduring compassion helps you swallow the realities you may not always get what you want or what is fair but she is 100% on your side and fights for you every step of the way. In challenging situations, she thinks outside the box and doesn't miss a beat even with, in my case, with the most unethical, rigid, heartless and cruelest of opponents. She is realistic, keeps you up to speed with your case and is honest and practical with expectations.
To Tammy, it goes far beyond making a living and she does the extra things you sometimes need expecting nothing in return. She truly cares about enhancing her clients' lives, always has their backs and gently guides them through the ugly stages and transitions of divorce.
I always feel well-represented, respected and important. It goes without saying she brings your case home with her 24/7 and is always strategizing to get you your fair shake when possible.
She gets things done and is always a few steps ahead of her opposing counsel. Tammy's tenacity, compassion and above average intelligence gives you the peace of mind that it's not all for naught. The way she treats her clients makes the process of divorce just a little less messy, a little less ugly and you walk away you hired the best to represent and support you as you merge forward to a better quality of life.
Life for most after divorce is different, often times less money, more downsizing and dreams initially crushed to the ground. But with an attorney like Tammy and her team of associates, it gives you hope you may not have had without them that you can rebuild your life for the better and you had the best support team beneath you to start your new journey, despite the aches and pains of the past which eventually passes. Hiring Tammy and her team was life changing for me and I will always be eternally grateful for their help.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Jennifer blackmore
If I could, I’d humbly provide Tammy with the Universe of stars. Tammy Mercado is a miracle-working Super Hero! She did in less than 10 days what my four prior “top rated” greedy, patronizing lawyers could not even comprehend over multiple years.
Unlike all of my other attorneys, she didn’t take advantage of my massive distress to treat me like an ATM. I never say this kind of thing but, I truly felt like she was a best friend, a sister even, in lock-step who fought fearlessly for me when I had no fight left to give. My goals and her goals were One. She clearly and kindly reminded me of my real goals when I got blind-sided and upset. She kept everyone in line including my ex’s devious attorney and got the job done faster than Flash, the Marvel character who travels faster than the speed of light.
The other “top-rated” attorneys just patted me on the head, some offered thoughts and prayers. All of them told me to basically do nothing and wait. despite that my health and credit score - due to their abuse and exploitive fees - were rapidly collapsing.
Tammy achieved more with me in our first quick call than a allegedly super star attorney took $45,000 in fees and over 9 months to Not Comprehend, despite that divorce should have been easy, it was just assets, no children.
After 2+ years of pure hell with those “top-rated” thieves, I was panicked, traumatized and often inconsolable. Tammy handled me with the greatest of care both efficiently and highly effectively. She was tough on me when I really wanted to fight losing battles. She always had the perfect and reasonable quip to say to inspire me when I succumbed to doom and gloom. She had more compassion in one sentence then all of the other $700 attorneys did with their endless, expensive and exploitive proverbial pats on the head, with no sense of direction or purpose.
The fact that Tammy could do all that and get conceptual agreement with the devious other side in less than a week was ecstatically surreal. My ex’s attorney usually took weeks to acknowledge receipt of an email. Then at least another four weeks to hurl epithets, throw tantrums and chip away agreements that were already made. Him doing the red lines was like a very hot walk starting in purgatory.
None of that stopped Tammy from bringing him to his knees and tackling him him so we can get the deal done! He was so caught off guard that he had to take a sudden vacation to drag it out and come up with new tricks. Not only was she running circles like Flash Gordon around him, she also runs circles around any of the best attorneys you can find in San Francisco, East Bay, South Bay and Marin.
To my own shock, with her representing me now, I honesty want and am confident enough to restart the entire process because I know I would get a lot more benefit, relief and joy going through this with her.
Read more
28 Jul, 2021 by Lani jackson
I would like to express my appreciation to Whipple, Mercado & Associates LLP. I knew I was going with them as soon as I hung up after our consultation. The whole thing was so scary just because I don't know anything about family law and the whole process can be completely overwhelming and intimidating. Every time I spoke with Tammy or Mary it was reassuring. All interactions with them and the paralegals were encouraging. The court process was the best. That was so scary and Mary totally nailed it. She said all the right things at all the right times. I'm incredibly grateful and highly recommend Whipple, Mercado & Associates LLP. I'm. Because of their hard work, my brother has a shot at happiness and might have saved his life.
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13 Nov, 2020 by Don serratore
Tammy Mercado made a huge mistake when she was in with her mother’s vindictive rampage against me! She wrote my mother’s will then, thru instruction from her mother (my sister) tried taking money from my inheritance by claiming there was no will! A bold face lie!
Immoral, unethical and ILLEGAL! If Tammy would purposely lie about her own uncle for finiancial gain, what other crimes would she commit? They lied because they didn’t think I could prove it. WRONG! I am submitting a complaint with the Legal Board against Tammy Mercado after the court finds the truth in this matter! Good advise is, STAY AWAY FROM UNETHICAL ATTORNEYS such as Tammy Mercado!
Don S.
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01 Aug, 2022 by Amanda
Attorney's fees were found to be unconscionable so much as the judge wrote it in herself and initialed it on the FAOH. Once the request for fees were dismissed by the court, Cristin's office got busy and started calling me daily to collect. I paid them for every overcharged penny they billed for. They even billed me for time spent to attempt to remove the "unconscionable" note from the judge from the FAOH in which they were unsuccessful. Also, they were constantly changing staff and charging me hourly to update them on my case. Please run from the offices of Cristin Lowe, they are crooks and she couldn't care less about you and the vulnerable situation you are in.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Sarah
DO NOT USE CRISTIN LOWE...EVER!
I hired her in March 2021 for an extremely simple, non-contested, EASY Legal Separation from my husband. (We're still married but not "been together" for over a decade but live part time. get along, vacation together, raised our boys, and a fantastic platonic fun relationship).
She did an initial consult for 400 an hour. I hired her. I literally NEVER HEARD from her again! Not even being exaggerated.
She filed the initial separation in S.F. Superior Court and there is a 6 month wait period in CA. Early November 2021 (6 month wait period ended). Did I get my Legal Separation Agreement that I needed so I could then get the QDRO's done and all filed to Superior Court? NO. Mind you this was a NON CONTESTED, AGREEABLE Legal Separation. All we needed was the Agreement so then QDROs could be completed by a QDRO Attorney I already consulted with.
Tick Tock...month rolls on....I tried contacting her. She committed CLIENT ABANDONMENT!
December. 2021...January 2022...still NOTHING.
February 2022...nope...March 2022...nil.
In meantime, my Separation Agreement could've been done MONTHS ago.
I would've already been paid out by the retirement 401/457 of my husband as my settlement for 21 years of marriage. I wasn't going after any spouse support, there's no custody issue, no CALPERS pension so this was quick.
My husband is getting more impatient as months pass because of the legal separation, there is "hold" on the accounts so he can't contribute to his retirement accounts which brings his "net" TAXABLE income bracket higher. Her long delay not doing anything, we both have lost THOUSANDS (15k combined) in our accounts which impacts me greatly since its MY FINAL SETTLEMENT with my husband and I would've had the cash before all the losses if she DID HER JOB I HIRED HER FOR!
She NEVER RESPONDED to ANY email after initial hiring. Her paralegal kept saying I have it on her calendar to "catch up" and hopefully you'll get your agreement soon.
March 2022 rolls by and I had enough! It's already been a YEAR since the initial filing of our separation in Superior Court. All I need is the Legal Separation Agreement. This isn't rocket science! There aren't lawyers involved on both sides, there's no arguments with my spouse. VERY AMICABLE.
I waited 5 MONTHS for a simple painless, non-complicated Legal Separation Agreement. I terminated her at end of March 2022. Did she apologize? NO. Did she even bother to try to explain herself? NO. Just crickets as usual from her.
I hired another attorney April 1, 2022 who completed my Legal Separation Agreement in 3 DAYS! Got my QDRO's done right after and within a week I had everything needed.
Cristin Lowe didn't even KNOW that my husband's 401/457 company Mission Square are managers just like Fidelity or TRowe. They aren't even CALPERS or have anything to do with CALPERS which I already told her I wasn't going to touch his pension, so her filing a joinder in Superior Court for CALPERS in 2021 was stupid and unnecessary and cost me fees I didn't have to pay to begin with.
She will initially give "great advice" and be good in the consultation but after that? You'll never hear from her again.
NOT ONE UPDATE about your case, not one email to let you know the progress or next step. She should've had my Legal Separation Agreement READY TO GO and COMPLETED right when the 6 month wait period was over.
I had to call her office to make an appointment just to discuss the financial arrangement my husband I agreed upon. That is HER JOB TO CONTACT ME TO GET THE DETAILS so she could FINISH the legal separation agreement she didn't even bother to start. Junk attorney.
Cristin Lowe is the absolute worst and too expensive for the little she did. Charging for every email or phone call that you're forced to make to try to get any answer on the progress of your case. Horrid. DO NOT HIRE HER. YOU WILL REGRET IT.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Cristin is a true professional in the family law business. She’s on the expensive side, but specializes in the field and was totally worth the fees paid. Prompt answers to phone and email messages.
Please remember attorneys can not guarantee results, and they’re not responsible for the circumstances of the case. All they can do is act within the law and advocate your position in a court hearing. Family law judges have a lot of discretion, it’s not always the attorney’s fault if it doesn’t go your way.
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14 Jun, 2021 by Judith porter
Scott put together my trust quickly when I needed. I highly recommend him.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Angel ventura
01 Apr, 2019 by David watson
Ken is an expert in trusts, probate, and wills.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
She assists sexual predators in continuing to sexually abuse their children and lies on declarations as she has NO knowledge of reality.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
