Do you have any special background, training, or experience to be a family law attorney or call yourself a specialist?

Yes. I am a family law specialist certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.

The State Bar certifies attorneys as specialists who go beyond the standard licensing requirements.

In order to become a certified family law specialist, and maintain my specialization:
(1) I passed an additional bar examination focused solely on family law;
(2) I dedicated 100% of my practice to family law;
(3) I receive training (“continuing education”) in family law every year;
(4) The State Bar reviewed my past cases to verify that I have “broad-based and comprehensive experience in family law”; and,
(5) I received favorable evaluations by other attorneys and judges familiar with my work in family law.

Why does your website sometimes say that you are unable to accept new clients?

From time to time, I enable an announcement bar stating that I cannot accept new clients until a specific date in the near future. I do that so I can ensure that I am able to provide a high level of service to my existing clients.

How many clients or cases do you have at any given time?

I try to limit my caseload to about fifteen to twenty active cases. Regardless of the number of cases being handled by my firm, I am personally involved with and responsible for each case.

What should I do if your website says you are not accepting new clients?

You are still welcome to set up an initial consultation. If your case needs immediate attention, I can offer you guidance regarding how to proceed, and can identify some organizations/attorneys best suited to your needs and circumstances. If your case does not need to be litigated immediately, I can add your name to my waiting list.

Do you offer a free consultation?

No. This is because, in many cases, when a lawyer offers a free consultation, it is because they use them as an opportunity to "reel in" a potential client like a fish.

I try and do my best to resolve -- during that first consultation -- whatever issue a potential client is facing so that they never have to hire me or anyone else. I also explain to the potential client that, if they have the time and are willing to accept the risks, they can try and do some routine things themselves.

What is your retainer fee? 

An initial deposit to establish a client trust account — or an “initial retainer” — can vary depending upon the urgency and complexity of a case. For most clients, the initial deposit is between $4,500 and $6,500. In some instances, a client may have two or three cases proceeding simultaneously. For example, a client may have three separate cases for domestic violence, divorce, and child support. In such instances, we may request a single deposit, between $6,500 and $10,000, for all ongoing cases, rather than requesting a separate deposit for each case — which would have added up to a larger amount.

Is the retainer/deposit refundable? 

Of course! We refund any portion of your retainer that is unused.

Do you offer flat-fee services? 

I typically work on an hourly basis because I have found that flat-fee arrangements in litigation rarely provide a good value to the client. But in some cases which involve reviewing materials (e.g., prenuptial, post-nuptial, or settlement agreements) I can provide flat-fee services.

Do you prepare or review prenuptial agreements?

Yes. I can prepare a prenuptial agreement on your behalf, or review one that you have been asked to sign.

 Are there any other types of cases that you do not accept?

Yes. In some instances, I do decline to accept cases that conflict with my personal sensibilities. If I experience any hesitation in accepting your case, I will inform you during our initial consultation. If that happens, I will do my best to refer you to another attorney who would be better suited for your case.

What are your hourly fees? 

Our billing rates range from $150/hour to $450/hour. We endeavor to leverage technology to automate tasks, and we delegate tasks when feasible in order to reduce the overall cost of representation for our clients.

Do you bill in 6-minute or 15-minute increments? 

Neither. I bill for the exact amount of time spent on a task. So, if I spend 19 minutes on something, you will be billed for 19 minutes, not for 24 minutes (as per 6-minute billing) or for 30 minutes (as per 15-minute billing).

Will you charge me for meetings, phone calls, and emails? 

Yes, I bill the actual amount of time spent on meetings, phone calls, and emails. The time spent on these tasks is tracked automatically to minimize errors. Some types of meetings, phone calls, and emails are tracked but often discounted or not billed to clients.

What if I can't pay the entire bill?

We accept credit cards, and we offer financing through third-party lenders.

Can you offer me a lower hourly rate?

I am unable to lower my hourly billing rate. However, I do accept credit cards and offer financing through third-party lenders..

When are you available for a consultation?

I take scheduled in-person and phone appointments on all 7 days, and at any time when I am not in court or with my family. To schedule an appointment, simply click the "Book Appointment" button below. If your desired date/time is not available, please make an appointment for the first available time so that you can make a payment for the consultation. Then, contact me to provide your desired date and time so that I can attempt to accommodate your request.