DO NOT HIRE THIS GUY. HE DOESN'T KNOW LAW. HE MAKES MISTAKES WHILE FILING PAPERWORK WHICH COST YOU THOUSAND OF DOLLARS. HE TELLS EVERYTHING TO OPPOSING COUNSEL EVEN AFTER YOU TOLD HIM NOT TO. I had the worst experience with this guy. I didn't even chose him. I was suggested and sent to him. In my first month working with this guy I came to know that he made mistake while filing paper. He doesn't know if the upcoming hearing is regular hearing or trial. He sends all the evidence to opposing counsel. He charges lot of money and you can see lots of charges for the things which is not necessary. It's just to milk you. This guy doesn't have any client. After my new lawyer send him substitution form to sign, he messages me saying "what is going on? Why did you stop replying to me?" This is very unprofessional. Doesn't he see the substitution form. As a lawyer, he should know what is going on and why did i stop replying to him. If he had done a good job as a lawyer, then there won't be a new lawyer in a picture. No lawyer texts like that unless he doesn't have any client. read more

I have a very bad experience with him . He never answer the phone , he lies , never keep his appointment, doesn't do he job , takes your money and run, I'm still married after 8 years. Charges 500 just to talk you, doesn't know anything about law, his nose is always running , he breaks client lawyer privileges. I hired him but he working on the other side against me . read more

When my dad called and asked if I could help him find an Attorney because he was served with divorce papers; I didn't Google search. I immediately opened my email and sent Joel an email. Joel has thoroughly helped me with my divorce. I am so glad he was on my side. He listens to your wants and needs, investigates all aspects of your situation and finds the best possible outcome for you. Anytime I have conversation with someone and/or overhear someone asking for a Family Law Attorney; I will always refer Joel. As for billing, I never felt cheated. Joel would call and consult with me before paying anything. He always emailed my detailed bill and said to let him know if I had questions. Good Attorney's are hard to find. I'm keeping his number locked in my contacts and if you ever get a chance to utilize his services, I'm confident that you'll do the same. read more

Three days be for a very important hearing, Joel informed me that he would not appear at the hearing until I paid him the full balance of my retainer installment, some $750. When I told him I did not have it immediately, he said he would no longer represent me. I had to appear at the hearing by myself. I later paid him the $750. The total amount I paid to him during the representation was $2500.00. He appeared in court once. He charged me for transportation to and from the courthouse. He also charges per text message in addition to the time spent texting, some $2 each. Joel actually did very little work on my case even though he billed me for 10 hours. When I confronted him about how little had actually been done in comparison to my bill, he responded by saying he was doing me a favor by not charging more. I had to file most of the documents at the c.c. county courthouse myself. The overall experience and expense left me feeling very manipulated and taken advantage of. I do not recommend him for low income people, looking for a good attorney to represent them at a fair price. Once he funds out you are employed, be ready to pour out your bank account. read more

If you've been through a divorce, then you know it's an experience you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy (no, probably not even on your ex). Why I decided to marry for a second time will forever be a mystery... But, I'm a human being and unfortunately, prone to making poor decisions now and again (and again). I represented myself through my second divorce because it appeared to be straight forward. And then a 12 month marriage turned into an 18 month divorce. I now understand why attorneys make the big cheddar. A divorce is a ridiculous amount of work, countless hours of hand wringing and head-shaking, and ZERO fun. When I was creeping up on the finish line I needed a pro who knew the law and the landscape to review the agreements and give me some solid advice. The best decision I made was consulting with Joel Tranter. Not only is he an ethical human with an enormous capacity to empathize with clients about this ridiculously horrible process, but he is SUPER smart and tells the truth. If only I had the foresight to retain him earlier, I might already be done with this thing. This is the guy you want on your side. read more

I was overwhelmed with relief finding Joel after moving to the Bay area and looking around for a lawyer. I had interviewed several people and didn't feel comfortable with anyone, untill I called Joel. I was very concerned about my divorce preceding and Joel created a professionally warm and friendly environment for me to handle my personal business in a direct, honest and easy way. He helped me navigate through an unpleasant situation and created a positive atmosphere to begin and conclude my divorce procedure. Everything went as planned and there were no hiccups. He answered all of my questions very well and again, created a positive environment for me.I truly appreciated his services and would recommend him to anyone. read more

Joel has represented me in a case that has required an attorney who is ethical, intelligent and clever. He has been able to break down a difficult situation into a clear-cut case that leaves no room for any "dealing" to settle. He walks the walk...side by side with you, with honesty and integrity as his guideposts. I would not be writing this if I did not believe in him; his word is his bond, and he is a rare gem. read more

My divorce is nearing completion and I am extremely happy that I chose Joel to help me through the process. My wife and I had already come to an agreement about custody, but I really felt like I needed some perspective on the financial pieces, as well as someone to help me avoid overlooking anything that might hurt me in the future. I had heard horror stories and was really nervous about talking to a divorce attorney for fear they would intentionally escalate things to make more money. Joel was respectful, informative, and gave me a sense of assurance that I really needed during an already emotionally charged time. I can't recommend him highly enough! read more

Joel has been tremendous with my child support case. He has been a patient and consistent reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel. He is professional, yet friendly, and always responds to queries in a timely manner. Joel shows up to court prepared and ready to go the extra mile to get the best outcome for my case. I am impressed with his diligence and integrity. As someone who likes to do my own research, he is gracious when I pretend to be more knowledgeable than he is! A stellar lawyer and a compassionate human being. read more

When I found Joel, the only thing I knew was that I wanted dissolution. I had no idea what I was entitled to, but he fought for everything I deserved and was entitled to. The dissolution of my domestic partnership was extremely complicated, but Joel is the perfect attorney to handle difficult situations. He is determined, very patient and has your best interest. He listens to your needs and worries through your difficult time. He is very knowledgeable about divorce, domestic partnerships, child custody and child support. Joel has been a dedicated counsel and I would recommend him because of his aggressiveness when dealing with non-reasonable people. read more

I was recommended to Joel by a friend and I am so grateful to her! After having had a terrible and completely ineffectual previous attorney, I was very discouraged and frustrated and did not know what to expect. Joel was able to very quickly assume the handling of my case, trouble shoot the previous attorney's errors and present me with a clear course of action. Following this course of action led to a timely and very satisfactory resolution of my situation. Joel was calm, knowledgeable, nonjudgemental and respectful at all times. He was prompt in his response to calls and emails and seemed to genuinely appreciate the emotional strain I was under. I would happily turn to him with any future issue subject to family law that presented itself in my life, and I recommend him with confidence to anyone needing the services of a family law attorney. read more