I went to Mike for a divorce from my wife of almost 50 years. It was initiated by her and was a real shock to me. The details aren't really important but suffice to say after all that time it was very complicated. It went on for a couple of years and involved the selling and division of property, and many other obstacles that needed to be dealt with. California divorce law is not very friendly to husbands but I always felt that Michael and his staff had my best interests at heart. They were competent, kept me informed and up to date on issues as they came up. I could always contact them thru email or by phone for any questions or concerns and they always kept me abreast of any court appearances. I would recommend them to anybody who is facing going through a divorce, husband or wife. read more

Mike did a great job a misinforming my ex of his rights and responsibilities in court therefore helping me. If Mike is representing the other party rest assured your chances of winning are great. Other than the fact that he accepted thousands of dollars that should have gone to children he's great! He's successfully lost two cases for my ex and wasted their money getting their hopes up. Keep it up! read more

Michael Kalanta did a FANTASTIC job with our case. I would definitely endorse this attorney. From start to finish with our legal family issues, it was all resolved. Michael and his staff are professional and they will always stay in contact to update you. THANK YOU KALANTA LAW OFFICE!!!! :) read more

Michael and his staff were absolutely phenomenal in every way. Both Michael and his staff were helpful, professional, focused, personable, and above all, honest. Their expertise is worth every dime. I would prefer not to be in a situation where I would need to seek legal counsel, but should I ever find myself in that position again I would not hesitate to call Michael and his team. I owe an enormous thanks to Michael, Alex, and Erin for all of their excellent work on my case. read more

Spoke with Mike today for my free consultation. And he called me promptly at our scheduled time and really took the time to listen to me and provide feedback on how to proceed with my divorce. I highly recommend his services. read more

Not Good... This attorney will not represent you. He is only attorney to settle cases. Mr Michael Kalanta actually told me if I did not sign the settlement agreement that the defendant suggested that he would make me sign a release of attorney. Good riddance. Mr Michael Kalanta will not represent you. He will not study your case, he will not know your details. He will not have communication with his office as well. Please be advised to seek other counsel. You may email me at salvationcity.deb@gmail.com if you want further information. read more

Sandra was perfect , I booked my appointment immediately before getting off the phone. So glad I came across this attorneys office

Michael was my Attorney when I was going through my divorce. He was working in Scott Mitchell's office at the time. He wasn't a good Attorney at all. Michael wouldn't speak up when there were times he really needed to do so, he would make comments to me like "I know what women like you want." He didn't show up to a court date and I had to go out and call him which the secretary kept telling me he wasen't there, until I told her he was supposed to be in court. Bottom line for me he did Nothing! If you chose to use him, I sure hope he has learned from the past and does a good job for you. read more

Mike is worth the money, he invests back into his clients and makes them feel like family. I wish I had found him earlier, but I will do what he deserves and tell my story, and tell you the kind of attorney he is. Mike is the kind of lawyer I wish I had found the first time around during my divorce. Due to COVID my divorce was drawn out and my times court dates were rescheduled due to COVID. I originally hired Leslie Jensen as an attorney and I was new to the process. She gave me false hope and when I came with questions she dismissed me. Leslie went to mediation with me, telling me it was in the bag and I would have joint custody, I lost, and she took none of the blame for losing. Because I didn't go with Mike Kalanta the first time around it took me 2 years, a ton of heart ache and a 6,000 dollar private custody evaluation and private investigator which costs 2500. I then contacted Mike, he setup a consultation and I brought all my paperwork. Mike spent about an hour and a half panning through the paperwork, trying to understand my case and all the issues surround it. He stepped in an agreed not to price gouge me like I had previously received. Mike explained every step of the process, and told me what was likely to happen so I did not get my hopes up. When I was down on my luck because court was postponed, he would call and check in. He called multiple times, to see how I was doing, and how I was holding up. He treated me like family and so has Sandra from his office, who is a great paralegal. Sandra is friendly, responsive, and always up to do whatever I wanted or needed. They didn't make me wait and responded in a quick timely fashion. Mike and Sandra would call with updates, and have made sure to get my case handled properly. When I was with Leslie Jensen I felt like a number, a number on a check she wanted to cash. But with Mike Kalanta, he restored a bunch of faith in the law and courts. 1. I came to Mike wanted more custody of my kids, due to it being 70/30 against me. He recommended a Private Custody evaluation and I received 50/50 out of it. 2. I was going to deal with support issues surrounding my ex who was capable of working full time, but she refused to do it. Mike recommended a vocational assessment, which has come back placed her at a full time wage and alleviating a ton of unnecessary stress. 3. I was able to settle my divorce after a long played out game from my ex and her attorney. Mike called multiple times to check in on me and texted me to make sure to get the job done and give me closure on that issue. When I started this issue, I felt like attorneys were a waste of time and not worth it. After having Mike on my side for the past 2 years, I couldn't be more grateful and thankful. I have nothing but respect for him, Sandra and his law firm. He makes you feel like a person and he cares a ton. My only regret was not hiring him the first time when I was out lookin for an attorney to represent me. read more

Michael and his staff are the best! Best advice and best family law attorney you will find in the Central Valley. Always there to answer my questions, and also very kind to speak too. This is a very good law office! His staff are always friendly and prepared to help. I recommend all my family and friends to do business with Michael for any family law needs. Thank you Michael Kalanta! read more

When I met Michael Kalanta, I must say he was a very nice man. At the beginning of my divorce, when I was served with the papers at the door, I had a stroke. Afterwards, I couldn't understand TV or emails for several years. At that time Mr. Kalanta was just starting his private practice. He had an opportunity to stop the litigation but didn't take it, partly because he needed clients, partly just inexperienced. He is likely a good attorney by this time, but in my case, I was debt free, mortgage, credit cards and student loans all paid in full at the time of my marriage. However, by the end of my divorce I had lost everything including my house, entire pension, and owed money. He is in the greatest part responsible as I was essentially retarded due to the stroke and totally dependent on him. By not blocking the opposing attorney, who won every round in court, (and who, BTW, appeared to be friends with the judge --- so it was a difficult task), he allowed the court system to abuse me for 5 years. I had PTSD for 6 years. As a side note, my ex is from a wealthy family, and the sum total of my lifetime of assets, transferred to her, made no difference to her life whatsoever. We had no children together. read more

After looking around for some time in search of a good counsel Mike popped up on my google search engine. I took a chance, and did the free consultation. Moreover, in less that 20 minutes Mr. Kalanta made me feel as If I found the perfect person to handle my case. I am forever grateful for his work, knowledge, and thrive to fight for his clients. He and his staff truly care about their clients. The whole staff is amazing, and helpful. I will certainly have him as my counsel once again if needed! read more

Mr Kalanta and I had a phone consultation and he provided great information concerning my case. He was very forthcoming on all issues and knowledgeable on all questions that I asked him. I would recommend his services to anyone who is need of a family lawyer. read more

I can not imagine getting worse service. Mr. Kalanta did absolutely nothing for me. His office is not good at returning calls in a timely manner, nor are they good with details. Mr. Kalanta showed up late to my only court date, and was not prepared, after all the meetings we had. He was never prepared when I called, he would call me back, then say I will have to get your file and call you back........again. I worked the agreement out with my ex, and Mr. Kalanta received around 4000.00. I'm still trying to figure out what he received this for. I even had to go and change my name after this was all done. Seriously nothing good came from this. I would never use his services again. read more

INTERNATIONAL CASE WARNING! MUST READ! Are you tired of having a poorly managed case by attorneys who don't take the time to listen to your concerns, and don't value your time or money?LOOK NO FURTHER! We are a military family. After continuous searching, countless meaningless consultations, and less than average attorneys with superficial paralegals we found Mr. Kalanta and couldn't be happier! WE WERE NOT AN EASY CASE. Our family is in Los Angeles County (living), custody battle in Stanislaus (where ex lives), and needed to move to Germany.(f*ck I know right) I Spoke w attorneys who claimed to be "top dogs", "aggressive", and "not easily intimidated", however after taking my consultation fee and hearing the facts many turned the case down kindly or flat out lied as to why they couldn't take it. We needed an order to move (to Germany), BY YESTERDAY, from a really sour 3rd party with nothing but time on his hands to be nasty. Michael and staff were ALWAYS on the ball! Many bumps on the road, Michael never gave up! One occasion Michael was on vacation w family, and ex decided to "keep" my son out of spite. I called, crying in a mess after the police were involved, I was told by the police there was nothing they could do because there was a "custody order" in place. With my husband deployed, I was hopeless and have never felt so alone. I called Michael and was helped ASAP. He made time away from his own family to make sure ours was okay especially during this very difficult time filing an emergency custody order; showing our 3rd party he didn't come here to play. I was in shock seeing how calm yet aggressive he reacted knowing I would get my son back (which I did that same weekend) He would even call me personally to update me and check in on me if his office did not hear from me weekly. This is a family oriented gentleman who knows the value of client relations, professionalism, time management, and his staff holds a high standard and family values much like himself at all times! Alicia and Sandra were always there to update me on how things were going, and even assisted in tracking down the pos 3rd party who refused to be served. PROS: -QUICK. I needed an order to move by July 10th, Michael made it happen by August! I retained him May 28th to be exact. -REAL. A lot of attorneys sell you on why they are the best. Michael not only sticks to his word, he makes it happen with a smile and a kick ass attitude. -STAFF. Staff will give you beyond fast responses. There is always someone over the phone who is highly trained and ready to assist you. Thank you sooo much Alicia, Sandra, and everyone who assisted me at all times! -NETWORK. During our mediation hearings, I quickly learned Michael has a great relation with everyone in Stanislaus County. -VETERAN He has real experience in the service himself making him keen on many real life issues and greatly values families currently serving for the military. -EMPATHY. No one plans to have custody wars, at least not someone like myself, who is generally a submissive person to begin with. Michael and all his staff understood and valued my emotions 100% from Monday - Sunday. -AFFORDABLE. We are a military family, and I lost my job due to Covid at that! Michael made a very reasonable and considerate retainer fee which honestly you cannot beat for the service. CONS: Are you crazy? None. Kalanta law isn't a typical commercial law firm selling you their services with shi**y outcomes. If you have reached to the bottom of this review do your family and yourself a favor and choose Michael Kalanta. I was at my most vulnerable and helpless place when Kalanta Law picked me up, and took matters into their hands. I finish writing this in tears, because of him, we are now able to be together as a family again, and I will be able to pin my husband his Sgt. Major pin as he gets awarded in Germany. I can never repay you guys for reuniting us after months of fighting alone. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! read more

Mike and his staff are very professional and very caring. They helped me through a very scary and tough time in life. Mike takes the time to learn about the details of your situation and provides fair and honest advice. Mike and his staff are very trustworthy. I would highly recommend Kalanta law office to anyone who needs to protect their children. Mike will fight for you and give you peace of mind. read more

I hired Mike to help me with a move away order after I had seen a review from someone else saying that he helped them win their move away case. I knew he was the one when I saw that review. He responded extremely quickly, on a weekend, when I sent my original urgent email telling him about my case. A little background, I have full custody of my daughter. My ex has not seen her for 9 months due to drug use and criminal charges he is facing. After giving him 45 days notice of the move, he filed a Request for Order on day 43. (Though I had done all my previous custody case forms, filings and hearing on my own without a lawyer, I wanted a lawyer this time since it was a more serious matter.) Mike prepared me for the mediation and told me exactly what was going to happen and he was right. He is very knowledgable about the work he does. At the mediation hearing, my ex said he opposed the move pending hearing because he was trying to get visitation for my daughter in order to agree to my moving. Because he opposed, our case had to go to trial. For the mediation (over the phone), Mike did all the talking and it was so relieving. From the very beginning, Mike told me I had a very strong case and was very confident. He assured me that I had the presumptive right to move due to having full custody. Despite that, I experienced so much anxiety throughout the process because obviously you never really know what's going to happen and I feared for the well being of my daughter if visitation was granted in any way at the time. Mike was great in trying to instill confidence and telling me not to worry. Mike was great about communicating and helping me prepare for the trial and having all the information that we could possibly need. On the day of the trial, before we even went into the court room, Mike pulled my ex aside to show him the evidence we would be presenting and was talking with him for about 20 minutes. Because of Mike, we had basically had most of it all settled before we even went into the courtroom. When we went in front of the judge, Mike again did all the talking and presented the judge with the information we had discussed in the hall (my ex acknowledging me moving and asking for FaceTime, but me disagreeing). The judge granted me permission to move and denied my ex's request for visitation until he fulfills the requirements on our court order. What could have been a long day of trial turned into 5 minutes in front of the judge and we won. Mike helped me in getting the best outcome that I could have asked for and it has been the biggest relief. All I want to ever do is keep my daughter emotionally, mentally and physically safe. It's so terrifying knowing that your child's future is in the hands of someone that doesn't really know them or the full situation, but I was happy to have Mike's support through all this and appreciate all the work he did. Overall, his demeanor is very refreshing and easy going. He is confident, but not in an aggressive way. He is very personable and understanding. He really showed his care for my daughter in this situation. He responded to my emails fairly quickly, which I appreciated. His retainer fee was also very reasonable in my opinion! Thanks to Mike and his team for everything! I would definitely recommend him to others and have already started doing so. He's going to be my go to attorney for everything else I have to deal with regarding my custody case! read more

I spoke to Michael about helping with a child custody law matter, he was VERY helpful. He took the time to explain everything and didn't make me feel as if I was "uneducated" for some of my questions. He was very calm, knowledgeable and made me feel like he could handle my case. His front desk staff Jessica was also great and very friendly! read more

Michael Kalanta was such a blessing. I don't have even one complaint or suggestion for improvement. He did exactly what I needed him to do as my lawyer. We started out with a free consultation. Unlike many other lawyers, he actually seemed to care and wanted to help and allowed me to ask whatever questions I needed to ask him even when it didn't pertain to the next step of what we were working on. He spent that free session actually trying to help me rather than focus on selling himself. This made me feel like I could trust him because there was open communication. He is very smart, knowledgeable and good at his job. He found things that no other lawyer I interviewed found that was to my advantage. He gave me a very generous deal on accompanying me to one court date. If I had the money, I'd hire him again in a minute. read more

Mr. Kalanta was very professional & extremely kind through my whole custody process. I was nervous to have to get an attorney involved but he made the process so easy& welcoming. He always kept me informed and in the loop of everything that was happening and would take his time to explain everything to me to make sure I understood exactly what was going to happen. I would most definitely recommend him to anyone who is looking for a Family law attorney! read more

Mr. Kalanta takes the time to learn about the details that surround your situation and provides fair, honest, and objective advice in times when it may be hard to see things rationally yourself. He is compassionate, caring, and trustworthy. He represented me in my custody case and fought to obtain a parenting plan that would keep my child safe & also petitioned the courts for deadlines/resolutions that were both respectful of my time, needs, and protecting my child's welfare. When I ended up needing emergency orders to further protect my child later on, I called upon Mr. Kalanta once again and he did an amazing job once again. He was my attorney from early-2017 to early-2018 and again in mid-2019. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs to protect their child, he will fight for your child and provide you with peace of mind. If he can do that I am confident he can provide the best in any case. I am thankful to have had such a stellar attorney in my corner. If the need arose again, I wouldn't hesitate to rehire him yet again. read more

I used Michael as my attorney as I had a drawn out family case. He worked on my case diligently and results went in my favor. He and his staff are always helpful and represent his office in the most professional way. Michael listens to your needs and is thorough on his research. He knows how to handle your case and can work on his feet when a curve ball is thrown as my case was very complicated. I hold Michael and his office in high regards because of what we accomplished in court and his office made my life so much easier as they take the burden from you. Since my case has been over he has made me and my family pleased with the results. If you are need in an honest hard working attorney I highly recommend The Kalanta Law Office. read more

Mr. Kalanta and staff were wonderful during one of the most difficult times. Their office is friendly and welcoming as well as knowledgeable. Mr. Kalanta obtained the best outcome possible for my case and I am extremely thankful to have worked with him. read more

Michael has been a fantastic lawyer in my case where other lawyers said I did not have a chance. His staff is responsive and follows through. He is friendly, listens to the client, experienced, knowledgeable and determined to do what is best for his client. He will go the extra mile and help you to be educated in the law and court process. I will definitely be recommending Michael to anyone who needs well qualified representation. Not only is Michael a great lawyer but he is a man of integrity. Thanks Michael for everything! read more