I worked with Arlene a few years ago when my custody case first began. At the beginning, I felt…read morevery confident hiring her. I believed there was significant evidence supporting my position, and based on our initial conversations, I expected aggressive and effective representation. Unfortunately, my experience was very different. I drained my savings and accumulated credit card debt paying legal fees, but I was extremely disappointed with the representation I received. I understand now, after years of dealing with custody court, that obtaining anything other than 50/50 custody can be extremely difficult. My issue is not simply that I didn't receive the outcome I wanted. My issue is that the representation I experienced did not match the expectations I felt had been set when I hired her. I was particularly disappointed by her professionalism and preparation during the Zoom court appearance I attended with her. After spending a significant amount of money, I was ultimately told that I should essentially accept the 50/50 arrangement. I ended the attorney-client relationship after only one court date, having accumulated debt that took me years to recover from. That experience made me extremely hesitant to hire another family-law attorney. I eventually did so for a more recent custody matter, and the difference has been night and day. My current attorney is equally, if not more, expensive, but I feel informed, represented, and that meaningful work is being done on my case. That comparison is ultimately what prompted me to come back and write this review. Family-law cases are already emotionally and financially exhausting. Based solely on my own experience, I would not hire Arlene again. What was most upsetting was that I believed I understood the strategy and what she intended to fight for when I retained her. It was only after our court appearance went badly that her position seemed to completely change, and I was suddenly being told I should simply accept 50/50. Had that been the advice and expectation communicated to me from the beginning, I would not have spent the amount of money I did pursuing the case with her.

For the past 15 years, I have relied on Arlene Kock for exceptional guidance in marriage and family…read morelaw matters, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Her advice is consistently clear, strategic, and easy to understand, and her billing is always fair and transparent. The teamwork within her office is truly impressive -- organized, responsive, and professional at every level -- which makes even high-conflict and complex cases feel steady and well handled. I have confidently referred people to Arlene over the years because I know they will receive thoughtful counsel, strong advocacy, and real experience behind every decision. With more than 40 years in the field, her depth of knowledge is extraordinary, and her hourly rate represents tremendous value for the level of expertise she delivers. If you want seasoned, steady, and highly skilled representation, Arlene Kock is outstanding. Simply the best!

They care about your situation and want to make your situation as painless and easy as possible!…read more Very caring, kind and knowledgeable about the law! Highly recommend!

I contacted Ms. Van Brusselen regarding a family legal issue and was very happy with her help. She…read morewas knowledgeable, efficient, and wrote a strong, professional letter that helped move things toward resolution. I'd gladly work with her again.

Tracey was an absolute lifesaver during one of the hardest times in my life. Divorce is never easy,…read morebut she made the process much more manageable. From day one she set realistic expectations and gave honest, thoughtful advice. Tracey was incredibly responsive and always took the time to explain what was happening and outline clear options to keep things moving forward. For both custody and property issues, she took a level-headed, fair approach that always put the kids first. Her calm, practical style made a huge difference during a really stressful time. If you're looking for a divorce attorney who's smart, caring, and keeps things on track, I highly recommend Tracey Wapnick.

I worked with Tracey through a complex divorce that lasted more than two years. She is incredibly…read moreknowledgeable and patient, and she took the time to explain legal terms and processes clearly so I always understood what was happening. Rather than dictating decisions, she brought me along in the process and made sure I felt informed and involved. Tracey never sugarcoated issues -- she stayed grounded, realistic, and strategic, always advocating for my best interests. Even through psychological evaluations, failed mediations, and difficult negotiations, she remained consistent and kept me focused. In the end, she secured the best possible settlement for me. I highly recommend Tracey to anyone looking for a skilled, steady, and dedicated advocate.

HORRIBLE...STAY AWAY. Read Fiona's responses to bad reviews…read moreand notice that she always has "an excuse" and never truly takes responsibility. I hired Fiona because I needed to file for custody due to my Ex refusing to let me see our daughter. Fiona made poorly written declarations, filled incomplete and missing paperwork and apparently does not understand the law in which she practices. On our FIRST court date, Fiona showed up unprepared to court and got the Judge so upset that he walked off to his chambers. The Judge then handed me 23% custody and awarded Mother with primary custody of the child...DESPITE...Joint custody being the default for California. Fiona FAILED to argue the law as NO evidence was ever presented that shows me to have committed anything that would result in me having limited or reduced time with the child. Fiona FAILED to realize that there was NO FINDINGS OF FACTS that supported the Judges decision. Fiona also FAILED to argue Family Code 3170 (a) in that neither parties have attended mediation prior to this FIRST court date. Fiona Failed to properly prepare me for Mediation that followed our first Court date and the paper work that Fiona filed for my Divorce was incomplete so my divorce got stuck in limbo. Again..Fiona would only give me excuses and never took responsibility for her screwing up my case so badly. I ultimately fired Fiona and she was more than eggar to hand my case to someone else. I found out later that Fiona over charge me and I had to involve other agencies to get her to refund me what she over charged. Fiona screw up my entire case from the very beginning and causes irreparable damage to my daughter. Luckily, I found a NEW Lawyer who knew the law and could argue it. My daughter NOW lives with me because of a professional and not someone like Fiona, who in my opinion, is a horrible person that will only bleed you dry while giving you excuses.

Fiona is by far one of the most knowledgeable and passionate Family Law attorneys out there…read more She is generous, kind and understanding, and at the same time she knows where to focus her energy and attention to have a successful outcome. I consulted with her on many occasions and not only she gave me the best advice for myself and my children, but she also cared for me as a human being. I can't speak of her highly enough and hope she stays in practice for many more years to come. Thanks Fiona!

Denise has helped me multiple times. She helped me when I was getting custody of my oldest over 15…read moreyears ago, and then recently as I have been going through a divorce. She was very informative and always answered my questions with clarity. Its baffling to me that anyone would write a bad review about Denise. Please ignore them!!!

I've had the pleasure of working with Denise Reposo, paralegal in Martinez, and Gina, her…read moreassistant, for the past two years, and I truly can't say enough good things about them. From day one, they've treated me like family--always kind, supportive, and welcoming. Denise is funny, straight to the point, and most importantly, honest. She doesn't sugarcoat anything; she tells you how it is and goes above and beyond to help. Gina is just as wonderful--professional, caring, and always there when you need her. Their dedication and compassion make a stressful process so much easier. I know many lawyers who recommend Denise, and after my experience, I completely understand why. Highly recommend them both

I worked with Tracey through a complex divorce that lasted more than two years. She is incredibly…read moreknowledgeable and patient, and she took the time to explain legal terms and processes clearly so I always understood what was happening. Rather than dictating decisions, she brought me along in the process and made sure I felt informed and involved. Tracey never sugarcoated issues -- she stayed grounded, realistic, and strategic, always advocating for my best interests. Even through psychological evaluations, failed mediations, and difficult negotiations, she remained consistent and kept me focused. In the end, she secured the best possible settlement for me. I highly recommend Tracey to anyone looking for a skilled, steady, and dedicated advocate.

The BEST!!! She's simply amazing. Very professional and knowledgeable My custody case was VERY…read morecomplex to say the least. In my 12 year custody battle she was by far the one who finally helped me get custody of my son. She always fought for what was in the best interest of my son.

I had a question that I needed answered before I got married, and was able to schedule a call with…read moreher and get it answered, as well as get some other information. She was friendly and knowledgeable.

I was referred to Pam Jones by a colleague when I was looking for a family law attorney. I was,…read moreand am, very impressed with her abilities, skills and knowledge. She is professional and business-like in her responsibilities and very competent. She is prompt and thorough in her documentation and filings. She is an impressive lawyer and I have known a number over the years due to my employment. I highly recommend her. I submitted this review in 2010. I noticed today that Yelp had filtered my review. I stand by my review of Attorney Pam Jones and continue to recommend her to friends and family who need family law assistance.

Yasmin was the perfect find. While going through my divorce and all of the emotional and…read morepsychological ups and downs, I didn't need an attorney who kept reminding me that I didn't understand the law. So I fired him and hired Yasmin. She was wonderful and stood by me the whole way. I ended up with the best result I could have asked for. I'm never getting married again, but if I did, I would call her. It might be hard to believe all of the five star reviews, but they're real!

Very helpful and professional. I never had to worry about anything--everything was clearly…read moreexplained to me. She supported me every step of the way. I was her client years ago, and she still takes the time to help whenever I have questions about my case. Extremely knowledgeable and worth every penny. Thank you, Atty. Yasmin!