We do not require a retainer. Fortunately, when the Pandemic hit us in March 2020, we had already been a paperless office for many years with two cloud based case management systems. However, the Pandemic propelled us to make many improvements to our client service protocols, retainer requirements, direct calendaring, electronic exchanges and remote systems being some examples. This has allowed our firm to concentrate more on client service and less on wasteful antiquated management systems. If you entrust us with your family law matter, you'll be in excellent hands.

When It's Over,
It's time to move on

Castro Valley, CA Divorce Lawyer

If you and your spouse have decided to go your separate ways, it is critically important to seek the guidance of a skilled Castro Valley, CA divorce lawyer as proactively as you can. At Attorney Bernie, we understand that few transitions in life tend to result in as many financial, practical, emotional, legal, and social changes as divorce does. As a result, you need to have a legal professional in your corner “from go” who is ready to help you make informed decisions about your rights and options and who will vigorously advocate on behalf of your interests every single step along the way.

Divorce Lawyer Castro Valley, CA

One of the primary reasons why it’s so important to connect with a skilled Castro Valley divorce lawyer as soon as you can after either deciding to divorce or learning that your spouse wants a divorce is that you’ll need to settle on an approach to the process itself. Your approach will impact how much your divorce eventually costs, how long it will take, and whether you’ll risk control over the outcome or maintain significant control over it.

Common Approaches To The Divorce Process

There are two primary approaches that couples can take when divorcing. They can either litigate their differences or they can embrace a collaborative approach. Litigation, which is a contentious process, involves asking a judge to weigh the merits of both spouses’ concerns and rule in favor of one or the other. This process takes control out of the hands of the affected spouses and places their fate in the hand of a judge.

By contrast, collaborative approaches aim to resolve a couple’s differences outside of court so that judicial intervention is not necessary. There are a host of ways to achieve a collaborative divorce. Mediation allows spouses and their attorneys to negotiate with a third-party neutral overseeing the process and helping to keep everyone honest and on track. Attorney-led negotiation allows the lawyers representing the spouses to spearhead efforts at seeking a resolution. Some couples are even able to draft up proposed terms and simply use the services of an attorney to better ensure that everything outlined is fair, formalized, and finalized with the courts.

No single approach to the divorce process works well for every couple, nor for every individual spouse’s needs. As a result, it’s important to critically assess all options before moving forward.

Legal Assistance Is Available

Whether you have a strong sense of how you’d like to approach the divorce process or you’re feeling unsure of how to begin – let alone how to progress – the dedicated lawyer who helms Attorney Bernie and the firm’s support staff are here to help. Although the process of hiring a Castro Valley divorce lawyer can be an intimidating one, know that once you’re benefiting from experienced legal guidance, you’ll likely feel much more empowered in re: handling the challenges you’re already facing and the ones that may arise as your situation evolves. We look forward to speaking with you.

Client Review

"Bernie and his team have been incredible! Always responsive, professional, and, most importantly, ethical. Bernie's recommendations are exactly what I would expect from a professional in this field. He does not want you wasting your money on something a judge won't ultimately approve in court. In my experience, his team has tried to save me money where they could. I highly recommend him and his team. They will put in the time and effort to ensure you are well represented!"
Devon Nieve
Client Review

San Francisco

1 Sansome Street
Suite 3500
San Francisco, CA 94104

(415) 688-2400

Modesto

1301 G Street
Suite A
Modesto, CA 95354

(415) 688-2400