Marilyn Moreno
Law Office Of Marilyn Moreno
1506 Hamilton Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
Map
Phone: (408) 266-9011
http://www.sjdivorce.com
Certified Board Specialist in Family Law & Divorce
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Divorce and family law cases that would benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Sub-Topics
Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
Children
- Adoption
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Paternity
- Visitation
Enforcement Actions
Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Name Changes
Restraining Orders
Rights
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Divorce and family law cases that would benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Sub-Topics
Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
Annulment
Child Support
Collaborative Law
Custody/Visitation Rights
Delinquent Support Payments
Division of Property
Divorce Mediation
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Restraining Orders
Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1982
Bar Number: 104728
Specialty Certifications
Certified Specialist in Family Law
Other Court Admissions
All State Courts of California
Association Memberships
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
Continuing Education
I attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes on topics in family law.
Example Cases
We have done all types of divorce and family law cases over the last 25 years.
Education
Stanford Law School
Juris Doctorate
Palo Alto
CA
1982
Santa Clara University
Bachelor of Arts
Santa Clara
CA
1979
Summa Cum Laude
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The Moreno Family Law Firm practices exclusively in the area of divorce and family law.
Upon graduation from law school I began practicing with my father, who had been an attorney in Santa Clara County for many years. At some point I had mostly my own cases, and in 1989 I moved my office to a separate location. During the 1990's I hired my first associate attorney and we have been a multi-attorney firm ever since.
Previous Employment Summary
I have always been with The Moreno Family Law Firm.
Activities and Awards
• Superlawyers.com
• 9.5 rating on avvo.com
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should definitely educate themselves. That way you can ask educated questions. Maybe you aren't right, but it is better than going in with no idea of what is going to happen. If you educate yourself a little then the conversation with the attorney can be at a higher level.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We're fine with that.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We do this a lot. The key thing is the client has to be able to carry out the coaching in court or when meeting with the other side.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My dad was a lawyer and I always wanted to be a lawyer.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I went through a divorce myself many years ago, so that helps me understand what clients are going through. I have been doing this for many years, and there is nothing in the family law arena I haven't seen.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When I started with my father he did everything, but probably criminal more than anything. I really didn't like the criminal part that much, because so many of those clients were, well, criminals. My father didn't like all of the paperwork that family law cases required, so I started doing all of his family law.
What do you like best about your career?
Family law is a very interesting area of the law. There is always something going on where someone is cheating or being cruel or just not holding up their end, and now the life these two people had together is coming apart. That is what that people need help with, dividing a life together into two new wholes. It is very gratifying to be able to help people through this process.
Tell us about your law firm:
We have a dozen or so people working at The Moreno Family Law Firm. About half are attorneys, and all we do is divorce and family law. We are one firm and all of the people work together, although most cases have a primary attorney. Some people at the firm tend to do one thing more than another. Such as financial matters or custody or court appearances or research, etc. so who works on your case depends to a large extent on what your case needs. There is also usually one primary paralegal assigned to each case, so even if the attorney is unavailable there is always someone here that you can talk with about your case.
What are your strengths and style?
I have a pretty direct style. I like to confront issues and deal with them. I also have good emotional intelligence and usually can tell if the other side is being up front or trying to hide something. I have a little competitive streak and I don't like losing. Therefore, if your case is going to trial or a hearing that means I really believe in your position. Most cases eventually end up settling. Rarely do they go to trial although there may be many hearings before a case is settled. I like to get all of my ducks in a row prior to a hearing. I am always willing to negotiate with the other side but sometimes you are just spinning your wheels because the other side is never going to be reasonable so you may as well air it out and let the judge decide.
Personal Interests:
Mainly it has been about the kids, but that may change because they're getting pretty grown up.
Office Manager/Assistant
Roy Henninger
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
$225 to $400.
Free Initial Consultation?
We charge the attorney's hourly rate for a one hour consultation.
Typical Retainer
$5,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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