Ralph L. Williams
The Law Office of Ralph L. Williams
702 Escondido Avenue
Vista, CA 92084
Map
Phone: (760) 726-3540 | Fax: (760) 726-2521
http://rlwilliamslaw.com/
30+ Years Experience. Accessible. Flat Fees Offered.
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1971
Bar Number: 49863
Other Court Admissions
• Supreme Court of the State of California
• U.S. District Court for Southern District of California and Central District of California
• Utah Supreme Court and U.S. District Court for Utah
Association Memberships
• California State Bar
• San Diego County Bar Association
• North San Diego County Bar Association
• Member of San Diego Bankruptcy Forum
• Member of Lawyer Referral and Information Service Bankruptcy and Family Law Panels for both San Diego County Bar Association and North San Diego County Bar Associations
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on bankruptcy and family law topics. I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Example Cases
I handle mostly Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases on a regular basis.
Education
University of Utah
Juris Doctorate
Salt Lake City
UT
1967
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The main focus of my firm is individual consumer Chapter 7 bankruptcy and family law.
I have been handling bankruptcy cases since 1971 when I first started practicing law with Andreasen, Gore, Gross & Thompson. I have been in sole practice since 1978 and I have been at the same location, 702 Escondido Avenue, Vista, California, since July 1979.
Previous Employment Summary
• Judge Advocate United States Marine Corps, 1968 through 1971
• Associate with Law Firm Andreasen, Gore, Gross and Thompson in Oceanside, California from 1971 through 1977.
• Sole Practitioner in Vista, California since 1978.
Activities and Awards
• Martindale-Hubbell rating BV
• Settlement Judge ProTem for Family Law matters and previously served as Judge Pro Tem in Small Claims Court
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Well-informed clients can help their cases be prepared more easily. I believe that it is always a good idea for a client to do some research regarding the bankruptcy laws and the difference between a Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. It is important for a client to understand the need to completely disclose their financial affairs and provide the necessary documents that are now required to file a successful bankruptcy case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to review documents prepared by clients. Many of my clients are quite organized, despite experiencing financial problems due to job loss, reductions in income, dissolution of marriage, medical problems and other myriad of problems.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes, on a very limited basis, depending on the type of filing. In most bankruptcy cases, I do not recommend self-filing because the new bankruptcy laws are more complex. Review is at an hourly rate basis.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I enjoyed taking a commercial law class in high school and my uncle was an attorney. I then registered as a Pre-Law Major in college and then entered law school.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
During high school and college, I worked at various manual labor jobs from working on a farm to working at a copper smelter.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy trying to help clients out of their financial problems and helping clients move on with their lives. Clients are grateful once they have been successful in relieving some of their financial stress.
What do you like best about your career?
Having happy clients and knowing that my work has been successful with each client.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me from the initial interview to the final preparation and bankruptcy hearing appearances. My paralegal is also very sensitive to the needs of my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I have over 40 years of experience in various areas of the law from family, criminal, business, and real estate and thus, I have a broad knowledge base to try to assist clients in how a bankruptcy will affect their lives.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy gardening, watching football and fishing.
Office Manager/Assistant
Faby
Fax
(760) 726-2521
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hour appointments can be scheduled except for Saturdays.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
My paralegal Faby speaks Spanish and is available during normal business hours to help translate.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I handle most Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases for individuals on a flat fee basis. I give a range of fees at the first meeting with the client based on the client's financial information. I offer a free first consultation for up to one hour. My fees range from $1,500 for consumer non-complex cases for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy cases and $2,000 for individuals engaged in business. The flat fee for non-complex consumers for Chapter 13 cases start at $2,500 and $3,000 for individuals engaged in business.
The Court's filing fee is not included in the flat fee, which is currently $299 for Chapter 7 cases and $274 for Chapter 13 cases.
Hourly Rates
My hourly rate is $200 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
There is no charge for the initial office consultation, up to one hour, for individuals considering filing bankruptcy. For other matters, the charge for the initial office consultation for up to one hour is $100.
Typical Retainer
Typical for Chapter 7 case filings, a retainer of the full flat fee and filing fee must be paid in full before the case is filed. I can start case preparation with a partial retainer fee. In Chapter 13 flat fee cases a partial retainer fee of $1,000 plus the filing fees can start the filing with the remaining fees to be paid through the Chapter 13 plan.
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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