Law Offices of R. Kent Brewer

37 years Family Law exp. AV-Rated; Free 1/2 hr consult.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

The Law Offices of R. Kent Brewer was established as a sole proprietorship in April of 1986. The practice is restricted to the family law issues of termination of marriage (divorce), child and spousal support, custody and visitation, the valuation and division of assets, the modification of orders or judgments, pre-marital contracts, limited scope representation, pre-marital consulting and post-separation consulting. The goal is the resolution of disputes through settlement, achieving efficient and reasonable settlement terms.

Example cases

The identities of my clients are confidential and client names are not provided. I have, however, represented clients in family law matters for over 37 years, with cases ranging in complexity from solutions reached with a single consultation to results achieved through my oral argument in convincing the California Supreme Court in In re Marriage of Vomacka (1984) 36 Cal.3d 459, 204 Cal.Rptr. 568, 683 P.2d 248, to revise the standards required for a waiver of spousal support.

My philosophy and goal for my clients is that the long term effect of their decisions must be kept in mind and in focus. Family law issues can be complex, emotional, and expensive. Every effort should be made to consider practical and economically reasonable solutions, but that if the matter must be decided by a court every effort at a thorough presentation will be pursued.
For further information please see my web site at www.rkbrewer.com.

Main Office

Main
1981 N. Broadway
Suite 322
Walnut Creek CA 94596

Phone

(925) 934-8988

Fax

(925) 943-6894

Websites

http://www.rkbrewer.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a one-half hour free consultation for new clients, which occurs after a brief preliminary screening by my secretary to assure that there are no conflicts of interest. This consultation in person is intended to review the needs and goals of the client, and to assure that the client and I can work together successfully to resolve the matters in question. All time spent in the initial consultation past any applicable free consultation is billed at $325 per hour, with the payment for the initial consultation due at the conclusion of the consultation.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I do not have any fixed price fees. Services are charged monthly and by the hour in one tenth of an hour increments, plus any out of pocket costs. My statements for services set forth full detail of the services provided.

Hourly Rates

My hourly rate for the initial consultation is $325 per hour. For cases taken my hourly rate ranges from $325 per hour to $375 per hour, depending upon the nature and complexities of the case.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Office Manager

Connie Spessard.

Emergency After Hours

Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

I decided to become a lawyer after realizing that disputes in the interpersonal relationships of people required use of a stable system and forum to avoid much more unpleasant alternatives.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

Family law requires knowledge of many fields of expertise. While in college I pursued majors in physics, mathematics, and economics, with the degree conferred in political science. I worked to put myself through the University of California, Berkeley. One of the jobs was in a sorority. While there I became lifelong friends with a number of the members of the sorority who often sought my advice in their developing romantic relationships. As I progressed through college and then law school I came to appreciate the reality that the relationship between a husband and wife, and of the presence of children, was highly structured by legal principles. I believe that my awareness of the social implications to both women and men has helped me to better understand the perspective of both sides.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

The application of the legal principles governing relationships which can have a great many variables intrigued me from the beginning.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

I get a great deal of satisfaction in achieving an amicable resolution of what, in many instances, started as a contentious face-off.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

I am a solo practitioner with a secretary who has been with me for in excess of ten years. We pride ourselves in responding personally and promptly to inquiries and to the needs of our clients.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

It is essential that clients have a clear understanding of the relevant facts in their case and how California family law will affect the choices they will be asked to make. I encourage my clients to ask questions, to read materials designed to assist them, and to come to each meeting prepared to discuss in what way their desires can be presented most effectively.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

In consultation with the client, I provide and review with them the expected court forms and procedures. I encourage the client to complete these forms themselves for my review so that they understand both the questions asked and how their answers will impact the course of the matter.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am willing to coach a client who is in pro per if the particular court proceeding is not too complex. I also offer further consulting and/or limited scope representation for a specific task and/or hearing when the issues are more complex.

Kent Brewer

1972 to 1975 - A partner in Lucke & Brewer, Walnut Creek, CA.
1975 to 1982 - A partner in Hyde, Lucke & Brewer, Walnut Creek, CA.
1982 to 1986 - A partner in Hyde & Brewer, and then Hyde, Brewer & Forsblad, Walnut Creek, CA.

I have 37 years of experience and training with the legal issues faced by my clients, which has provided me with the knowledge to succinctly address the issues. I believe I relate well with people who are under stress. I feel that I am successful in helping my clients understand that the case is "their" case, not mine, and further that there are solutions to their disputes which do not necessarily require an adversarial process.

Personal interests:

My wife, children and grand child are my first source of enjoyment. I have also enjoyed 40 plus years of hiking, skiing, sailing, raising koi, and my participation as a college student-athlete, fan, and active member of the Big C Society of the University of California, Berkeley.

License

Bar Number: 53215
California , 1972

Education

Golden Gate University
Doctor of Jurisprudence , 1971
San Francisco, CA
Moot Court winner.
University of California
Bachelor of Arts , 1967
Berkeley, CA
Major in Political Science.

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.