Leigh A. Kretzschmar, Attorney at Law, P.C.
1744 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Map
Phone: (619) 231-9323 | Fax: (619) 231-9047
http://www.leigh4law.com
Protecting what matters most
Legal Topic
Divorce
Number of Attorneys
One.
State Licensed In
California.
Firm Focus
The law practice of Leigh A. Kretzschmar is devoted to legal matters affecting marital couples, non-marital couples and families with children. In addition to addressing issues such as divorce, support, child custody and domestic partnerships, Leigh A. Kretzschmar assists marital and non-marital couples in creating and preserving parent-child relationships through adoption and co-parenting plans.
Firm History
Since 1996, Leigh’s law practice has focused exclusively on family law (divorce, child custody and child support), adoption and domestic partnerships.
Activities and Awards
Judge Pro Tem for San Diego Family Court from 2006 through the present.
Example Cases
A typical case for this firm is a family with children going through a divorce. Issues in the divorce include the determination of the parties’ parenting plan, child support, spousal support and division of assets, expenses and debts. The assets often include a home, retirement savings and benefits, household contents, automobiles, investments and small businesses. Ms. Kretzschmar also has in-depth experience with registered domestic partnerships, including older opposite-sex partners (with asset and income protection issues) and younger same-sex couples or parents.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Leigh A. Kretzschmar is committed to involving her clients in every aspect of the legal matter. From the initial interview through the last piece of paper, Leigh A. Kretzschmar facilitates her client’s awareness of all means of resolving the case. Ms. Kretzschmar’s website (leigh4law.com) provides much foundational information for her clients.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes, Ms. Kretzschmar provides informational consultations for clients who wish to represent themselves.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes, these arrangements are called “Limited Scope” Representation Agreements.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
The division of work between a paralegal and the attorney is often a fine line. However, to avoid double-billing, paralegal work in Ms. Kretzschmar’s office is defined as work which requires knowledge of forms and their contents; but no knowledge of the law. Additionally, all clients have direct access to Ms. Kretzschmar for all matters, as opposed to communicating through a paralegal or other support staff.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
Ms. Kretzschmar is frequently contacted by clients who need to “know their rights” before or during a mediation process. The goal of such consultations is to provide the client with a range of reasonable settlement outcomes so that the client has confidence during mediation that the agreements being reached are a better result than going to court. The client also then knows when to not enter into an agreement during the mediation session. Approximately 10% of Ms. Kretzschmar’s cases are resolved through mediation or arbitration. Ms. Kretzschmar is not involved with collaborative law. Of the remaining cases, the vast majority require at least one court appearance before the parties are ready to negotiate a resolution outside of court. Approximately 5% of Ms. Kretzschmar’s cases are resolved purely through litigation and trial.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
Ms. Kretzschmar accepts pro bono cases through established agencies, such as the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
Ms. Kretzschmar is committed to providing clients with direct access to her, direct provision of legal assistance (which avoids over- and double-billing), education about the law and the legal process, and excellent legal assistance at reasonable rates.
Office Manager/Assistant
Ms. Kretzschmar has support staff; however, all client contact is directly with Ms. Kretzschmar.
Fax
(619) 231-9047
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., with limited availability between 4:00 and 5:00 on an appointment basis only.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Ms. Kretzschmar offers Nolo clients a discount of $25 per hour off of her regular fees.
Hourly Rates
$275 per hour
Free Initial Consultation?
Ms. Kretzschmar believes that new clients deserve an opportunity to meet and learn about her and how she works. On the other hand, clients often want and need significant legal advice right from the start, which can be used by the client in self-representation. To balance these needs, Ms. Kretzschmar does not charge for the first one-half hour of the first in-office consultation.
Typical Retainer
Ms. Kretzschmar does not request fixed retainers. Instead, she requests a deposit for fees, the amount for which is determined at the initial consultation, after Ms. Kretzschmar has become more familiar with the client’s goals and the facts and needs of the case. Fee deposits can be as low as $750 for amicable cases without children.
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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