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Christopher Loizeaux

Christopher Loizeaux

Law Office of Christopher Loizeaux
2545 Main St.
Suite C
Napa, CA 94558

Phone: (707) 224-9209  |  Fax: (707) 255-4152

Contact Christopher Loizeaux

Professional, compassionate, courteous.

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

All types of family law cases, full divorce, parental relationship, restraining orders, child support, guardianships, step-parent adoptions, conservatorships, etc. I am a juvenile detention attorney for indigent parents, by contract with the County of Napa, and available for private cases for parents, grandparents, relatives and de facto parents. We also offer paralegal services for self-represented parties, and can prepare and file family law forms for self-represented clients in any county in the State of California.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Name Changes
  • Restraining Orders
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
Children
  • Adoptions
  • Child Support
  • Children's Rights
  • Custody
  • Foster Care
  • Paternity
  • State Child Protection
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Power of Attorney
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Elder Law
  • Guardianships & Conservatorships

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

All types of family law cases, full divorce, parental relationship, restraining orders, child support, guardianships, step-parent adoptions, conservatorships, etc. I am a juvenile detention attorney for indigent parents, by contract with the County of Napa, and available for private cases for parents, grandparents, relatives and de facto parents. We also offer paralegal services for self-represented parties, and can prepare and file family law forms for self-represented clients in any county in the State of California.

Sub-Categories

Divorce
  • Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
  • Annulment

Bar Admissions

CA, Nov 1995
Bar Number: 177929

Specialty Certifications

None

Other Court Admissions

California State; Federal

Association Memberships

California State Bar, Napa County Bar, Napa County Family Law Bar, California Public Defender's Association

Continuing Education

I attend continuing education in family law, juvenile law, general legal topics, exceeding the required amount of hours.

Example Cases

Successful "Move-Away" defense (change of custody to father); successful "Move-Away" motion (allowing parent to move with child); successful defense of father's custodial rights when falsely accused of child sexual abuse; many dissolution settlements, without trial, etc. I have litigated or settled the full spectrum of family law cases, with children and with substantial property division. Difficult custody cases are a concentration of my practice.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

City:

Sacramento

State:

CA

Year:

1995

Honors:

Dean's List, 1994-1995

Focus and Accomplishments:

Moot Court, best written brief.

 

Degree:

B.S.

School:

California State University, Chico

City:

Chico

State:

CA

Year:

1992

Honors:

Dean's List

Focus and Accomplishments:

Geology

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

Family Law, Dissolution of Marriage, Juvenile Detention, Parental Relationship, Restraining Orders, Step-Parent Adoptions, Guardianships, Conservatorships, Child Support.

Began practice in Chico, California in 1995, started accepting cases in Napa, California in 1998, moved to Napa and opened a full-time office in 1999.

Previous Employment Summary

Full time private practice, self-employed attorney since 1995. Prior to law school, professional musician for 25 years.

Activities and Awards

None

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe clients should be educated on legal issues, but from reliable sources, such as myself, or Nolo Press. I am not a fan of the notion that internet searches produce reliable legal information. One must be careful in this regard.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am willing to review documents prepared by clients, and advise on how to amend them if improperly prepared. My wife of 23 years, Jane Martin, paralegal, provides form preparation services, and can also review self-prepared documents.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am willing to coach clients in courtroom etiquette, the manner of asking questions of witnesses, when to be quiet, when to speak up, basic evidentiary rules, etc.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

The idea that I could help people. I initially wanted to be an environmental attorney, but started taking family law cases, and enjoyed the work.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Being a professional musician gives me "stage presence" in court. I am used to playing to an audience (i.e., the judge). I was raised by a mother and grandmother with college degrees in English, and a father with an engineering degree. I learned, early in life, how to speak and write proper English. I learned how to write more clearly and succinctly while earning my Geology degree (science writing), and in law school (legal writing). In my opinion, good writing precedes and substantially supports litigation by educating the judge about the case before hand. I am a firm believer in trial briefs and efficient litigation.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I simply fell into it. There was a need, I needed to work and found, over time, that I enjoyed the interaction with clients, courts, and colleagues.

What do you like best about your career?

When I get thank you cards from happy clients, especially those with children.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner, and deal directly with clients, for the most part, and frequently answer my own phone. However, in January, 2007, I hired Jean Pihl, a great legal secretary, who I am training in family law. She is very personable and works well with clients on the phone and in person. My wife, Jane Martin, is an independent paralegal offering form preparation services for self-represented clients. She is very knowledgeable in family law, and can whip out a complete uncontested dissolution packet with judgment and marital settlement agreement in about an hour, if the parties agree on all issues. Because I act as her supervising attorney, she is allowed to prepare forms for filing in all counties of the state.

What are your strengths and style?

Compassion, an understanding of basic psychological concepts, common sense, spotting the significant, core issues of each case and creating solutions.


Personal Interests:

Music, outdoor activities, trailer camping, dogs and dog shows.

Office Manager/Assistant

Jean Pihl

Fax

(707) 255-4152

Office Hours

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

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

None

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Paralegal/Form Preparation Services by Jane Martin, by fixed-price.

Hourly Rates

$250

Free Initial Consultation?

Initial consultation is free, if I am retained. Otherwise, it is by the hour.

Typical Retainer

$3,500 to $5,000 depending on the complexity of issues.

Understanding Fees

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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.