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Joel Straus
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Joel Straus
Law Office of Joel K. Straus
600 El Camino Real
Suite 102
San Bruno, CA 94066
Phone: (650) 871-1323 | Fax: (650) 871-5011
http://www.joelstrauslaw.com
Experienced, skilled & thorough representation
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
My years of experience enable me to represent clients in all aspects of Family Law: divorce, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support, property division and pension division. I prefer to work with all clients who sincerely wish to utilize my skills, experience and expertise.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
My years of experience enable me to represent clients in all aspects of Family Law: divorce, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support, property division and pension division. I prefer to work with all clients who sincerely wish to utilize my skills, experience and expertise.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1972
Bar Number: 54649
Other Court Admissions
All California Courts.
Association Memberships
State Bar of California, Family Law Section of the State Bar of California, San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I regularly exceed the minimum number of required hours and attend continuing education seminars in Family Law. I also attend courses in elimination of bias in the courtroom, substance abuse and ethics.
Example Cases
I regularly represent individuals involved in all aspects of Family Law matters. I deal with CLETS restraining order proceedings, child support cases, spousal cases, spousal support cases, child custody and visitation matters, property division issues, pension issues and general dissolution proceedings.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of California, Hastings College of Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1972
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The primary focus of my practice is on Family Law although I also represent individuals in criminal matters and practice criminal defense.
I have been a sole practitioner in San Mateo County since 1972.
Previous Employment Summary
I have always had my own office in San Mateo County.
Activities and Awards
I have presided as a Judge Pro Tempore in Family Law in the San Mateo County Superior Court. I have also served as President of the San Mateo County Bar Association.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is generally inadvisable and often dangerous to represent yourself in a dissolution proceeding. It is difficult to communicate your position to a judge in the limited amount of time available at a hearing. I am always willing to discuss the proceeding with a self representing client but rarely believe it advisable when issues of the magnitude of Family Law matters are at stake.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will, on a limited basis, review papers prepared by clients. I do not believe that it is wise for clients with no legal background to prepare legal papers for submission to a Court. Paperwork prepared by an attorney usually leads to a more favorable court result.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will explain the proceeding to a client but not coach them. I do not believe that it is advisable for people to represent themselves in dissolution matters. Information can never be as accurately and adequately conveyed to a Judge as it can be by using a skilled and practiced advocate. Clients generally can gather information from other sources such as court facilitators.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer to assist people through stressful situations and to help them find solutions to complex, often emotional problems.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have spent many hours serving as Judge Tempore in Family Law matters. That service has helped me understand the perspective of Judges and Court Officers and identify the arguments and presentations that most appeal to them.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I selected Family Law as my primary area of practice because it provides the opportunity to help people solve real life problems.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy working and helping people solve their problems. I enjoy advocating and presenting their prospective in a courtroom atmosphere.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner, so I do all of the legal work myself rather than use a paralegal. I use the most cost efficient approach in order to minimize the amount of time spent and the fees incurred.
What are your strengths and style?
My strengths lie in the fact that I have been practicing Family Law for over 35 years. I am familiar with Family Law systems and the best way to confront them to ensure a favorable result. I am good at listening to clients and helping them achieve their realistic goals.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests are in travel, reading and spending time with my family.
Office Manager/Assistant
Carol
Fax
(650) 871-5011
Office Hours
M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM- 12:00 noon
and by appointment for other times
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Generally, the service for a family law proceeding are billed on an hourly basis as the amount of time needed cannot be predicted in advance. There is a deposit required for all legal services corresponding to the nature and complexity of the action.
Hourly Rates
My hourly rates vary according to the nature and complexity of the action. I have been practicing family law for over 35 years and my hourly rates reflect that level of experience.
Free Initial Consultation?
I do offer a free ½ hour consultation.
Typical Retainer
The retainer in a dissolution proceeding can range from $3,500 to $5,000 and up with all costs billed separately.
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.
