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Arthur R. Abelson
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Arthur R. Abelson
The Law Offices of Arthur R. Abelson
249 Estudillo Ave.
San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: (510) 351-8300 | Fax: (510) 351-8334
High quality legal representation and personal service
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Most of the family law work we do is representing clients in pending divorce actions. However, we also do quite a bit of work in restraining order actions, enforcing or modifying court orders regarding custody, visitation, support, and asset division including dealing with retirement accounts.
We have also drafted scores of prenuptial agreements for clients who wanted to insure that their children from a former marriage would continue to receive a substantial portion of their parent's estate.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Tax Planning
- Grandparent Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Most of the family law work we do is representing clients in pending divorce actions. However, we also do quite a bit of work in restraining order actions, enforcing or modifying court orders regarding custody, visitation, support, and asset division including dealing with retirement accounts.
We have also drafted scores of prenuptial agreements for clients who wanted to insure that their children from a former marriage would continue to receive a substantial portion of their parent's estate.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1974
Bar Number: 60382
Other Court Admissions
California State Courts and all Federal Courts.
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association, Alameda County Bar Association, Member of Family Law and Trusts and Estates sections of the Alameda Bar Association; Alameda County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Panel member and Board member.
Continuing Education
I exceed the number of hours of legal course work required by the California State Bar.
Example Cases
Although I handle every sort of family law matter, one of the most rewarding scenarios is the common situation in a divorce case where the party who managed the couple's assets during the marriage is failing to report financial assets. Through the use of subpoenas issued to financial institutions and other asset tracing techniques, we have recovered many thousands of dollars for clients.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Northwestern University School of Law
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1974
Honors:
Graduated Cum Laude.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of Illinois
City:
Champaign
State:
IL
Year:
1968
Honors:
Graduated Cum Laude.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I started this law firm in 1988 when two attorneys I knew both received judicial appointments. Both were experienced attorneys in the above practice areas and I was honored to be asked to assume the representation of their clients. Although it was demanding taking over two existing practices, the clients were quite pleased with the representation, and many of these people or their children remain my clients today.
The focus of our firm is to provide clients with top quality legal representation in Family Law and Estate/Trust matters. Clients always receive my personal attention and do not have their work handed off to inexperienced associates or paralegals. Solving the client's legal problems as quickly and as cost efficiently as possible is our ultimate goal.
Previous Employment Summary
I have a diverse legal background including serving as an instructor at the University of San Francisco School of Law for eight years, the University of California School of Law at Berkeley (Boalt Hall) for one year and the John F. Kennedy School of Law for one year. Additionally, I served as a Contra Costa Public Defender trying scores of jury trials including murder cases. Finally, prior to opening my own law office, I worked for two respected civil litigation firms in Oakland.
Activities and Awards
Pro-tem judge for the Alameda Superior Court; Member of the Board of Director of the Alameda County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage clients to educate themselves regarding legal issues pertinent to their case. I often provide interested clients with reading material so that they can fully understand the law and court procedure as well as make intelligent decisions in our case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I frequently review client prepared documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
As a member of the Alameda County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Panel, I have assisted clients who represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was an accounting major in college, but decided that accounting as a profession was too limiting. I realized that I wanted to work with people rather than crunch numbers. A law degree appealed to me because of the wide career options it offered and because it would allow me to use my training to provide needed services to the public.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Most of my life experiences make me a better lawyer. From teaching in low-income schools in Chicago, to working in a corporate law firm, I have worked with people from all walks of life. Clients who seek my representation are often facing challenging and stressful situations in their lives. My life experiences help me to better understand and empathize with the issues they face.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I took over an established practice with an emphasis on family law and estate planning. I soon learned that I enjoyed these areas of practice and have a strong aptitude for them.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy working closely with my clients. My practice allows me to develop close professional relationships with my clients which in many cases have continued over the years. I also enjoy the intellectual challenge of my work. Each case presents new facts and issues which requires me to constantly expand my knowledge and expertise in the law.
Tell us about your law firm:
There are three people in my office. I handle all client meetings and court appearances. I have an experienced paralegal working for me, a retired lawyer, who performs legal research and preliminary drafting of legal documents for my review. Finally I have an experienced legal secretary who serves as receptionist, typist and bookkeeper. The clients always seem to get to know her on a first name basis.
What are your strengths and style?
I think my greatest strength is my ability to easily and effectively communicate with people, whether it be my client, the judge or another attorney. I have earned a reputation in the legal community as a respected and trusted attorney. This reputation serves my clients well when it comes to presenting arguments before a judge or negotiating a case with opposing counsel. In addition, my years of experience and practice as a trial attorney have made me a strong and effective litigator. I am not afraid to take a case to trial, and, in fact, enjoy the challenge.
Personal Interests:
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf and tennis, bicycling, traveling and reading. I have an interest in history, nature and local and world affairs.
Fax
(510) 351-8334
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekend and evening appointments available.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I will represent a client for a fixed fee providing the scope of services can be clearly defined in our agreement. It is not uncommon for me to represent a client on a complicated issue while the client handles the routine matters.
Hourly Rates
$290.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free initial consultations of 30 minutes.
Typical Retainer
$2,500.
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.
