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Nancy J. Stegall
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Nancy J. Stegall
Law Office of Nancy J. Stegall, A Professional Corporation
2445 Capitol Street
Suite 140
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 237-6800 | Fax: (559) 237-6807
http://www.centralvalleyfamilylaw.com/
Providing Knowledge, Guidance and Honest Answers
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Family Law only, including divorce, child custody, support, adoptions, and juvenile dependency.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1996
Bar Number: 184769
Other Court Admissions
California and Federal Eastern District of California.
Association Memberships
California State Bar; Fresno County Bar Association; Fresno County Women Lawyers; Fresno County Bar Family Law Section; Association of Certificate Family Law Specialists; and Executive Association of Fresno.
Continuing Education
I attend Continuing Legal Education seminars relating to family law, and meet the additional requirements of continuing education to maintain my certification as a Family Law Specialist.
Example Cases
I handle international cases involving jurisdiction and child custody, which have provided me with experience with non-Hague Convention countries and child custody and visitation. I have been successful in representing working fathers obtain equal time with their children, even when the mothers have not been employed. I enjoy complex and challenging issues.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
San Joaquin College of Law
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Year:
1996
Honors:
Criminal Procedure Award
Focus and Accomplishments:
Law Review Assistant Editor, San Joaquin College of Law, and Agricultural Law Review.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
California State University Fresno
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Year:
1980
Focus and Accomplishments:
Majored in Graphic Arts.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We strive to provide personal service to our clients and acknowledge that we are here to serve our clients' needs during a very difficult time in their lives. We try not to be judgmental and, at the same time, provide sound, objective advice to our clients so they do not sabotage their legal, or even personal, position. We place emphasis on children and their needs during the breakup of the family, with an attempt to educate and assist our clients to focus on the best interests of the children.
I established the firm as a solo practitioner in 1997. My original office was in Fig Garden Financial Center, and I moved my office to downtown Fresno in 2004, where it has flourished. I can offer easy access to the court with parking in a private parking lot at my office, which is free of charge. My office is a short walk to the courthouse, and I use the time to walk to the courthouse with my clients to catch up on the latest developments in order to be better prepared for the court hearing. In December 2004, I became a Certified Family Law Specialist, and in August 2008, the firm hired an associate attorney, Zeppy Attashian. Ms. Attashian is a tremendous asset to the firm.
Previous Employment Summary
I have been involved in law all of my adult life. I was a legal secretary, I typed deposition transcripts, and I became certificated as a Paralegal in 1986 and owned and operated a paralegal business for ten years. My background at the basic level of a law office, as well as my broad experience in various areas of the law, provides me with the ability to recognize and spot issues which overlap into family law matters.
Activities and Awards
•Judge Pro Tem from 2002 through 2006 in Fresno Superior Court; Family Law Court
•Pro Bono Attorney of the Year in 2006
•President of Family Law Section, Fresno County Bar Association
•Vice-President of Fresno County Women Lawyers Association
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage my clients to obtain information from any source. However, prior to relying on the information and acting upon it, I prefer the clients ask me about it so that I may assist them with how to effectively use the information to their advantage.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will be happy to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I encourage people to represent themselves if they are not intimidated by the court system. I will attempt provide the client with as much information as I can prior to sending them to court by themselves with the understanding that we can never be sure about anything in court. Not everyone can or should represent themselves in court.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I had worked in law and always wanted to give legal advice and help people. While the clerical positions provided me with legal exposure, I lacked the ability to work with people in those positions. I am very happy that I decided to go to law school and pursue this career.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My long and diverse exposure to law for the past 35 years makes me a better lawyer. I went to law school after having worked in the legal field for 20 years and knowing full well what the profession entailed.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I love the law. I love working with people. I thoroughly enjoy family law because it combines both people and law. People fascinate me.
What do you like best about your career?
The people and the legal issues that arise from life and relationships.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a very supportive staff. We work well together on the cases as a team. My associate attorney and I share the same philosophy, which is to serve our clients. Our paralegal is conscientious and supportive of our clients. My secretary and office administrator know what is going on at any given moment. We all strive to do our best for our clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I am sensitive and not judgmental. I prefer to be told everything so that I have the knowledge about even negative issues in order to better assist my clients. I remain objective in my representation. I am often asked to dislike the spouse or opposing side. I try not to focus on the opposing party and instead concentrate on the issues. If I lose my objectivity, my clients are not receiving the help they need.
Personal Interests:
Water color painting, dancing tango, sailing, skiing, and socializing with friends.
Office Manager/Assistant
Felicia Garcia
Fax
(559) 237-6807
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
$225.
Free Initial Consultation?
$200 for a one hour consultation.
Typical Retainer
$4,000 for dissolutions; $3,000 for other matters.
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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.
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