Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Family Law lawyers serving Monterey County, CA >
Debra V. Crawford
Back to Search Results
Debra V. Crawford
Crawford & Crawford
P.O. Box 373
Carmel, CA 93921
Phone: (831) 624-2422 | Fax: (831) 624-2428
http://www.Divorce-123.com
Education, Empathy, Affordability
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
People who are motivated to solve their legal problems in the most economical and least detrimental manner and can understand the issues and procedures involved in their case and take part in making strategic decisions about their case.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Domestic Partnerships
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
People who are motivated to solve their legal problems in the most economical and least detrimental manner and can understand the issues and procedures involved in their case and take part in making strategic decisions about their case.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1984
Bar Number: 116222
Specialty Certifications
Family Law, Certified Specialist
Other Court Admissions
California State Courts
Association Memberships
Monterey County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Mosten Mediation Training (40 hour course); California State Bar Mediation Training; Ongoing Legal Education
Papers and Publications
Divorce 123, A Client's Guide to California Divorce; Client's Guide to the DissoMaster (tm); The Civil Lawyer, Carmel Valley County Magazine column
Example Cases
Published Opinions: Zenide v. Superior Court, International Custody Case; Hudis v. Crawford, Dismissal of Malicious Prosecution Case Upheld on Appeal.
Noteworthy cases: Pukini v. Superior Court (unpublished opinion), Move-away Case; Double Reverse Paternity Action involving two presumed fathers suing for paternity of a child, complex legal issues involved; Non-Biological Father, presumed father adjudged legal father of child even though he was not the biological father of the child.
Current cases: Dissolution matter where major community asset is judgment in excess of $100 million against music mogul
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Southwestern University School of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1983
Honors:
Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Justice, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity; American Jurisprudence Award, Criminal Procedure
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of California Los Angeles
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1980
Focus and Accomplishments:
Economics
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We focus on serving all members of the community from document preparation and litigation coaching to multi-million dollar litigation. Our firm was formed after William and I married. We worked together successfully for many years and solidified the relationship in 1991. As a husband and wife team of attorneys we offer many benefits to our clients. William's business, real estate, litigation, and personal injury experience compliment my family law knowledge. We collaborate on many cases. We transitioned our business (and family) from Beverly Hills and Santa Monica to Carmel and Carmel Valley in 2000. Fifteen years of practicing in the Los Angeles area provided us with a wealth of invaluable experience that we bring to our cases.
Previous Employment Summary
Law Offices of Debra D. Vaniman, 1985 to 1991, Managing Partner
Activities and Awards
I am a columnist for the Carmel Valley Country Magazine.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that people should become educated about the legal process so that they can make informed legal decisions. When people understand the legal process and procedures they can determine the course of action appropriate for their circumstances -- legal, emotional and financial.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
This is one of the services we provide and encourage in appropriate situations.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
This is one of the services we provide and encourage in appropriate situations.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was fascinated by the interpretation and application of the law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Twenty plus years of contact with people whose lives are in turmoil and an interest in the emotional trauma that people in crisis are undergoing have helped me to understand and appreciate the stress that people in a family crisis are undergoing. This understanding has helped me to be better able to assist clients in a crisis situation.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I began volunteering at a legal clinic and the vast majority of clients had family law questions. I saw the need for understanding and informative counsel to guide people through the legal system and help them achieve the outcome they desire through education about the legal system. Also, I was touched by the dedication of parents trying to do what was best for their children in trying situations.
What do you like best about your career?
The opportunity to see motivated people take action and improve their lives even in adverse circumstances. It is rewarding to see the personal progress many people make through this process. It is especially rewarding when they attribute some of their personal progress to our guidance and counsel.
Tell us about your law firm:
We like to work with people who are sensitive to the turmoil our clients are experiencing and who can bring something positive to the legal experience of our clients.
What are your strengths and style?
The ability to assist clients decide what they want to accomplish through their cases and help them ascertain the most effective way to accomplish it. Many factors are incorporated in this decision such as the emotional and financial condition of the client and the needs of their children.
I work closely with my clients and educate my clients so that they understand their case and the legal process. My clients and I work together in determining strategy on their cases which includes what tone the pleadings take. In mediation, I try to focus on the main issues that need to be resolved along with improving the communication of the parties.
Personal Interests:
My family (husband and two children), our ranch (horses, dogs, cats, chickens, guinea fowl), and our community. We raise animals and live off the grid on solar power. We try to be responsible stewards of our land and animals.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(831) 624-2428
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
All services are provided on an hourly basis (based on tenths of an hour).
Hourly Rates
$200 - Document Preparation and Self Representation Assistance
$295 - Mediation
$325 - Full Representation
Special Rate with mention of this website;
Special Rate for Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers
Free Initial Consultation?
Free one-half hour consultation
Typical Retainer
Varies. No retainer required for document preparation, self-representation or mediation.
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.
