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Billie C. French
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Billie C. French
Law Office of Billie C. French
337 Cayuga St.
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 757-6844 | Fax: (831) 757-0302
Family Law Specialist-Monterey/Santa Cruz County
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I do not have any preference.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I do not have any preference.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1985
Bar Number: 119409
Specialty Certifications
Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California since 1994
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts, Supreme Court of California, Federal Court in the Northern District of California
Association Memberships
Monterey County Bar Association, State Bar of California
Continuing Education
I have continued to comply with the requirements for certification and re-certification.
Example Cases
I have experience in complex family law issues, business valuations and custody; including move away, modification of complex issues; involving termination and modification of spousal support, arrearage issues and breach of fiduciary duties.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Monterey College of Law
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Year:
1985
Honors:
Graduated 3rd in my class
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The Law Offices of Billie C. French began in 1988 and focused on Family Law. Over the period of years I have established a leading practice in Family Law in Monterey County.
Previous Employment Summary
After law school I worked for one law firm, Cominos & Biegel from 1985 to 1988.
Activities and Awards
I volunteer in the court as a pro per advisor in Monterey County.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it can be helpful as long as people do not misunderstand the law and they can rely on me to help interpret it for them.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because once I started law school I realized that I was born to do this.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Over 20 years of practicing family law has contributed to my being a better lawyer. Also, being the parent of three children--now married adults--has helped me in all of my other life experiences, particularly being a family law practitioner.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I began to focus on family law when I began my own practice in 1988. The practice of family law is very challenging. It demands knowledge of family law, which is changing constantly, and an understanding of how the tax laws and bankruptcy laws impact property division and support. I like a challenge, staying on top of the law, and that is why family law was a good fit for me.
What do you like best about your career?
I like problem solving.
Tell us about your law firm:
I started the practice in 1988 alone. I hired a few receptionists and secretaries to help me thereafter. In 1992, I hired Brandi Guthrie, who was 18 at the time, to help run documents to the court hours, do filing, copying, etc. She was attending college and worked part-time. Brandi graduated from law school and passed the Bar Exam on the first try. In December of 2003 she became a lawyer. She has worked in my office all during college and law school in every capacity. She has three years experience as a lawyer, but well over ten years of experience and training in this field of law. Brandi is now married and changed her name. I am so proud and fortunate to have Brandi Johnson as an associate in my firm.
Michelle Sweany has been with the firm for nearly three years. She is exceptionally intelligent and a wonderful listener. My clients rave about her to me.
Sarah Peverini is our newest staff member. Sarah has recently graduated from college and continued in school to obtain her paralegal certificate. She is also very intelligent and capable. Maybe she will follow in Brandi's path.
What are your strengths and style?
I am tenacious.
My style is to listen to the problem and find a solution to it.
Personal Interests:
I have been a runner for over 25 years. I have been married to my husband for 38 years and we enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren who all live in the Monterey area. I love photography and creating "art" gifts and cards from my photos.
Office Manager/Assistant
d'Aulan Gentry
Fax
(831) 757-0302
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I do not generally work on a fixed price basis, but will do so depending on the case.
Hourly Rates
$350 to $400 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Initial Consultation is billed at $350 per hour.
Typical Retainer
It depends on the complexity and the issues of the case.
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.
