Berkeley California Family Law Attorney
Divorce Lawyer in Alameda County Serving Bay Area Clients for Over 30 Years
A legal matter such as divorce, a custody issue or post-divorce judgment modification isn't something most people face every day. In fact, most people hope to go a lifetime without ever facing a judge or resolving a tough family law problem. But they are also not the end of the world. If you are facing challenging legal matters, you need an experienced Berkeley, California, Family Law Attorney on your side.
Over 30 Years of Experience Helping Bay Area Families
I am California Family Law Attorney Martin "Jamie" Elmer. I believe that being a good divorce lawyer takes more than just knowing legal procedures and precedents. A good attorney must also be both a good listener and a problem solver. Many people who come to my Berkeley office, in Alameda County, for assistance with their legal problem have never been to an attorney. I understand that. The last thing clients need or deserve is to be intimidated by the receptionist in the front office, the office environment or the attorney scowling from behind the desk. At my Bay Area law firm, I work hard to make sure your experience with the legal system is as stress-free as possible. I maintain a casual, comfortable office in downtown Berkeley and do everything possible to make you feel welcome — every time you call or walk through the door.
To schedule a FREE consultation at my Alameda County office, please fill out the online form or call (510) 644-2411. Take the first step to controlling your future today!
Finding the Best Legal Solution to Protect Your Rights and Financial Future
I always try to resolve your case as quickly and painlessly as possible. My knowledge and experience makes the difference in negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf. However, when your matter requires tough-knuckle advocacy, I know how to litigate — fiercely and competitively. I will help make sure you obtain the best settlement or verdict possible. Regardless of whether the result comes from mediation, negotiation or trial, I aggressively and skillfully represent your interests.
Experienced Oakland Child Custody Lawyer You Can Turn to With Confidence
From my offices in Berkeley, California, I represent clients in family law matters throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Alameda County and Oakland. Call me at (510)-644-2411 or contact my office by e-mail to arrange a free consultation to discuss your legal issue with an experienced divorce and child custody lawyer.
Martin "Jamie" Elmer, Esq. is recognized as a Certified Family Law Specialist by California State Bar
Contact
➤ LOCATION
1919 Addison Street, Suite 105
Berkeley, CA 94704
☎ CONTACT
(510) 644-2411
I offer over 30 years of experience in all areas of California divorce and domestic relations law, including matters such as:
- Divorce and legal separation, marriage dissolution
- Child custody and parenting rights
- Child support and enforcement
- Spousal support, alimony
- Complex, high-asset property and division of marital debt
I can also help you with other family law needs, including:
- Prenuptial agreements
- Custodial parent move-away petitions and parenting time modifications
- Domestic violence issues
- Estate planning for your post-divorce future, or while you are happily married
Areas of Practice
child custody & visitation
For divorcing parents, child custody is often the most difficult area to agree upon when resolving their issues. The goal of Berkeley attorney Martin "Jamie" Elmer Esq., is always the same: to craft a child custody and visitation agreement that balances the wants of the parents with the needs of the children.
Property, Asset and Debt Division
For many divorcing couples, the division of assets is a huge point of contention. In California, property is divided between the two divorcing people equally. Any assets, such as a home, a car or other things of value that you secured after you were married, will need to be divided in this way. A skilled property division lawyer will help you negotiate the distribution of marital assets like houses, cars, retirement accounts and stocks, as well as marital debts like credit cards, car loans and mortgages.
child support
Although divorce is about far more than child support, custody and child support obligations are important factors that play out in countless divorces and custody disputes every year. How they play out between you and your spouse will likely affect you and your children for years to come. With the help of a skilled family law attorney like me, you can come up with child and spousal support agreements that you can comfortably live with for the near future.
domestic violence
If you are reading this page, then you have probably been charged with domestic violence, someone you love has been arrested for it, or you fear that a partner may hurt you. If any of these apply to you, seek the services of a qualified Berkeley, California, domestic violence lawyer who can help you.
complex, high-asset division
California is among the national leaders in second marriages and marriages between parties with significant financial holdings and complex investments. If you are considering filing for divorce and have significant separate marital assets to protect from California's broad community property laws, talk to a lawyer who will fight to protect your financial interests.
Estate Planning
I am California family law attorney Martin "Jamie" Elmer, of Berkeley. I have more than 30 years of experience helping people with a full range of estate planning needs, including:
- Wills and trusts
- Changes to your legal will
- Living trusts and testamentary trusts
- Charitable giving
- Contested will litigation
- Probate services and estate administration following the death of a loved one
“We must all obey the great law of change. It is the most powerful law of nature.”
Let's Chat.
Use the form below to contact us regarding your legal enquiry. Please be as detailed as possible. Include your industry along with any specific document requests. To help us best service your enquiry, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve. You may also email or call us to make an appointment.
For job opportunities, please email us your resume. We’re always looking for new and exceptional talent to lead the firm into uncharted fields of practice.