Individualized attention, reasonable rates and flexibility are just a few of the many accommodations that I offer my clients at Keiser Family Law. I provide a full range of legal services to individuals with family law needs.
Whether you're thinking about filing for divorce, are involved in a tumultuous custody dispute, need to secure child or spousal support orders, wish to appeal a family law judgment, or are looking to mediate a resolution in your case, I will guide you through the process with a special eye toward getting you through to the other side with as little trauma as possible.
Whether you're thinking about filing for divorce, are involved in a tumultuous custody dispute, need to secure child or spousal support orders, wish to appeal a family law judgment, or are looking to mediate a resolution in your case, I will guide you through the process with a special eye toward getting you through to the other side with as little trauma as possible.
Services
A graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, Joe Keiser has been handling family law, divorce and appellate cases since 2004. I work toward settlement whenever possible. I believe that settlement provides the best results for everyone involved in a family law case, especially when children are involved.
Family law encompasses nearly every legal issue that may arise between two people in a familial or intimate relationship. The most commom family law issue is divorce. However, non-married people can have family law needs as well. Everything from drafting wills & trusts, to obtaining restraining orders, handling custody disputes, ending domestic partnerships and more, all fall under the umbrella of family law.
Divorce, or dissolution, is the process of ending a marriage through the courts. Most divorces in California follow the same basic process.
1) deciding to get divorced or end a domestic partnership, 2) filing the initial divorce paperwork with the courts, 3) serving the initial divorce paperwork on the responding party, 4) exchanging financial disclosures, 5) conducting settlement discussions, and 6) obtaining a judgment of dissolution (finalizing the divorce).
1) deciding to get divorced or end a domestic partnership, 2) filing the initial divorce paperwork with the courts, 3) serving the initial divorce paperwork on the responding party, 4) exchanging financial disclosures, 5) conducting settlement discussions, and 6) obtaining a judgment of dissolution (finalizing the divorce).
In a divorce, or when an unmarried couple has minor children, the court will make decisions as to both legal and physical custody of minor children. Legal custody is the right to make decisions about the child, while physical custody is having actual custodial care. Custody can be joint or sole, depending upon many factors affecting the best interest of the child.
Property division can be one of the most complex and contentious areas in any dissolution process. In order to avoid unnecessary conflict when it comes to dividing property, Joe Keiser first works with clients to compile a detailed picture of what property is at issue, and what the value of that property is.
Reviews (20)
Mckenzie L.
Jan 11, 2022
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I have worked with Joe for over a year now. I initially contacted him for legal advice during a difficult time and ended up retaining him as a lawyer. Joe explains all the legal jargon in a way that is easy to understand. He is patient, empathetic, and an all around good guy. I would highly recommend Joe Kaiser to anyone seeking quality counsel!
Frank P.
Aug 31, 2021
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Joe is perhaps the best Family Law attorney in Alameda, if not the entire Bay Area. He's everything that you could possibly want or expect from a great lawyer. I can an entire book on how well he represented me in a recent divorce case that was extremely complex. Joe won the case for me, and I am absolutely ecstatic! Reasonable fees, great service, and friendly demeanor.
I highly recommend Joe if you're going through a divorce or want Family Law consultation. You will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend Joe if you're going through a divorce or want Family Law consultation. You will not be disappointed.
Kathleen Hogan
Jan 16, 2021
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Doug Benafel
Nov 27, 2020
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Swati Desai
Jun 25, 2019
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Jennifer Langlois
Feb 01, 2019
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I met Joe on what, I thought, was the worst day of my life: Meeting with a divorce lawyer because my husband blindsided me with divorce papers. I didn’t know there would be worse days ahead, but for two and a half years, Joe figuratively and literally held my hand through all of it, and I cannot recommend him and his services enough.
Joe was honest with me, walked me through the process, and was both professional and personable with me every step of the way. He cared about my circumstances enough (newly separated mother of one, trying to live on a daycare teacher’s salary) to help me save
Joe was honest with me, walked me through the process, and was both professional and personable with me every step of the way. He cared about my circumstances enough (newly separated mother of one, trying to live on a daycare teacher’s salary) to help me save
DaLastDon
Jan 13, 2019
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I spoke to Joe very recently, I gave him a call and he will personally answer your calls when available, and if not, he’ll return your call as soon as possible. It feels intimidating with the idea of speaking to a lawyer about any legal matters but with Joe, You’ll feel welcome right off the bat. He’s got this demeanor in him that will make you feel comfortable. As hard as it is, dealing with a pending divorce, Joe will give you the comfort and information that you need. He’s got a very reasonable rate and will respond in a timely manner. I wish I wasn’t in this situation, but unfortunately
Lisa Shannon
Nov 17, 2018
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Smackmy D.
Feb 22, 2018
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Jon M.
Apr 20, 2016
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I worked with Joe through my divorce and he was a patient and understanding professional, I can't rate him highly enough. Although this was the toughest of times, Joe was always on point and had great advice and was open to reasoning and giving perspective on my point of view. I would strongly encourage anyone going through divorce or having custody issues to have a conversation with him.
Terry A.
Feb 10, 2016
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I was very happy to find Joe Keiser during an incredibly stressful time in my life. His skill and knowledge of the law was a constant comfort through the whole legal process. No matter what issues came up, he was calm, professional and handled everything expertly. He got back to me quickly with answers to my questions and gave terrific advice along the way. The legal system is complex and stressful, but Joe was an expert at explaining exactly what the law stated and what my rights were. His expert guidance was invaluable.
Eddie S.
Mar 03, 2014
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Craig P.
Jan 16, 2014
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I met with Joe Keiser and then two other attorney's for consultation. Clearly Joe was the best choice, as in the first meeting he provided a clear understanding of what all of my options were. He was able to provide the best course of action, and worked me through the emotion of having just been served divorce papers a few days prior to that first meeting. Through every step of the process Joe kept in touch and helped me to understand that while it would be a lengthy process, it would all work out well. The toughest part of this process I believe was court and having to make more than one
N. S.
Feb 13, 2013
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I am writing this review on behalf of my friend who doesn't speak English very well. He is so incredibly grateful for Joe Keiser's guidance! My friend in Greece needed a divorce from a woman who lives in California, and Joe took on his case almost immediately on a limited scope basis. With Joe's help, all forms were filed perfectly -- so perfectly, in fact, that the judgement was granted in only a few months, instead of 6! I think that is a direct reflection of Joe's work and attention to detail because if the clerk had found even one typo, the paperwork would've been returned
John K.
Jan 12, 2013
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Erik M.
Jul 16, 2012
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I feel extremely grateful to have had Joe Keiser's guidance with my case. He took what could have been a difficult and uncomfortable situation, and made clear, simple, and efficient. His communication was always timely and to the point. Based on his level of competence and how generous he was with his time, I'm astounded that he is able to charge such a reasonable fee for his work. I highly recommend Joe.
Svetlana Y.
May 30, 2012
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I hope I will never have to use Mr. Keiser's services again but if I have to I'd definitely come back for his help. He was very accommodating and did some research for me on the divorce law in CA. Getting a divorce is never a pleasant, straight forward or quick experience. Mr. Keiser patiently explained the entire process and protected my interests. Joe was always available and the entire procedure went smoothly. I can't recommend him high enough. Very professional, friendly and always available via email. I'd recommend Joe to a friend!
Darryl C.
Jan 18, 2012
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I've been helping a friend with a difficult custody case (seeking shared custody for a non-biological son), and we got a recommendation for Mr. Keiser. He was patient and helpful from the beginning. Other attorneys that we consulted said that the case didn't stand a chance, but Mr. Keiser took it on, and my friend was recently awarded the shared custody of his son that he wanted. Throughout the process Mr. Keiser was helpful and informative and I can truthfully say that I doubt that many other attorneys would have pursued and prevailed in a case like this.
Cheryl N.
Jan 10, 2012
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I'm currently going through divorce and I went to three different lawyers for free consultation about my case and they didn't convince me and I found attorney Mr. Joe Keiser (the 4th lawyer I came to talk to) and I knew he was the right lawyer for my case. I am so glad that I got him as a lawyer because without Mr. Keiser I wouldn't know how to handle my divorce he knows what are your rights and he will help you to get them. If you are looking a divorce lawyer I am recommending you Mr. Keiser, he is a great lawyer and he will help you to get through your divorce with his knowledge
Lindsay W.
Feb 22, 2011
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Last year I planned to file for custody of my child however it was such a stressful situation I realized I could not handle it solely on my own. Despair sank in until I was given the contact information for Joe Keiser. After our consultation, I knew Joe was the attorney I needed to guide me through this difficult process. He took his time explaining all of the legal whys & how's of filing custody and what to expect when it was time to go to court.
On "D" day (i.e. court day) being nervous was an understatement. However Joe's calming presence alleviated my jitters and I
On "D" day (i.e. court day) being nervous was an understatement. However Joe's calming presence alleviated my jitters and I
