Next Legal helps families resolve difficult legal situations and achieve the best possible outcome. With 140+ years of experience, we take a customized "listen first" approach to best serve our clients. Our family law attorneys have extensive experience in divorce, custody, support and complex family law.
We have hands-on experience and training from decades of courtroom experience and complex negotiations. We are dedicated to the early resolution of family law disputes through time-tested settlement strategies. We encourage settlement negotiations at the beginning of the case, and we work hard to resolve conflicts and to promote settlement.
We have hands-on experience and training from decades of courtroom experience and complex negotiations. We are dedicated to the early resolution of family law disputes through time-tested settlement strategies. We encourage settlement negotiations at the beginning of the case, and we work hard to resolve conflicts and to promote settlement.
Services
The experienced attorneys at Next Legal provide a full range of legal representation, from case filing, court hearings, discovery, settlement negotiations and trial. We recognize that each case is different and take a customized "listen first" approach to best serve our clients. This involves understanding every client's goals, needs and concerns, as well as the facts, issues and best strategies for their case.
Next Legal offers a full range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, including mediation, collaborative law and private case resolution. ADR is a good alternative when both parties can agree that a private settlement process will be preferable to a contested court case. Our experienced attorneys will help you select the right ADR method for the successful resolution of your case.
Our law firm provides unbundled legal services to clients who prefer to handle some or all of the case themselves, with the assistance of our experienced attorneys and professionals. This allows clients to exert greater control over their cases and facilitates more direct communications with the other side.
California does not recognize common-law marriage. For a marriage to exist in California, the parties need to have formally married, which generally must be proved through a marriage certificate or other documentation. However, California does provide for alimony after an unmarried romantic relationship under specific circumstances.
California imposes stringent damages remedies, sanctions and attorney's fees against a spouse who breaches his or her fiduciary duties to the other spouse. A transfer of property ownership or other transaction that results from undue influence or another form of breach may be set aside, and concealed assets or other property may be forfeited to the other spouse.
Reviews (15)
Carlo A.
Jul 07, 2021
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We consulted with Neena in an emergency situation. going through custody battles is very stressful and difficult situation. she is an incredible lawyer and i couldn't thank her enough for all the help that she has done for my son and I. We don't know how we could have done it without her help. she always give you an honest advice and always had me prepared with the process.. Neena is very professional, she properly represented me in court and never gave me false hopes. she would always give me updates about everything that is going on about my case, which i really appreciate. I highly
Harish Y.
Jun 17, 2021
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Total and complete scam artists. Stay away. Paul Donsbach took 150k of my money over two year period without doing anything for my case. Then Paul abandoned me on the day of my trial. The Judge had to order Paul to appear in court...after I had fully paid him and owed him nothing. He just decided to not show up or represent me. After the judge ordered him to appear, Paul spent no time with me preparing for my case. He called me the morning of trial trying to get his facts straight.
I was on the stand representing myself against the other attorney and Paul just sat there and did nothing. The
I was on the stand representing myself against the other attorney and Paul just sat there and did nothing. The
Susan J.
Jun 05, 2021
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Neena is great to work with she explains everything in detail and made the process a better learning experience. She responds quickly and keep us updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of. I'm so grateful for her passion, dedication and professionalism the service exceeds my expectations. Thank You for an amazing job. I HIGHLY Recommend Neena and her team at Next legal law firm.
Ronnesha W.
May 05, 2021
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Neena is amazing!!!!! she responded effectively and timely to all my calls and requests. she provided a level of comfort to ease my anxiety and ultimately we took the win!!!! for neena and her team to take my case in such short notice the execution was on point... iam so grateful to her for the work shes done on my behalf.thanks neena and shaliya!!!!!!!!!
Christine Capper
Mar 14, 2021
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I’ve been working with Next Legal law firm for the past two years during a very difficult divorce trial, and now custody matters. Neena Masters is incredibly hard working, dedicated, and driven. Unfortunately, I went through two other attorneys/firms who did not do their jobs well, costing me both money and time. Then I found Next Legal. I highly recommend the firm and, especially, Neena as an exceptional family law attorney. She will fight for your interests and communicate throughout your case.
Mandy Lipp
Feb 15, 2021
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Throughout my divorce process, Zelikha and Shaliya were very professional and knowledgable of California's process. They were both extremely responsive to emails and phone calls, while respecting my time to keep the costs down as much as possible. Starting the divorce process at the beginning of COVID 19 meant a great deal more challenges and slow downs with the courts. This Zelikha and Shaliya suggested solutions that led to a much faster dissolution process than going through the California court system. I would highly recommend both Zelikha and Shaliya, I can't thank them enough!
Isabel P.
Oct 26, 2020
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I was represented by Paul Donsbach of (Next Legal) in my divorce proceedings. This has been a very daunting and stressful time for me and for anyone in this situation.
I worked very closely with him. He was very clear on what my expectations should be from the beginning up to the end. He was smart and sharp. Before pursuing courses of action, he will give me the risks, benefits and liabilities. From these, I weighed the statistical risks before committing to a plan. He will then provide me with additional knowledge, advice/suggestions and, with his support, made decisions that brought
I worked very closely with him. He was very clear on what my expectations should be from the beginning up to the end. He was smart and sharp. Before pursuing courses of action, he will give me the risks, benefits and liabilities. From these, I weighed the statistical risks before committing to a plan. He will then provide me with additional knowledge, advice/suggestions and, with his support, made decisions that brought
Joseph Sweatt
Oct 02, 2020
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After working with other attorneys and paying high fees with no positive outcome. I was lucky to find Next Legal. Paul was super friendly and answered all my questions with no judgment. Working with Paul Donsbach and Neena Masters has been a blessing. Neena has been so nice to me and easy to communicate with. Neena takes the time to explain what things are and why they are needed. I really appreciate the time and effort that is given to my case. I feel they listen to my needs and give you sound legal advice. They are always willing to go the extra mile when needed. I have always felt they have
Luis Gutierrez
Sep 24, 2020
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I had the privilege of working with Zelikha and would highly recommend her. Zelikha is the best lawyer I have ever worked with and I am very grateful for all her hard work and support. She always went the extra mile to make sure I was fully prepared and felt confident. Zelikha has excellent communication skills and the best judgment. She is professional, intelligent and trustworthy.
Micheal Cathey
Oct 24, 2019
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Pacific Family Law was able to professionally conduct the procedures in my case in a strategic and logical manner. My attorney Paul was well articulated and profusely involved in my case. Because of his level of involvement, my case came to a favorable conclusion rather quickly. I can’t thank Paul enough for his commitment throughout my case. He is my top recommendation for anyone who needs an attorney.
M. K.
Sep 26, 2019
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I've been trying to find a family law attorney for the last few weeks. I was very hopeful when I found Bay Area Family Law online. It had 5 stars all around. I called the main number to set up a consultation. The woman that I talked to was very nice and very helpful and made it seem like it was a law firm that would be flexible and also supportive. I scheduled a consultation for $350 for the hour. I'm not going to name the attorney that I had the consultation with, but it was very disappointing to say the least. The attorney was not rude, but continuously told me what paperwork
Janean Stclair
Aug 19, 2019
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The performance of my lawyer Paul massively exceeded my standards. Paul’s knowledge of my case and commitment was unparalleled. He was not only friendly, but also very firm when needed. My case was settled in my favor and the more I went through the stages of this case, I never had any doubts. Thank you for your assistance Paul.
Kate C.
Apr 14, 2019
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If you are in need of legal assistance, I highly and strongly recommend Bay area family law. This firm helped me through one of the most challenging and difficult times of my life. These guys went well beyond my expectations to help me navigate through my very difficult divorce. They were courteous, professional and extremely kind throughout the whole process. I can not say enough great things about them. Highly recommend!
Andi H.
Aug 21, 2018
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This review is past due and definitely well deserved.
I found Paul and the rest of his team through Yelp,
I was dealing with a divorce that had ties to crypto currencies, I needed a lawyer that had knowledge of how to deal with a divorce case and specialized in crypto, Paul was my guy, I felt comfortable and at ease with him he was honest about what he could do and how I could keep the cost of my divorce down, and sure thing the court ruled to my favor thanks to Paul and the rest of his team.
Paul sets a strong, confident and sharp tone in the court room always at the right time, he will make
I found Paul and the rest of his team through Yelp,
I was dealing with a divorce that had ties to crypto currencies, I needed a lawyer that had knowledge of how to deal with a divorce case and specialized in crypto, Paul was my guy, I felt comfortable and at ease with him he was honest about what he could do and how I could keep the cost of my divorce down, and sure thing the court ruled to my favor thanks to Paul and the rest of his team.
Paul sets a strong, confident and sharp tone in the court room always at the right time, he will make
Jamie M.
Dec 13, 2017
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Paul is the most professional, capable and compassionate family law attorney I could have hoped to have by my side. Family law can get messy and personal and Paul made me feel comfortable throughout the process. In court, the judge appreciated his calm and non-confrontational demeanor and his adversary found him impossible to ruffle. My case ended quickly, with a favorable outcome for me. Paul is honest and hardworking - adjectives not often found in the same sentence as the word attorney.
