Catherine Closson Vance

For 26 years, I have chosen to focus on family law and only family law. This means I have depth--there is nothing in family law I have not seen, done, researched, figured out and accomplished.

I am now at the fortunate time in my career where I choose to maintain a relatively small caseload. What does this mean for you? It means your calls, texts and e-mails are answered within minutes or hours--not days. When you call, you will talk to me, not a staff member who will take a message, and no--you will not be charged for every little question or concern. Your case will not be placed on a back burner because I am in trial on a dozen other cases. It means your case will proceed as briskly as possible through an over-burdened family court system. It means focused attention and prompt resolution.

I have been self-employed for 26 years. Being my own boss, I create my own schedule. I can (and often do) meet clients in the evening or on weekends so they do not have to miss work. I actually make house calls so a client can be home with children or a dependent adult rather than come to an office.

II know what I'm doing and work meticulously without running up your fees. I was a professional writer and editor for many years before I became an attorney. This means I can write quickly and well, which ultimately saves you money.

We can work out a typical retainer deposit, a flat fee, or a pay-as-you-go plan. I have affordable options for those of you who cannot afford to have an attorney work the entire case. We can have an initial phone discussion at no charge (usually about 30 minutes) and decide whether an in-person consultation is a good idea. Mine are usually about 90 minutes and $200 is the standard consultation fee. In 90 minutes, we'll figure out whether we would be a good team. In that 90 minutes, if you decide to "go it alone" or that you are not quite ready to proceed -- you will be well-educated.

• Guardianships (establish & terminate)

• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Flat fee, pay-as-you-go, or traditional hourly terms depending on your case and financial circumstances. If you cannot afford an attorney for your entire case, ask me about Affordable Options.

California

Since 1993

Catherine Vance, Attorney at Law

Current

All areas of family law

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Law Degree (1993)

1990 - 1993

Honors: American Jurisprudence Awards in Family Law and Legal Research & Writing

University of California - Davis

M.A. (1978)

1976 - 1978

Honors: High Honors

Albion College

B.A. (1976) | English & Communications

1972 - 1976

Honors: Graduated With Honors

California State Bar  # 166401

Member

1993 - Current

Flying Solo: Opening Your Own Law Practice, Law Office Management Class, McGeorge School of Law

University of the Pacific

For 15 years, I was a regular guest speaker (every semester) for senior law students