William Paul Bratton

PRO

William Paul Bratton

5.0
147 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Riverside, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Mediation ... +2 more

4046 Chestnut Street, Riverside, CA

About William

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

Divorce, Legal Separation, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Property Division, and Domestic Violence.

32 years

40%
Family 30%

32 years

30%
Mediation 15%

32 years

15%
Alimony 10%

32 years

10%
Guardianship 5%

32 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 495-650 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Distinguished Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 9

Licenses

Licensed in California for 31 years

State: California

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Bratton Razo & Lord

4046 Chestnut Street, Riverside, CA, 92501-3537

BrattonFamilyLaw.com

William Paul Bratton's Reviews

Posted by Glorycella | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

More Than Just a Lawyer, A True Advocate

The attorney who handled my divorce was William Bratton, and I honestly don’t know where to begin because I have so much to say. When I was unexpectedly served with divorce papers, I had already interviewed several attorneys, but Mr. Bratton stood out above all the rest. From our first conversation, ...it was clear that he truly knew what he was talking about and, most importantly, always guided me toward the best decisions for the children involved. Mr. Bratton was always straightforward and honest with me about what I could and could not do. He never gave me unrealistic expectations or empty promises. Instead, he became not just my attorney, but my advocate and confidant during one of the most difficult times of my life. He was always responsive to my emails, and Juanita, the paralegal who worked closely with him, consistently took the time to explain everything to me. I never once felt like I was bothering them, even when I had to ask the same questions more than once. Their patience and professionalism meant so much to me. Mr. Bratton is extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cares about each and every one of his clients. I never felt that he was doing this for financial gain; rather, it was clear that family law is something he is truly passionate about. He always spoke to me directly, and I never received information secondhand that should have come from my attorney. Over time, you naturally develop a relationship with the law firm you hire, because they are the people fighting for you. I always felt that the Bratton firm was fighting not only for me, but also for my children. Every single person in the office is knowledgeable and professional. Mr. Bratton took the time to prepare me for every situation I encountered and handled matters efficiently, often without the need for me to be in court. I would never go to any other attorney for family court or divorce issues. I cannot recommend Mr. Bratton and his firm highly enough.

Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Father's who need help, look no further!

Mr. Bratton changed the outcome of my Divorce. I went through 3 layers before I found Mr. Bratton. He helped me when i was at my lowest, he told me what i needed to hear and to stop thinking and acting emotionally. Mr. Bratton is extremely professional, and I appreciate what he has done for my family.... If you are a father in need of help, i would highly recommend Mr. Bratton and his team! Thank you Bill.

Posted by Dave | July 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The truth about William Bratton

Most of us have had or will have a need to hire a lawyer at some point in our life. Unless you know one personally, it's not an easy task, I hope this review makes it easier for someone. One of the most important things your lawyer should do for you is put you at ease and make you feel confident that... they're going to take care of you, Bill ( he insisted I call him Bill) did that right from the beginning . He talks straight to you in a way that's very relatable and easy to understand. He delivered a win for me in a situation that seemed hopeless, my divorce was complicated, to say the least. As impressed , and grateful as I am with what he accomplished for me, what I'm most thankful for is the peace of mind I have, believing that Bill gave me the best outcome that was possible. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about, there's nothing worse than feeling like you don't trust your lawyer and nothing better than feeling that you do. I'm sure I'm not an exception, I believe he treats all of his clients with the same genuine care and service. His staff was very professional and did a great job communicating and keeping me informed. Perhaps the best measure of my feelings would be to ask myself, would I hire him again, would I recommend him to my friends or family? To that I would genuinely and emphatically answer....YES! Thank you Bill, you're one of the good guys!

Posted by anonymous | July 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hire and never look back

EXTREMELY FAIR! and knowledgable and in control. Mr. Bratton has been helping me with a complex family matter for years. I am so relieved to have him on my side

Posted by Sandra | February 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Service

Mr. Bratton was professional, kept me informed and gave me excellent advice. I would not hesitate to recommend his services.

See All Client Reviews

William Paul Bratton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Andrew Lee Westover headshot
Andrew Westover

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Bill is a total professional and, certainly, a worthy opponent. He fights hard, is fair, and honest."

Paul Anthony Eads headshot
Paul Eads

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had prior cases with Mr. Bratton and he is very knowledgeable and assertive in advocating for his client. A worthy adversary indeed."

Heidi Helena Romeo headshot
Heidi Romeo

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bratton is truly the consummate professional. He is a highly experienced litigator. He seeks to explore settlement opportunities before engaging in litigation. He is respected by his peers and judicial officers."

Nakesha Steffler Dodson Ruegg headshot
Nakesha Ruegg

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Robert Abernathy headshot
Christopher Abernathy

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Bill Bratton. Bill is an exceptional attorney. He is well versed in the law and has an outstanding presence in the courtroom. Moreover, Bill is well respected by his colleagues and the local bench."

Vincent Barney Garcia headshot
Vincent Garcia

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An exceptional attorney who zealously represents his clients. I've had the good fortune of knowing William for over 25 years both personally and professionally. He is trustworthy and a thoughtful person. He has the reputation for thoughtful and honest interaction with everyone. I endorse this lawyer without reservation."

Keith Eric Dolnick headshot
Keith Dolnick

Family lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kristen Ashleigh Holstrom headshot
Kristen Holstrom

Family lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is an asset to out legal community."

Michael Robert Young headshot
Michael Young

Family lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He works hard and is aggressive in representing his clients. He works diligently to resolve cases in a timely matter and achieve good results for his clients."

Richard Allen Kennedy headshot
Richard Kennedy

Family lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is a great attorney who places his client's interests at the forefront of his cases. Would not hesitate to select him as counsel."

Kirby Frederick Combs headshot
Kirby Combs

Family lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Harold William Edgar headshot
Harold Edgar

Family lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bratton is one of the my experienced and professional lawyers in the area. I would highly recommended him."

Catherine Ann Schwartz headshot
Catherine Schwartz

Family lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Shauna Marie Albright headshot
Shauna Albright

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse William Bratton. He is highly knowledgeable, is an excellent advocate on behalf of his clients and has an impeccable reputation."

Sanjay Sobti headshot
Sanjay Sobti

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gerald Anthony Maggio headshot
Gerald Maggio

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Bill Bratton is a consummate professional, very prepared, and a strong advocate for the clients that he has represented in cases where he has been my opposing counsel, and also someone who is able to work with counsel to reach a negotiated resolution of cases where such settlement is in the best interests of the parties."

Donald Bradley Cripe headshot
Donald Cripe

Family lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill is an outstanding attorney. As a former Accountant, he brings with him special skills that can serve family law clients very well. Additionally, Bill is a real gentleman to work with. I recommend Bill highly."

Jeffrey Robert Sissung headshot
Jeffrey Sissung

Family lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

James D. Madden headshot
James Madden

Family lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. William Bratton epiomizes the pinnacle of the legal community in his knowledge, professionalism and ethics. I would absolutely recommend him for any type of family law litigation regardless of the complexity."

Gary Philip DuFour headshot
Gary DuFour

Family lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"A consumate professional and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended."

View All Endorsements
Michael Anthony Razo headshot
Michael Razo

Family lawyer

Linda J Claypool headshot
Linda Claypool

Family lawyer

Andrew Lee Westover headshot
Andrew Westover

Family lawyer

Paul Anthony Eads headshot
Paul Eads

Family lawyer

Gary Philip DuFour headshot
Gary DuFour

Family lawyer

Keith Eric Dolnick headshot
Keith Dolnick

Family lawyer

Chad William Firetag headshot
Chad Firetag

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth B. Stream Jr headshot
Kenneth Stream

Estate planning lawyer

Sean Stuart Varner headshot
Sean Varner

Mergers and acquisitions lawyer

Vincent Barney Garcia headshot
Vincent Garcia

Family lawyer

Lawrence Roy Bynum headshot
Lawrence Bynum

Real estate lawyer

Joseph Wallace Howington headshot
Joseph Howington

Family lawyer

Catherine Ann Schwartz headshot
Catherine Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer

Linda D Roberts-Ross headshot
Linda Roberts-Ross

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Kirby Frederick Combs headshot
Kirby Combs

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald Bradley Cripe headshot
Donald Cripe

Mediation lawyer

Laura Chanel Rosauer headshot
Laura Rosauer

Family lawyer

Harold William Edgar headshot
Harold Edgar

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Attorney of the Year - Riverside County, Tri-Bar Association

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Distinguished rating, Martindale-Hubbell

1999

Recognition of Service, Riverside County Superior Court

1997

Recognition of Service, Riverside County Superior Court

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Senior Partner, Bratton & Razo

1986 - 1994

Vice President of Operations, Bratton Enterprises

1983 - 1985

District Sales Manager, Fleetwood Enterprises

Associations

2016 - Present

San Bernardino Bar Association

2008 - Present

Collaborative Divorce Professionals of Inland Empire

Member

2008 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2006 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

1994 - Present

State Bar Of California

Member

1994 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2011 - 2011

Riverside Superior Court

Elkins Task Force

1996 - 2012

Riverside County Superior Court

Pro bono attorney for children

Sample of Legal Cases

Smith V. Jones

Move Away Denied

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

Univ of California Riverside

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Riverside County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Ethics In Family Law

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution