William Paul Bratton

PRO

William Paul Bratton

5.0
150 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

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

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

Showing 51 - 55 of 149 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

The epitome of what a lawyer should be

I had previous legal representation, which, worked for me when it did. As my case became more complex and my legal representation began to fall short (my opinion), I was referred to William Bratton by a close and trusted friend. I needed more expertise, a pedigree of professionalism, and more than j...ust a passive advocate for myself and my child. In addition to doing my own research about Mr. Bratton, my close friend shared with me that Mr. Bratton was more than competent, efficient, and strategic. Of course, family court is often a volatile, emotionally charged atmosphere. Within the court room, I will remark that I was overly impressed and contented with Mr. Bratton’s defense and approach to highlighting the important issues within my case. He argued for the best interest of my child and myself effortlessly. He was assertive and yet diplomatic. I was almost speechless, in a positive way. I am sure Mr. Bratton handles hundreds of cases, however, not once did I feel as though my situation was not his priority. One of the lessons I have learned is that although I may have my own ideas of how rulings and minor details within custody agreements should go, I hired Mr. Bratton to do what he does best, provide competent counsel. Did Mr. Bratton pacify my “emotional” responses to the other party’s nonsense requests? No. Did he validate and share in my concerns? Yes. Did he provide me with reality based legal expert advice? Yes, yes, and yes. Overall, his competence and progressive thinking takes into account the bigger picture, which I have grown to appreciate in him as an attorney. I am so glad I was referred to him. Mr. Bratton’s word is his bond and his ethical delivery is prominently present. Mr. Bratton provided me counsel with discussion of the worst-case scenario, however, skillfully delivered THE win on multiple occasions. I do not think there are words enough to express my gratitude. With confidence and sincerity, I will say the value of Mr. Bratton as my legal representation surpasses the financial cost. I will defiantly continue to retain Mr. Bratton, should I have to appear in family court again. Thank you Mr. Bratton!

Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Excellent Attorney

Mr. Bratton came highly recommended from a former client. After speaking with him on the phone, I knew he was the attorney I wanted to hire. I met with other attorneys, but none that had his confidence. He was prepared and able to respond quickly in any situation. He is very knowledgeable and al...ways had a plan on how to proceed. He put me at ease on multiple occasions. No, I didn’t get it all, but I got everything that was important to me. If you are looking for an attorney who is extremely capable and knows what he is doing, Mr. Bratton is the one you want on your side.

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Perfect right hand man in court!!!!

Bill was an absolute savior in helping me gain full custody of my children. I had already had 2 lawyers prior who were completely unsuccessful at getting me even a fair custody agreement to my kids. Bill came highly highly referred to me from a client of mine so I took my last attempt at using a firm... to represent me. Mr Bratton was beyond professional and gave me hope that I had a chance at winning my case. He is always prompt at returning phone calls, always on time to meetings and court, and was very informative on all the paper work that I needed to fill out and all of the info he needed to complete my case successfully!! He is straight forward which is a characteristic I think many lawyers lack but need as to not give false hope to their clients. I knew from our first consult that Mr Bratton was the best thing that was going to happen to my fight in court.

Posted by James | January 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Please Read!

If you’re considering hiring an attorney, please read this review! I ended a 20+ year marriage, and the sole provider the entire time. Significant assets, and my ex, had no translatable skills in the workforce. Most everyone wrote me off to the states reputation, favoring the party in need an...d not the provider. I interviewed several Attorneys and was looking for a few specific traits: •Business Acumen My assets included stocks, and stock options, and believe it or not, many Attorneys are not completely well versed or comfortable in the different types and how they work. •Negotiator I needed someone who was a deal maker. The court outcome was too risky in my particular case, and more importantly, it would have cost an arm and a leg to go the distance! •Reputation Its so important to consider reputation when selecting an attorney. I was interviewing another attorney and i asked her who she respected in the industry and she was the one who ultimately gave me Bill’s name. Every attorney has a reputation amongst themselves and the court. It is critical to select one who is respected by the parties who will be involved. I saw judges act very dismissive with attorneys who I could tell did not have credibility. I’m convinced a settlement was made possible because of Bill’s reputation and ability to work with the other side. •Cost versus price While Bill was not the cheapest hourly rate, he told me during our consultation that he often saves the client money because he negotiates a favorable settlement. That is exactly what he delivered to me! A very fair outcome at a fraction of the cost my case was worth! As unpleasant as divorces are, my experience with Bill and his team made the process much better, than I’ve heard from others, who selected other attorneys. Bill under promised and over delivered, and I knew from day one, and at least ten other attorney interviews later, he was my guy! I hope this helps someone out there because I empathize with all of the feelings you’re going through! That’s why it’s so important to select the right professional to represent your legal interest through this process!

Posted by Brittany | December 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A great lawyer in your time of need

Mr. Bratton was wonderful to work with and made all the difference in my case. My first impression of Bill was that he terrified me. I realized that was exactly who I wanted and needed to represent me, a real fighter. He came up with creative ways to prove my case and made my inexperienced thoughts s...ound strong. In my time of anxiety and vulnerability I felt confident with him at my side. He let me know what was happening every step of the way so I was never left feeling unsure of the very complex process. He and his staff were always there for me, day or night, to answer questions and make me feel like I mattered to them. I would highly recommend him and his firm.

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

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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