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 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Child Support

Posted by Bill | March 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Started as DEAD BEAT DAD, ended up with Custody

I have been using Bill Bratton for 4 years now in Family Law during my divorce, we have been through everything from child custody issues, income determination issues since my ex was self-employed (with the adjoining business evaluation), and the return of property as well as the division of property.... I am not proud to say it was really bad, really a mess, and really started out one-sided and unfair. Bill has a level of strategy and patience that was hard to trust at first because we want to fix stuff that’s unfair RIGHT AWAY!? Right?! You need to trust Bill Bratton and trust the process, as difficult as this sounds, the Family Law Court seems stacked against guys when it comes to Child Custody and Spousal Support. I left my wife on July 9th, 2012, and started out with another attorney in 2013 on a referral from a friend. If my case had been anything like easy, normal, amicable, or negotiated, I would not have EVER met Bill Bratton, and would have negotiated a 50/50 split and shared custody settlement with my Ex, but my Ex was greedy, awful, and 'mean' about the entire mess, and refused to cooperate and refused to even let me see my own kids, even on Father’s Day with a court-approved Supervisor, it was really crazy because my ex had worked in setting up and running a self-employed business doing bookkeeping, accounting, taxes, payroll, and claimed ZERO income. When child support and spousal support garnishment came, I was immediately at 50% wage garnishment, WHICH WAS NOT ENOUGH, so from DAY 1 there I was a “Dead Beat Dad” even though my ex was lying about her income and “cooking the books”. I had to switch Attorney’s to Bill Bratton on good Family Law advice, when everything was stacking up against me. For 27 months my ex carried out misrepresentations to the court of her income and her expenses, ‘lived in’ or ‘withheld’ our home without making ANY payments, and had a free new truck to drive while I made those payments, too. Bill Bratton is methodical, strategic, deliberate and gauged. While I was almost in panic mode, Bill kept me calm and stayed on his strategy. Eventually, everything turned around, one thing right after another, including having my Ex ‘Fined’ by the court $1250 for ‘contempt of court/ failure to comply’. Today I have custody, and our 2 youngest daughters live with me, I pay no child or spousal support, and my Ex has remarried and moved to New Mexico. Our property settlement was accurate and legitimate. My advice: beware of pipe-dream attorneys who push clients to do anything, say anything, accuse others of anything just to ‘get a leg up on’ them in court, or, promise ridiculous unjust rewards for playing dirty, that’s the type of attorney my Ex had. I have Bill Bratton, and am blessed that I do! After Divorce settlement 11 months later my Ex 'Rehired' her attorney to try and get one-sided visitation and vacation scheduled since she moved to New Mexico, and attempt to alter provisions of the Original Settlement (even though the ink had just dried!)

Posted by Wayne | July 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Mr. Bratton knows how to handle an acrimonious case

My ex had decided to use our child as a weapon to punish me and was systematically denying the court-ordered visitation schedule. Mr. Bratton listened to me, outlined what could be done, and he used his many years of experience with the courts to stop her claim to reduce visitation so she could get ...more child support. He worked hard to make sure he called me back, communicated what I should do to help myself, and made sure that my best case was presented to stop the madness. Mr. Bratton was better prepared than opposing counsel, had all of the right answers and the right paperwork to back my side. Because of my ex, I had to call on Mr. Bratton three times for separate and different attempts to harass me and try to keep me from seeing my child over 3 years, but each time I was very satisfied with Mr. Bratton's efforts, his explanations about the process, and the outcomes. He was able to get the court to uphold my rights and preserve visitation. I would recommend him highly if you need an attorney, if you are having problems with your family law case, or if you are concerned that your ex is using your child to hurt you --Mr. Bratton will have your back.

Posted by Frantz | April 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

For the Mr. Bratton

For the last seventeen years, Bill Bratton have been my indispensable lawyer that have helped me navigate the maze of the California family court system, his honesty and knowledge of the system provided me with the crucial informations and insights so I could make the best decisions for myself and my... children. In spite of being transfer out of state, Bill did not skip a beat. He help me with all of the standard divorce issues such as out of state visitations, child support and other thorny issues. I highly recommend him for a Family Court lawyer

Posted by Jerry | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Honest and Productive

Honest Attorney !!! Productive Attorney !! Obviously a joke - right? I have heard all the same jokes you have and read and heard every real life story about the promises attorneys make and never keep. The one thing most people think you can count on is it is always good for them and heartbreak for y...ou. Well, I am writing this to tell you I have used Mr. Bratton and his staff for almost 18 years for various issues surrounding my very difficult divorce with complications involving support payments, child custody and support modifications. Such a horrible experience !! But I can tell you honestly that you could never hope to find an attorney with more integrity or ability to seek a middle ground. HE is always looking for a "sense of fairness " in dealing with you and the opposition. HE always looked out for the best interest of my child and me ( not always agreeing with me) but for what was fair and equitable. And I can tell you honestly that I never felt ripped off like so many stories I have heard and read. So if you are in need of a family law attorney I highly recommend MR. Bratton to handle one of the most important issues of your life. With great respect and gratitude I would like to thank MR. Bill Bratton and his staff for all they have done for me. I am sure you will feel the same when the horrible experience of needing a family law attorney ends. With sincere thanks Jerry

Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Excellent Attorney

I hired Mr. Bratton in 2015 to assist me with my divorce/child custody/child support case. I was very pleased with Mr. Bratton and all his colleagues/staff. Mr. Bratton was honest, professional, and kind. He took the time to get to know me, my situation and my case. Mr. Bratton or someone from his of...fice was always avaliable to answer question or concerns. Mr. Bratton is extremely knowledgeable and helped me get through a difficult time with as little damage as possible. Mr. Bratton has the best interest of his clients at heart. I would definitely recommend Mr. Bratton.

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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