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 36 - 40 of 59 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Pamela | September 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Excellence * Integrity * Honesty

Bill Bratton is a rare find in a family law attorney. His combination of decades of experience, compassion as a person and care for his clients causes a difficult situation to be bearable. He will not fill you with false promises, but rather will tell you the truth right from the start which will hel...p you prepare for the reality of what lies ahead. Once your case starts, he will be in your corner and you will feel very protected by him because of his knowledge right down to the most minute details of how assets are divided within the laws of California. I am a CPA and have a fair knowledge of finance and asset division; but I knew nothing compared to what Mr. Bratton knows. His staff is also far above average. His paralegals are experienced and conscientious and extremely professional. I know people who have hired a family law attorney who will tell them everything they want to hear, collect the retainer fee and then they can't even get through to the attorney's paralegal, let alone the attorney. Even as busy as Mr. Bratton is, he always took time to call me if I needed to speak to him. He is clear and concise when he explains things which makes everything easier. His billing is fair. His billing statements are detailed to the level that you never wonder if you are being over-charged. There would be several things on my billing statements that they had done and there was no charge for it. When you read your statement, you will not feel like you are being taken advantage of financially. Bill Bratton is an attorney of the highest caliber. I give him my highest and best recommendation.

Posted by Kelly | March 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Surviving my divorce!!

I actually was referred to Mr. Bratton by one of my ex-husbands friends/co-worker. Mr. Bratton handled my divorce for me. I had been married for just shy of 25 years and I knew I needed some help. My ex wanted to "handle" it ourselves but I knew all that would happen would that I would be bullied int...o doing everything his way and NOT fairly. Mr. Bratton and his staff provided me with awesome service and were never bothered by my questions and always helped me to understand all the proceedings. I was very comforting to know I had someone in my corner looking out for my best interests. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Bratton and his team!!!

Posted by Jerry | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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 Kelly | October 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce or legal separation is serious hire the best, Mr. Bratton

Mr. Bratton helped me get through a legal separation and ultimately divorce. I had special circumstances surrounding my divorce and unfortunately it took 4 years to finalize. This was only due to the other party and my life circumstances. Mr. Bratton was professional and always responded to my emails... with a return email and or personal phone call in a very timely matter. He explained legal wording in layman's terms. He never dictated what to do yet gave choices and explained the outcome to me. I would highly recommend him as a divorce attorney. I was very fortunate to found him from a friend who is a divorce attorney. I asked my friend "who would you use if you wanted the best in Riverside?" She said, "Bill Bratton". She was right. Mr. Bratton and his entire office were very kind, professional and compassionate. Anyone going through a legal separation or divorce knows how difficult of a time it can be. If I can give you one piece of advice, that would be to listen to him and take his advice. I made the mistake of initially doing it my way and ultimately that cost me time and money. I should have listened to him from the start. Trust him, he knows his job and try to leave the emotions out of it.

Posted by John | October 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

PROBLEM SOLVER

I was involved in a very nasty divorce from my wife of 28 years. My case had been dragging on for over 5 years with no end in site - UNTIL I was introduced to Mr. Bratton. Almost immediately there was marked progress. Mr. Bratton and his office staff were very professional and welcoming. Mr. Bratto...n demonstrated a very skillful persona with a very good plan. He reviewed my case and then implemented the plan. In a rather short time our case was adjudicated to my relief. He showed himself to be a intelligent, thoughtful, and caring person. In my opinion I found him to be a " problem solver - not a problem maker ". I have recommended him to friends and people that I work with without any hesitation. He truly made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my daughters.

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
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