Donald Blake Serafano

Donald Blake Serafano

also known as Reel Fathers Rights, Don

4.3
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 32 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Irvine, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence

18881 Von Karman Ave, Suite 1600, Irvine, CA

About Donald

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 550-550 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 32 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Arizona for 31 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 1994

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Reel Fathers Rights

18881 Von Karman Ave, Suite 1600, Irvine, CA, 92612

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Donald Blake Serafano's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews

Posted by Albert | February 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Probate

This is the best attorney at scams

n June of 2024, I visited an NFDA office and met with Donald B. Serafano to discuss a probate that needed to be filed so that my sister, (Norma G. Cruz) would not lose her home. Donald reassured my sister that it would take " 4 or at most 6 months". Donald stated "the case is not complicated". That d...ay, they asked for $4,000 upfront. The attorney took total of $13,500 and this case was not filed. In late January 2025, I demanded a full refund from the NFDA and Donald. Donald wanted to talk on the phone, so I agreed. A phone call was arranged on 2/05/2025 (8 months after he stated he would file and did not. This call was a recorded line) in that conversation, Donald stated that everything would be filed "no later than Friday" (02/07/2025). Once again, Donald lied as nothing was filed. To be clear. For the first time, Donald asked me to sign court paperwork, in the first week of February 2025. This simply means he had never filled paperwork for this case before. This also means he had never worked on this case. An email was sent to Donald request a full refund. Due to Donald NOT filing the probate, my sister is being sued through a judicial court, and now will lose her home. Someone else is helping us with documents for this current probate and the lawsuit. We are also seeking an additional $2,500 as we are seeking help elsewhere. On 2/12/25 Donald was e mailed and mailed a certified letter of this very complaint. Donald refused the certified letter and paid $5.58 for the letter to be returned. Donald feels because someone else (not him or his office) Field the probate, I should not receive a refund. Donald states he doesn't "understand what" I'm "so mad about

Posted by Jc. Garcia | December 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Family

Let the judge slander me and did not say one bit

Nice man, but This place lost me a client and did t even attempt to keep me... i was open to staying as their client and they didnt even try... I evem cried on the phone because i need the help... no one cared... no one cared.... Wow facts.... Karma Is karma... They just took my money knowin...g times are tough... If im lieing. Reel fathers rights has my permission to upload the proof that you tried to keep me... Exactly... and theyre going to get this message and ignore it... facts

Posted by Joshua | May 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

Excellent Service / Highly Recommended

Donald assisted my Fiancé and I in staying in our apartment after falling a couple months behind on rent. When we were first served the eviction notice we literally had no clue what to do. Donald was able to help us negotiate a reasonable payment plan to pay back the property owners and he made the ...court process very easy and stress free. I would recommend his services to any one who is facing eviction.

Posted by Nick | February 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

Great guy, easy to work with, quick to reply

Hired him to fight a bs unlawful detainer and rental company that wanted to illegal take money from a deposit for 15 year old carpet. He negotiated with the attorney for said sketchy property management company and got them to drop nearly all claims on the deposit to save over $2000

Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Civil Harassment Case

Mr. Serafano's case knowledge and assistance were invaluable. I was being cyber/in person stalked by an ex-client for a period of over 2 months. Mr. Serafano knew exactly how to handle the case and once I hired him and he stepped in the harassment ceased and he helped me win my case. I was a nervous ...wreck and very anxious regarding my court date. Mr. Serafano assured me that my case was viable and that everything would be ok and that he would be by my side every step of the way. Thank you so much. I will forever be in your gratitude.

See All Client Reviews

Donald Blake Serafano's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Patricia Renee Rodriguez headshot
Patricia Rodriguez

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amir Soleimanian headshot
Amir Soleimanian

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Hoon Kim headshot
James Kim

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Donald is a highly intelligent and hard working attorney that I have had the pleasure of working with on a serious case."

David Van Luu headshot
David Van Luu

Litigation lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I had the opportunity to work with Donald and got to know him both on a professional and personal level. He is quite personable and truly cares about his clients and the work he does on their behalf. I endorse him without hesitation."

Majid Foroozandeh Shahraki headshot
Majid Foroozandeh Shahraki

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alan Craig Snyder headshot
Alan Snyder

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I refer Attorney Serafano all of my DUI clients and they have been very happy with his representation. He spends as much time as necessary so that the clients feel that they understand the process and their choices."

Amy Randall Schroder headshot
Amy Schroder

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Serafano is an excellent attorney and person. He is a true professional."

Moshe Sinar headshot
Moshe Sinar

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Jarrod Bigger headshot
Mark Bigger

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Donald genuinely cares about his client and has the legal expertise and experience to get the best results."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Chananel H Nakasaka headshot
Chananel Nakasaka

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Serafano is an excellent criminal defense attorney. He's extremely knowledgeable. More importantly, he cares for his clients. He is always well prepared and ready to give each case his utmost attention!"

Joseph Glenn Higuera headshot
Joseph Higuera

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Don is an excellent lawyer. He is one of the best in the business."

Linda Luna headshot
Linda Luna

Litigation lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"Donald is an excellent and experienced attorney who will successfully litigate cases. In addition, Donald is a honest and personable. I highly endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Chananel H Nakasaka headshot
Chananel Nakasaka

Criminal defense lawyer

Majid Foroozandeh Shahraki headshot
Majid Foroozandeh Shahraki

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Amy Randall Schroder headshot
Amy Schroder

Criminal defense lawyer

Alan Craig Snyder headshot
Alan Snyder

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joseph Glenn Higuera headshot
Joseph Higuera

Personal injury lawyer

Linda Luna headshot
Linda Luna

Employment and labor lawyer

David Van Luu headshot
David Van Luu

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

David Steven Chesley headshot
David Chesley

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Listed, Who's Who Legal

1990

Dean's List, Claremont McKenna College

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Senior Associate, Law Offices of Kaylene H. Writer, APC

2010 - Present

Senior Partner, Law Offices of Donald B Serafano PC

2020 - 2021

Senior Trial Attorney, BWA Law Group

2019 - 2020

Senior Trial Attorney, Kemper Insurance Company

2010 - 2016

Senior Partner, Serafano & Snyder LLP

2008 - 2014

Professor, California Southern University

2008 - 2010

Associate Attorney, Hollins Schechter

2006 - 2008

Managing Attorney - California Office, Eltman, Eltman & Cooper PC

2005 - 2006

Managing Attorney - California Office, Resurgence Financial LLP

2003 - 2005

Attorney, Debt Consolidation and Bankruptcy Management LLP

1998 - 2003

Senior Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Charles B. Carey PC

Associations

2016 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2016 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2016 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association - Criminal Defense

2015 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2014 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Present

West Orange County Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Newport Harbor Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

1993 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1993 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

1990 - Present

Claremont McKenna Alumni Association

Member

OCBA Master Division

Member

Italian American Lawyers of Orange County

Member

Education

1993

University of California at Davis School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Claremont McKenna College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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