Carla Leslie Hartley

In early 2020, after leaving the California court system with a feeling of being cast away, thrown out and discarded, it was recommended that I seek counsel to assist with my request to modify my child custody and visitation agreement from out of state. After doing some research, I knew that I needed a home run hitter in my corner. A firm that could navigate the troublesome waters of my particular situation. A team of professionals that would guide me on this now 2 plus year process, and always have me and my sons best interest at heart. I have been a proud client with Hartley Lamas Et Al, and being out of state, the majority of our communication has been via email and phone call. Always professional, patient and assisting in any way that they can. Not once have I felt left out, not a part of the team, or tossed by the wayside. Most recently, I had to make my very first appearance in court. When I tell you that the entire office stepped up to assist me in preparation for mediation, court room proceedings, and any additional items that came up...blessed is the word that comes to mind. I would like to pay special attention to a few key members of the law firm as it pertains particularly to my case. Mr. John Castellano was incredible with his preparing me for mediation. It was as if he had peered into the future with his knowledge of how mediation would work with opposing party. The body language, the receptive nature, the willingness to cooperate; all were indicated the day prior by John. His questions and conversation pieces were so in tune with what actually was spoken inside mediation, it was as if he was there. I can honestly say that preparing with John led me to be the best version of myself during a trying and worrisome time in my life. Thank you. Mrs. Carla Hartley, you were with me step for step during my day in court. When I tell you, having you by my side put a sense of ease over me during a testy and trying time, I am happy that I'm your side, and not opposing party. I understand that you get what you pay for, and you and your firm are money well spent. You have fought for me every step of the way and I thank you for your time, your guidance, and most importantly your leadership. It is a pleasure being included as part of the family, and your team is a direct representation of you, so for that, I thank you. Lastly, Mrs. Kelly Clunan. This woman defines what it is to go the extra mile. No matter the time of day, the occasion, or where I currently was in the nation, she made the effort to always communicate with me and ensure there were no stones left unturned. When we started getting some traction on my specific case, she personally called me to deliver the tremendous news. While on the phone, I could hear the joy and sheer excitement. When there would be certain issues that would arise, she was straightforward and guided me along the process. As flexible as possible, she truly let me vent and make me feel like part of the family. On the date of my court appearance, we made it a point to see each other and finally put a face to the name I had always went out of her way to make it known I was taken care of. A face to the name that I associate with a phone call that I want to get. And a face to the name that I wanted to give a hug to for taking care of me along the way. I give my highest recommendation to this firm for any and all needs, as you will not be disappointed. You get what you pay for, and this is money well spent.

Carla Hartley helped me with my case when I was facing some hard times she guided me and made everything less stressful highly recommended

Carla and her team are excellent. Through the patient, thorough, and hard work they did for my child and me, we now can be sure that my child and I will never be separated by the machinations of the other parent. This was a tough, strange case, and I am confident that Carla and her team protected our family in ways that 90 percent of other lawyers in the area would have failed to do. Carla is super intelligent, has impeccable integrity, and is a kind and easy person to talk with. She understands the dynamics of the local courtrooms and has an excellent reputation with the judges and other lawyers. Look no further than her firm. Worth every penny.

I was referred by a friend that works at the court and was gladly that she did. I love all the staffs there, been super helpful with everything.

Carla Hartley and her firm has represented me in two different family law cases. Both times, Carla has been nothing short of amazing with her thoroughness, professionalism, and her ability to achieve the results she promised. Carla and Frances worked together on our most recent case, and they were both wonderful to work with. They kept us updated during the whole process, always responsive to emails and phone calls and most importantly, they listened to us and cared about our family. They worked their butts off to make sure all our documents were in order and that all their i's were dotted and t's were crossed before we went to trial. Because of their work ethic and experience they made this process smooth and kept us at ease from day one. I'd also like to mention the office staff is great too, always professional and friendly, and also very responsive to calls and emails. I am so grateful for this firm and would recommend them to anyone needing representation for their family law needs. Thank you Carla and Frances. Without you two our family would not be complete.

There aren't any words to describe this wonderful, amazing, and brilliant woman! She is personable and non-judgemental. She was straight foward and honest. She directed me through the HARDEST time in my life dealing with custody, financial support, and a move away... All she asked of me was to be honest and trust her to do her job. I did so and and she did her job, ABOVE AND BEYOND anything I asked of her. Carla is absolutely amazing and completely professional in all aspects.... I have never been more confident going into the court room than when I have had Carla by my side ! She is delightful and I completely endorse her as someone to hire for family law ... Thank you Carla for helping me achieve the life I wanted for my children .... a happy one !!

Carla Hartley is an outstanding attorney. She is a woman of integrity with an exceptional handle on family law. She will fight for a just resolution to the most difficult of cases. If you want an attorney that will stand firm, fight tenaciously, knows the nuances of the law, will win your case against formidable odds, then Carla is the attorney for you. I know I have the best legal advocate possible and am confident she will give me the council I need, even if it is not always what I want to hear. I am so grateful. Hire her! You will not regret it. BC

Prior to contacting Hartley Lamas I had consulted 5-6 other attorneys in Ventura County. At each consultation I learned the attorney’s fees and how said fees were calculated but I learned little to nothing about anything else so after each consultation I left feeling confused, defeated and hopeless... Carla Hartley was my saving grace. From the second my call was answered by HL staff, I felt a sense of relief. I was treated with kindness and understanding and there were questions answered and information given that I didn’t even know I needed to know, like did I have to contact my future ex’s attorney as the letter I received from said attorney stated and when did my ex file since I had no idea this was coming till I received that letter from my ex’s attorney. At my consultation Carla started by telling me a little bit about the firm and a bit about herself then she asked about ME! She wanted to know my story and why I was in need of her services. I was an emotional wreck and truth be told, very little of that consultation sunk in but I will never forget what Carla said as she wrapped up our meeting... “You’ve been treated like sh*t for a very long time... I’m not going to let you be treated like that anymore.” It’s been a year and a half of uphill battles with my ex and I struggle with the financial burden/stress that divorce brings and there are times that I question all. the. things but I have never questioned or regretted my decision to choose Hartley Lamas. My questions/concerns are ALWAYS addressed quickly and completely. My representative at court appearances, Pat Lamas, makes sure I’m as prepared as humanly possible and even though she has to be hardcore, she’s nothing but kind to me. The entire staff is warm and helpful and I appreciate that so much! What I appreciate most is while I understand my divorce is business for the firm, the firm understands that I’m going through the emotional side of divorce and they respect that. My divorce journey isn’t over and I pray I never find myself in need of a divorce attorney again BUT if I do, I’ll be back at Hartley Lamas

Carla is a top notch, professional lawyer with a strict moral code and very competent in court! Although she is quite busy, she still took the time to consult with me on a Saturday. I left her office feeling relief for the first time in months and easily chose her to represent me in my divorce. She answered every question, with compassion when I was an emotional wreck, and explained each step throughout. I highly recommend Carla.

The question I asked myself for close to a year was “How can you repay someone for keeping your family together?” I was walking out of my house for an outing one day in June 2018 with my husband and two children when a man pulled up in a dark sedan, rushed towards me and said “Are you Veronica? I have this notice for you, he just really wants to see his son.” I felt my heart sink. I signaled to my husband to take the kids to the car. It was someone from the courts serving me court paperwork to review a child custody order. 9 years had passed since the absent parent was involved in my 13 year old’s life, I was married, and had another child during that time. My husband had been raising my son alongside me since he was 5 years old. That night I remember crying reading the court paperwork about the absent parent requesting every other weekend in Las Vegas, School breaks, Holidays etc. This absent parent was a stranger to my son, and now close to 10 years later he wanted to take him across state lines. I was 16 years old when he took me across state lines to marry me to avoid statutory rape charges in California, as he was 23 years old. I reached out to an old friend of mine who knew what I had gone through for advice. He had recently been involved in an international custody battle and highly recommended Carla Hartley’s law firm. I met Carla and took her the court documents, she reassured me she could take on our case and said she would fight for me. It was the best decision I have ever made. Carla along with her team took on the case immediately, they made sure my son never had to step foot in a court room until he was signing his step parent adoption paperwork in June 2019. What Carla and her team did for us we can never repay. She made sure our family stayed together. She prevented a traumatic experience for my children, and she protected me from having to face the person who traumatized me as a teen. Thank you Carla, we are forever grateful!

In one of the darkest times of my life, Carla was definitely the light I needed. She was there for me 110% and fought for me and my best interests during the whole divorce process. Most of all, she understood the love I have for my Daughter and the importance of having and keeping a relationship with her as my ex-wife was trying her hardest to hinder it. She was recommended to me from a fellow active duty military member and highly recommender her to you. Thank you again for everything, Carla!

We had a visitation and adoption case that Mrs Hartley worked and her staff work simultaneously. Her and her were always available and friendly. She was able to resolve the visitation issue rather quickly despite delays with the courts. Our adoption case was approved within 6 months and we always aware of what was happening in our cases. Thanks Carla

I'm a military member posted overseas with the spouse located in California. Carla Hartley and her team was communicative and very helpful in handling my case. They easily channeled any issues that arose and cleared it on my behalf. Well worth hiring Carla and her team! Highly recommended to anyone who is seeking professional legal help!

Carla has helped me several times over several years dealing with an irrational and difficult ex. She has always been honest and has even saved me money and time with her advice. She is knowledgeable about the law and has been excellent strategically when dealing with my messy divorce. I will would use her again and I have returned to her for advice in dealing with my ex. I do recommend her to friends.

Carla Hartley is an attorney of true integrity, is a true person of evident of what it means to be an attorney. No case is too large for her, and is a fighter. Her assistance Frances Gutierrez has also been with us every step of the way. Frances was always available and organized,and reassured us, not to worry. They both took on our adoption that was,some what difficult. They brought us through difficult hoops, and we won. We definitely recommend Carla Hartley and Frances Gutierrez.