Michael Frank Christiano

I was trapped in an abusive marriage. Mr. Christiano assured me that because of my limited income compared to my ex’s, I would be looking at at least $900-1000 per month for at least ten years—because of the long-term marriage. I told him that it was highly likely that he would do whatever he could t...o avoid paying (quitting or getting fired), he said that doesn’t matter, he still has to pay. Well, sure enough, he got himself fired from his job three years later! I counted this income in my being able to move and financially survive each month away from my abusive ex-husband. In addition, before that happened, after I had already moved away, we started the divorce process and it turns out that he failed to tell me that even though my monthly income was a 1/3 of my ex’s, the amount of the car payment was to be deducted from my support check each month. Also, when he noted my new name change on the documents, I noticed he didn’t spell out my middle name-just used my initial. He said that was fine since my social security card indicates my full middle name, it’ll be ok. Well, jump forward to the new “Real ID” driver’s license, and they won’t accept my middle name, even though my SS card shows it, my birth certificate shows it, and my current driver license shows it, DMV will only use my middle initial, because that’s how the attorney indicated it on my name change for my divorce paperwork. Beware divorcing women using this attorney, make sure he spells out your name exactly how you officially want it, because that’s what CA DMV uses for your new “Real ID!”

I went through a very difficult divorce, my ex is very aggressive and controlling (he had to be removed from court room). Michael knew how to 'handle' him, and remained very professional. He never hesitated with the problems my ex created, he knew what to do. I was lucky to have Michael for my lawy...er, he efficiently got me out of my marriage and maintained my best interests. He never gave in to my ex's demands. Michael knows the law and would tell me what to expect. He practices many different kinds of cases, divorce, domestic violence, juvenile cases, custody issues, criminal, and more. I would highly recommend Mr. Christiano.