Debra Vaniman Crawford

Debra Vaniman Crawford

also known as Debra Crawford Annis, Debra D. Vaniman

4.5
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 41 years

Child custody Lawyer at Carmel, CA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Mediation, Family ... +2 more

3785 Via Nona Marie, Suite 108-1008, Carmel, CA

About Debra

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Custody 30%

Child Custody is often the most difficult part of a family law case. Debra has 34 years of experience handling child custody cases, including mediation of child custody cases. She is able to help you through this part of your case.

41 years

30%
Mediation 25%

Debra is a trained mediator and provides mediation services in the area of family law, including divorce, custody, support, and property division. She also provides mediation services in other areas of law. She works well with high conflict couples and helps them direct their focus on positive growth.

36 years

25%
Alimony 15%

Alimony or Spousal Support is a difficult issue for many people, both the supporting spouse -- and the supported spouse. Debra is well versed in Spousal Support and provides mediation of this difficult issue.

41 years

15%
Domestic Violence 15%

Debra is very experienced in Restraining Orders. She has had to obtain one and is a protected party on another She knows what it's like to have your life exposed in Court.

41 years

15%
Family 15%

Debra is a Certified Family Law Specialist (Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization). She has been practicing family law for 30 years and has vast experience in many situations. She can help you choose what approach to take with your case -- litigation or mediation or a combination -- depending on your circumstances including the conflict level of the parties.

41 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 41 years

State: California

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law & Mediation Offices

3785 Via Nona Marie, Suite 108-1008, Carmel, CA, 93923

Crawford Law & Mediation Offices

3785 Via Nona Marie, Carmel, CA, 93923

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Debra Vaniman Crawford's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

39 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (39) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 13 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Michele | May 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Debra Crawford Attorney at Law

I personally had a great experience with Debra Crawford as my Attorney. I was able to find her easily online, and she is one of the very few Family Law Attornets who provides a free consultation. This was a great way for me to see if I liked her style and if she could help me. Debra Crawford is e...xtremely skilled and knowledgeable in Family Law. Debra dealt with my case with compassion, and I truly felt she cared about me as her client. You can trust her judgement which will steer you in the right direction with ease and comfort. Debra has made going to court less stressful, and is truly there to represent you and your best interests.

Posted by Michele | April 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Fantastic Attorney

I had the most amazing experience with Debra Crawford and her office staff. I not only found Debra Crawford's Law Office online and free consultation to be extremely helpful but Debra took the time to listen to my concerns. She is highly knowledgable on Family Law is very caring to help you in any... way possible. So many emotions and getting through everyday was a struggle. Debra was beside me and guided me through on this very tough road, with so much true compassion and extreme care. Not only through many phone calls of mine but text messages and emails. She was there for me through thick and thin. One thing for sure Debra Crawford has your back and takes very good care of you through this rough period in your life.

Debra Crawford

Replied last April 25, 2017

It was a pleasure working with you! Debra

Posted by Carol | April 06, 2016 | Divorce & Separation

Debra Crawford is an excellent lawyer!

Debra is representing me in a dissolution of marriage action. I had received an enthusiastic recommendation for her, and during our first meeting it became clear to me that she would be the right attorney for me. Debra is a board certified family law attorney, and she is a mediator. She's smart,... and she gets it. She understood my situation perfectly, and I felt safe. Our appearance in court, against an obnoxious, loudmouthed blowhard, was extremely successful. I got what I needed. We aren't finished yet, but I have great confidence that the matter will resolve very satisfactorily.

Debra Crawford

Replied last April 06, 2016

Thank you Carol! It was such a joy working with you and I hope things are going well. Let's talk soon!

Posted by Odessa | January 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Thankful and very satisfied client

Mrs.Crawford is the best compassionate,great and genuine attorney that gets real results and is affordable!! I came to her for her expertise and knew I needed the proper representation since I am currently going through a child custody case that has caused me a lot of stress due to the lack of knowle...dge that I have in this area. (and she was the one) Mrs.Crawford is very honest and straight forward (which i like) but is very compassionate and understanding at the same time. She is very prompt in answering my questions whenever I had questions regarding my case or concerns, helped me understand what was being stated at the time thoroughly (where most attorneys don't have the patience , Mrs.Crawford DEFINITELY DOES!!!) We had gone to court, I was a nervous wreck but Mrs.Crawford reassured me every step of the way that everything will be fine and IT WAS!! Debra Crawford is a very personable,caring,knowledgeable and unbelievably reasonable in her fees. Where most attorneys will make you bleed money; Mrs. Crawford displays that it is more then that to her. There isn't enough great things that I can express to describe Debra Crawford. I would definitely recommend Mrs.Crawford to anyone who is seeking the best representation in town. Im so very fortunate that she is my attorney that represents me in my present case. I would most definitely use her again!!

Debra Crawford

Replied last January 04, 2016

Thank you for working so hard to do what is right for your children!

Posted by Dan | July 06, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Debra is compassionate and genuine and instills confidence in her abilities to represent your case

Finding a competent, supportive lawyer at a reasonable price is a daunting task. I painfully learned this lesson several years ago from my experience with my previous lawyer who thoroughly bungled my divorce case yet managed to charge me a fortune. Recently when I began the process of modifying my su...pport payments, I searched numerous review sites for the best divorce lawyer in Monterey and found Debra through this web site. I can honestly say that she is an absolute superstar based on my experience and based on watching numerous other lawyers in court as they (mis)represent their clients. Debra's strengths are: -phenomenal memory for details and facts and will know your case better than you -organized and meticulous with her notes and files -personable and caring and has an innate ability to connect with you and your case on a personal level -thoroughly knowledgeable on divorce law and presents many options for handling your case -during the initial consultation she inspired confidence in her ability to handle my case and delivered on court day -on top of all the above, her costs are unbelievably reasonable and she does not nickle and dime you for every interaction I cannot say enough good things about Debra and consider myself fortunate to have her represent my case.

Debra Crawford

Replied last July 06, 2015

Thanks Dan. It has been a pleasure working with you. I appreciate your preparedness and great communication!

See All Client Reviews

Debra Vaniman Crawford's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Debra
Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Family lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Debra Crawford for more years than is polite to say. She is a 10.0 attorney in my estimation with huge family law experience and knowledge and takes a personal interest in each and every client. She is a must-interview for any prospective client seeking the finest, cost-effective representation in either family law or mediation."

Daniel Seth Williams headshot
Daniel Williams

Family lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working with Debra on several cases and she is a knowledgeable, well disciplined and ethical attorney. Often times when my office files paperwork and serves the other side, clients always ask what happens if the other side gets an attorney. My answer is that with an attorney on the other side, it helps the case management flow more efficiently. However, there are some attorneys that if hired actually make the resolution more difficult. Debra is an attorney whom my office is always happy to have representing the other side because we know that she is ethical and honest and will ensure that neither client has to spend any unnecessary fees nor spend any unnecessary time on resolving issues. She is a good attorney a pleasure to work with."

Shawn B Alexander headshot
Shawn Alexander

Family lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.I highly recommend M.s Crawford. She is a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney who is ready to defend to her client's best interest."

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

John Fisher headshot
John Fisher

Family lawyer | Jul 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Intelligent and compassionate with superior communication skills."

Paul Anthony Eads headshot
Paul Eads

Unknown lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to clients."

Scott Kosner headshot
Scott Kosner

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rachel Renae Laborde headshot
Rachel Laborde

Family lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I highly recommend Atty. Crawford. She is a fierce and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated to her client's best interest."

Fernando J Bernheim headshot
Fernando Bernheim

Family lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Other

"This attorney has great determination and drive. I endorse this lawyer."

Vladimir Galstyan headshot
Vladimir Galstyan

Family lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Catherine Caroline Forbes headshot
Catherine Forbes

Family lawyer | Jan 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Levi N Weikel-Magden headshot
Levi Weikel-Magden

Family lawyer | Dec 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Crawford worked diligently to find a resolution in the best interest of her client and all parties in a high-conflict custody action."

Brian David Mcginity headshot
Brian Mcginity

Family lawyer | Dec 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sandra Maria Nutt headshot
Sandra Nutt

Family lawyer | Dec 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tony Anthony headshot
Tony Anthony

Family lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Crawford has the respect of her colleagues and the admiration of her clients. We should all be so honored in our chosen fields."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Other

"This lawyer goes to great lengths to get the best results for clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Mildred N. Phillips headshot
Mildred Phillips

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Crawford because of her great reputation in the community."

John Paul Dickson headshot
John Dickson

Estate planning lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Neil Pedersen headshot
Neil Pedersen

Family lawyer

Ronald Alan Litz headshot
Ronald Litz

Divorce and separation lawyer

Judith Ann Routledge headshot
Judith Routledge

Family lawyer

G. Geoffrey Gibbs headshot
G. Gibbs

Family lawyer

Shawn B Alexander headshot
Shawn Alexander

Child custody lawyer

Linda Calderon Garrett headshot
Linda Garrett

Child custody lawyer

Geoffrey A. Norris headshot
Geoffrey Norris

Family lawyer

Matthew Scott Berkus headshot
Matthew Berkus

Child custody lawyer

James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Judith A Williams headshot
Judith Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer

John Fisher headshot
John Fisher

Divorce and separation lawyer

Nicholas Basil Spirtos headshot
Nicholas Spirtos

Litigation lawyer

Dianne Drew Butler headshot
Dianne Butler

Child custody lawyer

Paul Anthony Eads headshot
Paul Eads

Child custody lawyer

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Business lawyer

Scott Kosner headshot
Scott Kosner

Divorce and separation lawyer

Rachel Renae Laborde headshot
Rachel Laborde

Family lawyer

Bernie Johannes Kempen headshot
Bernie Kempen

Child custody lawyer

Brenda J. Russo headshot
Brenda Russo

Divorce and separation lawyer

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron headshot
Anthony Cameron

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2019

America's Most Honored Professionals, American Registry

2019

10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2019

Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2019

CoParenting Coordinator, Monterey Superior Court

2019

AV Preeminent Rated - Judicial Edition, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2019

Superb Rating 10/10, Avvo

2019

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Suberb Rating 10/10, Avvo

2018

Suberb Rating 10/10, Avvo

2017

Superb Rating 10/10, Avvo

2016

Superb Rating 10/10, Avvo

2015

Superb Rating 10, Avvo

2015

Top Contributor, Avvo

2015

Client's Choice, Avvo

2014

Client's Choice, Avvo

2014

Top Contributor, Avvo

2013

Peer Review Rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Certified Specialist - Family Law Twenty Year Award, State Bar of California

2009

Judge Pro Tem Certificate, Monterey Superior Court

2005

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2004

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

1989

Outstanding Achievement, Mayor Tom Bradley, City of Los Angles

1983

Cum Laude Honors, Southwestern University School of Law

1981

Book Award - Criminal Procedure, American Jurisprudence

N/A

Outstanding Achievement, Women's Legal Clinic

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Owner, Debra Vaniman Crawford Law & Mediation Offices

1991 - 2021

Managing Partner, Crawford & Crawford

1985 - 1991

Attorney, Law Offices of Debra D. Vaniman

Associations

2022 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

2022 - Present

Beverly Hills Bar Association

Member

2019 - Present

California Board of Real Estate

Real Estate Broker

2019 - Present

California Lawyers Association

Member

2019 - Present

Monterey County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2019 - Present

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Member

2019 - Present

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

2019 - Present

UCLA Alumni Association

Member

2015 - Present

Carmel Valley Women's Club Foundation

Board of Directors

2001 - Present

Monterey County Bar Association

Member

1985 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

1985 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1983 - Present

Phi Alpha Delta

Alumni Member

2011 - 2013

Monterey State Historic Park Association

Board of Directors

2008 - 2009

Carmel Valley Ranchers' Days

President

2005 - 2007

Cachagua Community Park

Board Member

2005 - 2005

Cachauga Property Owners Associaton

President

2004 - 2007

Cachagua Fire Wives

Board Member

2001 - 2007

Cachagua Area Property Owners Association

Board Member

2001 - 2009

Carmel Valley Ranchers' Days

Board of Directors

1991 - 1991

Women's Legal Clinic

President

1987 - 1991

Women's Legal Clinic

Board Member

1985 - 1991

Women's Legal Clinic

Volunteer Attorney

1982 - 1983

Phi Alpha Delta

Justice (President)

1982 - 1982

Phi Alpha Delta

Convention Delegate

Sample of Legal Cases

Zenide v. Superior Court - Appellate Case

Hudis v. Crawford - Appellate Case

Dismissal upheld.

Pukini v. Superior Court - Appellate Case

Upheld on appeal.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1983

Southwestern Law School

JD - Juris Doctor - Cum Laude

1980

University of California - Los Angeles

BA - Bachelor of Arts - Economics

Speaking Engagements

1999

State Bar of California

Collaborative Divorce

1999

Adoption Alliance

Special Needs Adoptions

1997

CoParenting Workshop

Move Away Cases

1989

Family Law Presentation

Divorce Trials

Publications

2017

Debra Vaniman Crawford Our Free Consultations

2017

Debra Vaniman Crawford I Have Become a Hashtag!

2016

Debra Vaniman Crawford First Amendment Protections

2016

Debra Vaniman Crawford Alternative Dispute Resolution

2014

Crawford and Crawford Living Will vs. Living Truat

2013

Debra Vaniman Crawford Divorcing a High Conflict Personality

2013

Crawford and Crawford Living Trust?

2013

2012

Debra Vaniman Crawford Divorce Mediation Guidelines

2011

Cal Divorce 123 Cal Divorce 123

2006

Carmel Valley Country Reflections on Motherhood

2002

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Restraining Orders

2002

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Holding Title

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Living Trusts

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Elder Abuse

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Adult Child Support

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Is Marriage Just a Piece of Paper?

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Strict Liability

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter Storytime Extra Ordinaire

2001

Carmel Valley Newsletter The Civil Lawyer - Advanced Health Care Directive

2000

DIY Book Divorce 123

1987

Client's Guide to the DissoMaster Client's Guide to the DissoMaster

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution