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Debra Vaniman Crawford
also known as Debra Crawford Annis, Debra D. Vaniman
About Debra
Biography
We believe in helping people help themselves. Having a legal case is very difficult and we help you make informed decisions about your case by helping you to understand the law and the legal process. We explain your options so that you can decide what is the best way to proceed in your particular situation.
We provide a free one-half hour consultation to help you make important legal decisions. We provide the full range of legal services from aggressive litigation, to mediation, to document preparation, and coaching. Let us help you decide what is best for you!
We are also very well experienced in dealing with difficult people. We can help you create good boundaries to make dealing with a difficult person easier.
Debra has undergone a divorce and understands the challenges faced by a person being divorced. This has helped her gain a deeper understanding of what you are going though. She has remarried and continues to co-parent and work with her former husband.
She is also facing the extreme challenge of a difficult person who has been harassing her for over 10 years. Debra obtained a 3-year Civil Harassment Restraining Order against this woman. This Civil Harassment Restraining Order was renewed for an additional 5 years in December 2016. This person has now launched an online attack against Debra. Debra has had this person held in Contempt of court for 15 restraining order violations. Debra knows first hand what it is like to have your life exposed to the public in a case and she can help you through your case. Debra understands how to create boundaries and deal with difficult people. Her thirty-four (34) years of legal experience in family law have led her to a great understanding and awareness of what you are facing in your legal issues.
She can help with your situation!
Contact us today!
Learn More about Debra.
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Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Child Custody
30%
41 years
Mediation
25%
36 years
Alimony
15%
41 years
Domestic Violence
15%
41 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 41 years
State: California
Acquired: 1984
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
39 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (39)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (21)
Recommendation (19)
Case Results (16)
Communication Style (13)
Practice Area Knowledge (13)
Responsiveness (13)
Professionalism (11)
Compassion (10)
Cost of Services (9)
General Knowledge (8)
Character & Conduct (7)
Trustworthiness (5)
Free Consultations (3)
Payment Plans (2)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Alexis | November 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Very knowledgeable!
Debra took on my case for custody over my 3 month old son at the time. Being a first time mom and having never been in this situation I was scared and didn’t know what to expect. Debra walked me through it all and helped give me hope and ease my anxiety of the unknown coming my way. Debra answered im...
Posted by Jessica | February 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family
Gets the job done!
Debra was an amazing lawyer for me. Through the last year and a half, she showed me support and always listened to my questions to give me a detailed answer. She truly fought for me and my children to get what they deserve in the case. She also was understanding to financial hardships and I was able...
Debra Crawford
Replied last February 13, 2019Thank you Jessica! Your case was certainly an interesting one! I'm glad we finally resolved it peacefully.
Posted by anonymous | September 08, 2017 | Child Custody
Well-versed Family Law Attorney
Debra has continued to keep me informed of my custody case. She recommended to me which behaviors are best suited for my custody case. She is very knowledgeable regarding the psychology of family law and custody issues. She was able to give me information via email, in person, and over the phone...
Debra Crawford
Replied last September 08, 2017Thank you. We had some tough decisions to make and you acted with great regard for your child and the other party. I look forward to hearing updates on how you are doing! Debra
Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Wasn't a good fit, needed more experienced lawyer
I hired Debra. She frequently did not return my calls when we had pending hearings and preparation was required. A lot of my questions on the case went unanswered. I am not sure the reason for this: whether she didn't know the procedures to assist me, or whether the case wasn't a priority. If you hir...
Debra Crawford
Replied last April 22, 2017I do not know who this person is. If they would give us a call or send a text, we will address their issues. We have records of calls and texts so we call verify what the contact efforts were. (If we knew who this person is!) Thanks! We know having a family law case is very difficult. Debra
Posted by Annabelle | April 06, 2016 | Child Custody
You want Debra on your side
When I finally decided to get am attorney for my case, a few people recommended Debra. She was very generous with her time during our consultation. She took notes and answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns. She even allowed me to bring my partner in the following day so he could have ...
Debra Crawford
Replied last April 06, 2016Thanks Annabelle! Your strength and kindness are admirable. I'm so glad things are looking up for you!
Debra Vaniman Crawford's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Intelligent and compassionate with superior communication skills."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This attorney has great determination and drive. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Crawford has the respect of her colleagues and the admiration of her clients. We should all be so honored in our chosen fields."
"This lawyer goes to great lengths to get the best results for clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Crawford because of her great reputation in the community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Neil Pedersen
Family lawyer
Ronald Litz
Divorce and separation lawyer
Judith Routledge
Family lawyer
G. Gibbs
Family lawyer
Shawn Alexander
Child custody lawyer
Linda Garrett
Child custody lawyer
Geoffrey Norris
Family lawyer
Matthew Berkus
Child custody lawyer
James Shields
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Judith Williams
Divorce and separation lawyer
John Fisher
Divorce and separation lawyer
Nicholas Spirtos
Litigation lawyer
Dianne Butler
Child custody lawyer
Paul Eads
Child custody lawyer
Jonathan Lacour
Business lawyer
Scott Kosner
Divorce and separation lawyer
Rachel Laborde
Family lawyer
Bernie Kempen
Child custody lawyer
Brenda Russo
Divorce and separation lawyer
Anthony Cameron
Litigation lawyer
Experience
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 AssociationMember
2022 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationMember
2019 - Present
California Board of Real EstateReal Estate Broker
2019 - Present
California Lawyers AssociationMember
2019 - Present
Monterey County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2019 - Present
Association of Certified Family Law SpecialistsMember
2019 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember
2019 - Present
UCLA Alumni AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Carmel Valley Women's Club FoundationBoard of Directors
2001 - Present
Monterey County Bar AssociationMember
1985 - Present
State Bar of California, Family Law SectionMember
1985 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1983 - Present
Phi Alpha DeltaAlumni Member
2011 - 2013
Monterey State Historic Park AssociationBoard of Directors
2008 - 2009
Carmel Valley Ranchers' DaysPresident
2005 - 2007
Cachagua Community ParkBoard Member
2005 - 2005
Cachauga Property Owners AssociatonPresident
2004 - 2007
Cachagua Fire WivesBoard Member
2001 - 2007
Cachagua Area Property Owners AssociationBoard Member
2001 - 2009
Carmel Valley Ranchers' DaysBoard of Directors
1991 - 1991
Women's Legal ClinicPresident
1987 - 1991
Women's Legal ClinicBoard Member
1985 - 1991
Women's Legal ClinicVolunteer Attorney
1982 - 1983
Phi Alpha DeltaJustice (President)
1982 - 1982
Phi Alpha DeltaConvention 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.
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
2019
Debra Vaniman Crawford
Ten Easy Ways to Make Your Divorce Miserable (or How to Make a Bad Experience Even Worse)
2017
Debra Vaniman Crawford
Divorce Mediation or Divorce Litigation - Part One
2017
Debra Vaniman Crawford
Our Free Consultations
2017
Debra Vaniman Crawford
Divorce Mediation or Divorce Litigation - Part Two
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
Does Common Law Marriage Exist in California?
2013
Crawford and Crawford
Living Trust?
2013
Crawford and Crawford
I'm Going to Get a Restraining Order!
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
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I change the venue of my custody case from Los Angeles to San Diego ? the mother moved to LA recently and filed for custody.
11 Jul 2019
Q&A
I'm being alienated from my child, by hostile custodial parent. Refuses attempts to co-parent. Allowed less than five he a mo.
11 Jul 2019
Q&A
How should I post my name on FB after going through a divorce? I still keep my married name because of my daughter, but should I
11 Jul 2019
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
First Amendment Protections
07 Jul 2019
Legal Guide
Living Will vs. Living Trust
24 Oct 2014
Legal Guide
Support for Adult Children?
04 Feb 2014