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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 11 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Paul | July 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Incredible Attorney
Ms Crawford is an incredibly intelligent and logistical attorney. Her legal skills allowed me to settle a complicated marriage with several key issues to resolve; two major properties and an intricate portfolio held by my former wife. Debra had incredible insight for anticipating my wife’s financ...
Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2021 | Divorce & Separation
This lawyer is not trustworthy; I hired her for my divorce and she married my ex husband
This lawyer failed to tell me she was having an affair with my then husband. After we were divorced, she then hired her best friend(another lawyer) for my ex husband starting a high conflict court war that had me spend over $140,000 and counting.Now, She assists my ex husband, trying to get custod...
Debra Crawford
Replied last August 26, 2021Update: In 2020, this person was found guilty of 3 counts of contempt. She was sentenced to jail with the sentence suspended as long as she complies with the restraining order. Unfortunately, she continues to violate it. Despite contempt of court convictions, this person continues to violate restraining orders and purportedly sends copies of the violations to Judges. This person was found guilty of 15 counts of violating the Civil Harassment Restraining Order. As stated previously, this is an extremely personal attack which contains outright falsehoods and statements intended to place me in a false light. I chose not to pursue a tort action, but a Civil Harassment Restraining Order. This person continued to harass and contact me in violation of the Civil Harassment Restraining Order. After violating other conduct orders a Domestic Violence Restraining Order was obtained by another person against this person. This person claims that these statements are true based on Avvo allowing the post. However, in fact, in response to my inquiry, legal counsel for Avvo stated, "we don’t get into investigations of the veracity of reviews." In the vein of "there's no such thing as bad publicity," I've been heartened by the encouragement and positive response from people reading these reviews. So many people are victims of online and outright harassment and abuse. They find strength in my handling of this matter and it gives them hope in their situations. Please contact me if you'd like further information. My website provides information on defamation, false light, civil harassment restraining orders, and domestic violence restraining orders. http://www.debracrawfordannis.com/defamation-of-character.html. http://www.debracrawfordannis.com/restraining-orders---domestic-violence-and-civil-harassment.html. If you’d like more information, please contact me at [email protected]. This person was found guilty of 15 counts of violating the Civil Harassment Restraining Order. It is interesting how this person's story keeps changing. This person continues harassment, threats, and abuse. There are so many versions of this person's story - we have the records and we are sorting through them and filtering the different versions of the story for our protection. There are two Restraining Orders against this person. Debra is a protected party on both of them, yet this person continues to violate the orders even after being found guilty of 15 counts of contempt -- violating the orders. We will continue to update this comment. If you want to learn more, email us at [email protected]. This person continues to engage in online defamatory and false light comments. (Updated March 2018) As this is a clear public attack, I invoke the self-defense exception to the attorney-client privilege. Debra
Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Do not recommend
She was very personable by phone but I eventually fired this attorney. She encouraged me to accept a flimsey email agreement with OC instead of a real legal proceedure that OC later took advantage of against me - what should have happened instead was a normal filing of an actual appropriate legal doc...
Debra Crawford
Replied last November 02, 2018I note that this review is anonymous so I cannot respond with specifics. I do, however, believe that I know who posted this and this reply is based upon that belief. If this person chooses to identify themselves, I can respond with more specifics to help you understand the situation. This person made some bad decisions against my legal advice. I was trying to protect this person against their own bad choices which I thought the Judge would not like and would work against this person in their case. It sounds like the Judge agreed with me that the choices were bad ones. Instead, this person blames me for their decisions (made against my advice and without my knowledge) instead of facing the consequences of their own actions. The parting of the ways with this client was mutual as I prefer to represent clients that not only follow my advice, but do what is best for their children. The Judges scrutinize the actions of parents in determining what is best for the child. Monterey is a small town and practicing law here is unlike practicing in a large city. I practiced in Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles in Los Angeles County for Fifteen (15) years before commencing my practice here in Monterey County. I have practiced in Monterey County for over Eighteen (18) years for a total of over Thirty-three (33) years of practice. I have little respect for attorneys who blame their bad results on another attorney, especially when I had advised the client to refrain from the action that they took. The “new lawyer,” if this is the case I think it is, has a bad reputation in Monterey for taking unreasonable positions and making family law cases more difficult and acrimonious than necessary. Most family law attorneys in Monterey work toward what is best for a family within the parameters of strong representation. Some do not. Research your attorney. Once again, if this person identifies themselves, I can address this more specifically. If this person wants to talk to me directly, I welcome a conversation.
Posted by Joyce | February 22, 2018 | Family
Find a real lawyer
I agree, terrible attorney. Not only did she fail to remember anything I told her or gave her, she couldn't even remember the number of kids I had or their names. When we were done being slaughtered by my husband's attorney, she said that it was the judge's fault because the judge was new and didn't...
Debra Crawford
Replied last February 22, 2018This appears to be a fake review. I do not have a custody client named Joyce. There has been no "slaughter" in court. The incident referred to did not happen. I have not threatened to send this person to collections. This is fabrication. If this is an actual client using another identity, I hope they will contact me to clear up what information they are seeking from me and to discuss their case and what can be done for their children. Further, I would not "blame" anything on a Judge. Being a Judge, especially in a custody case is an enormously taxing job. Please read my comment above about the factors that must be present for a parent to "lose" custody. There have to be serious drug, alcohol, abuse, criminal, and/or instability issues.
Posted by anonymous | September 08, 2017 | Child Custody
Such a disappointment
I would not recommend Debra to anyone. I hired her to assist me in my divorce and child custody case. She was fine in the first meeting, but only a few days later she stopped returning calls in a timely fashion, she did not show up on time for appointments, and would spend the time she charge me for ...
Debra Crawford
Replied last September 08, 2017The choice to have a great attitude is something nobody or no circumstance can take from you. Zig Zigler We never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies. Emily Dickinson This person has posted anonymously and with so little information that I do not know who it is. If this is a real review, I would appreciate it if the person would contact me to discuss what happened. The circumstances are not familiar to me and if this person lost custody, it was not “on my watch.” Often people present themselves to an attorney in a very favorable light to make their case seem better. Many times there are pending criminal charges such as domestic violence cases and even child abuse cases that they don’t tell the attorney about. This makes it very difficult for the attorney to adequately represent the client when the client is not forthcoming with the damaging aspects of their case. Custody is a particularly difficult area to practice as you have two people who once loved each other and had children together fighting tooth and nail to destroy the other person and their relationship with their children. This is very unhealthy for all involved. The court will often order that mental health professionals get involved to help the parties and the children. It is not clear if this happened in this case. It is healthy for clients to be able to “own” their part in the conflict and take responsibility for their actions and making their children’s lives better. This person has apparently been unable to do this. There had to have been something serious for this person to “lose” custody. The details are vague, but when a person does not have any custodial rights the court generally has a good reason for it. Even if a person has made mistakes, if the court sees that they are accepting responsibility and working on the issues they will have rights. This person is a “blamer” – one of the toxic trio outlined by Dr. Alasko in his book Emotional Bullshit. This person should accept his or her reality and work from there to better their life and the life of their child. A note on how I work: I prefer communications, especially between the parties to be in writing which is so convenient these days with text messages and email so there is evidence as to what was said. I also like to avoid miscommunication by having important communications with my office in writing. This eliminates conflict and lets us focus on solving the problems instead of making more. I also encourage mediation and counseling so that the parents can be better parents and role models for their children. Once again, I will be glad to discuss this person’s case with them to see what can be done at this point and to understand their point of view better. For information on my personal life, I happen to be in the fairly unique position of being stalked, harassed, and threatened to the point that I had to get a full 3 year restraining order against the person. See the bottom review and my website on Civil Harassment. I think this puts me in a unique position to be able to identify with clients and having their personal lives in the public record. Visit my website www.DebraCrawfordAnnis.com for free information on Restraining Orders -- both Domestic Violence and Civil Harassment.
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