Elaine Ryzak Fraser

Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and you find yourself needing a family attorney. I was in such a situation and when I met with Elaine, I basically told her I didn't even know what questions to ask. I was lost. Not only was Elaine compassionate and understanding, she thoroughly explained the d...ivorce process and let me know what were my rights. I walked out of that first meeting feeling better and empowered. Every step of the way, Elaine looked out for MY best interest. She would explain the ramifications of some of the verbiage in our Settlement Agreement and would make recommendations to ensure I was protected. She understands that YOU are the client and ultimately, everything is the client's decision, but she provides information so you can make a well-informed decision. I would HIGHLY recommend Elaine to anyone who is in need of an attorney.

here is the email I sent Elaine after more than 6 years going through my divorce: Elaine and Allison, What a great team win! I can't thank you enough for your hard, well thought out approach. You know this process has been hard on me, you have seen my frustrations first hand. But you kept me ...on the tracks and after a long hard fight the good guys have another great win. I hope she has learned her lesson, though I don't think that to be the case. When we sat down years ago I told you two things were important to me. Standing way out at the top of the list was time with my kids, it took a while but the court finally got it right. Even before, as much as I didn't like it, I had more time with my kids than most divorced dads in CA. But this latest win with my youngest son "insert son's name" is a testament to your hard and meticulous work. I saw it especially when we arrived at court, in stark contrast to "insert ex-wife name" myriad of attorneys, you were always completely prepared and ready for any curveballs. The second thing I really desired was for "ex wife's name" not to share in my future upside. With this latest ruling moving to 3% of my upside that provides another win. Congrats to us all, what a team we all made. Elaine (and Allison) were head and shoulders above the 6 different attorneys my ex-wife hired over the years. Elaine was always honest with me, she never sugar coated my chances, she helped me understand that common sense and the rules for our family courts do not always go hand and hand, there are rules judges and courts have to play by even if they don't like them. I didn't always like the rulings along the way, though on balance, the results were always pretty good for me as a dad in California and a system that clearly favors the mom. Elaine was never outworked, never un-prepared, and her strategies were always on target. In the court room, Elaine shined, it was clear she was respected by the judges and the court room personnel. She always made the attorneys on the other side look like amateurs. In the end, through very hard work and great strategies, I was able to gain custody of my youngest son. I spent 4 and a half years flying from my home in Florida to CA (where my ex wife had taken the kids without my consent) every weekend to be with my kids. I have never heard of another father, even if common sense dictated that it was in the best interest of the child to do so, who was able to have the court rule that a child should move 3,000 miles across the country to be with his dad. In my case, this clearly was best for my son, but to have a court rule that way is not a normal occurrence. I don't wish divorce upon my worst enemy, but if you are in san mateo county CA and you need representation, you could not find a better attorney than Elaine Fraser (and her team)

Worked with Elaine over the dissolution of my marriage of 19 years in a collaborative divorce process in 2015. She was amazingly professional, warm, caring, nonjudgmental, and very helpful to me as I went through this process. I may have come in thinking that the collaborative process was a bit o...f a waste of time, but she and the team helped me understand that the process helped both sides feel that they had an equal voice and would be supported throughout the process. As "my" attorney in the process, she guided me through decisions and framing with the expertise of somebody who's been doing this for quite a long time and understands the possible scenarios and permutations very well. She worked very well with the other lawyer and the collaborative team, but I also felt that she "had my back" throughout the process as well. Couldn't recommend her more highly - I'm a professional / consultant myself, and I hope that my clients feel as strongly about my work as I did about hers...

I used Elaine last year for an alimony settlement. My ex-husband wanted to lower his alimony payments to me, or completely eliminate support. Elaine and her staff were so helpful and kept me up to date with everything. We ended up going to mediation, and I couldn't have been prouder to have Elaine as... my attorney that day! She was so professional and informed. Her staff is a pleasure to work with as well.

When I went through a divorce seven years ago, I wanted a lawyer that was compassionate, responsive, knowledgeable, and totally "on my side". I got that and more from Elaine Fraser. Although I was working with a mediator, I needed my own advocate that would have my best interest at heart, and who c...ould steer me through not only the facts, but the emotions involved in separating from a spouse of 12 years. Elaine was clear, concise, and so supportive in her explanation of my options. She helped steer me through the mediation process, but I always felt that, if we had to "take the gloves off" and go to court, she would win hands down. With her help, I got through the divorce with my finances, and most importantly my dignity, intact. She knows the law, responds quickly, and tempers her excellent advice with sensitivity. You can't go wrong if you have her on your side.