Elaine Ryzak Fraser

Elaine was recommended to me for my separation, custody and child support case that I previously tried to file on my own. She was extremely knowledgeable, kind, heartfelt and honest with me regarding my unique and complex case. During quite possibly the hardest time in my life, Elaine guided me with... important information, prepped and represented me in multiple court hearings and never dragged things out or made me feel like she didn’t have my best interest in mind. Through my year and half custody battle she eased over a lot of stress I had and I can honestly say I couldn’t of done it without her and her rockstar legal team. Julie, Elaine’s paralegal was whom I initially spoke to over the phone and was my first impression of the firm. I could tell right off the bat that this was the law office I wanted to retain. Multiple time sensitive things that got dropped from opposing counsel last minute always got resolved and I know Elaine and her team always made sure my tail was covered. Thank you again to the Harris&Fraser firm and especially to Elaine.

My path to Elaine was unusual. After discovering my now ex-husband had been leading an "alternative life" I made the decision to divorce him. Not having a clue as to how I would find a lawyer I reached out to a friend who recently divorced her husband. My friend had consulted with Elaine but was u...nable to retain her. She told me not to make the same mistake. While researching other attorneys I knew an acquaintance who was in the process of divorcing his wife. I knew whoever he retained should be someone I needed to interview. Imagine my surprise when I learned it was Elaine. I met with Elaine for an initial consultation. I liked her immediately. She is a very warm and compassionate person which put me at ease immediately. My number one goal of the divorce was to protect my children. Elaine basically said these exact words to me before I could get them out. I knew right then she was who I wanted on my team. I opted for a Collaborate Divorce process rather than mediation. My original intent was to mediate but Elaine explained how that might not be the best route to take in my case. I am so grateful I listened. Elaine was incredibly responsive to all my questions no matter what. I would hear from her if not immediately then within an hour or two. I felt that she heard my concerns and understood my fears and emotional pain. She is not reactive but very thoughtful and methodical which was incredibly helpful. I appreciated her creativity in presenting ideas for compromise with my settlement. Her ability to be creative was accomplished by her knowledge and years of experience. In a way Elaine made me feel safe in a very scary experience. For what is not an enjoyable experience, Elaine made it tolerable. I would absolutely recommend Elaine Fraser and have to someone recently who retained her.

Almost 20 years ago I was facing a divorce and fortunately I met Elaine. She was honest, tough and fair. More importantly she brought the human element to a very stressful and life changing time in my life. She handled business and made my children and I a priority! Jump ahead to now, my daughter w...as facing a custody issue with her son's father. Without hesitation I called Elaine and I'm so glad I did, after almost 20 years she was my go to. Elaine, Allison and Jo make up a great team that once again brought knowledge, experience and compassion. Compassion and the human element was just as important to me as was a competent attorney and with Elaine you have it all. A family law attorney, like insurance, is something you hope you will never need but when you do you need the best! In my experience Elaine and her team are the full package. I hope never again to need a family law attorney however if I do I'll call Elaine, that's a given!

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)

I hired Elaine Fraser for my divorce and custody issues. Getting a divorce is never easy, but mine was further complicated due to domestic violence. Elaine and her team worked tirelessly to keep my children and I safe from further harm. She made me feel as if I were her only client, even though I kn...ew she was busy, taking time time to return calls and emails. I never felt neglected, even during the weeks when I knew she was in court with other clients. Elaine was up to date in recent changes regarding domestic violence and restraining order laws and made sure the judge and opposing attorney were aware as well. Without her my children and I would not be living the wonderful life we do today. I would not hesitate to recommend Elaine to anyone in need of an attorney.