Elaine Ryzak Fraser

PRO

Elaine Ryzak Fraser

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Burlingame, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family

1220 Howard Avenue, Suite 250, Burlingame, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Elaine

Biography

Experienced and dedicated litigator, collaborative practitioner and mediator in family law

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

A divorce lawyer helps you if you no longer want to be married. Whether you want a legal separation or the marriage ended, divorce lawyers assist you to arrange financial and family matters, typically in a negotiation with your spouse's lawyer. Alimony, child custody, child support, and a fair division of community assets (like who keeps the house or how your checking and savings accounts are divided) are matters that a divorce lawyer is trained to help determine.

41 years

50%
Family 50%

Family law includes laws of marriage, divorce, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal abuse, child abuse, child support, and child custody.If you need help with a family-related legal issue, a family law attorney can advise in family disputes as well as represent you in lawsuits.

41 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-630 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Awards

Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 41 years

State: California

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Harris and Fraser

1220 Howard Avenue, Suite 250, Burlingame, CA, 94010-4251

harrisandfraser.com

Law Offices of Elaine Ryzak Fraser

1220 Howard Ave #250, Burlingame, CA, 94010

harrisandfraser.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Elaine online.

Elaine Ryzak Fraser's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (29) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 21 reviews | Divorce & Separation

Posted by Eric | December 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly Skilled and Trustworthy Attorney

I retained Elaine to represent me in a complex and protracted divorce matter involving spousal support, child support, the division of real estate, and the separation of retirement accounts and pensions. Throughout the entire process, Elaine demonstrated exceptional legal skill, professionalism, and ...diligence. From the outset, the case was challenging due to an opposing party who was unwilling to negotiate and an imbalance in perceived influence and connections. Elaine immediately provided a sense of confidence and security, ensuring that I felt protected and fully represented at every stage. Her advice was consistently sound, practical, and direct, allowing me to make informed decisions during an extremely stressful period. Elaine’s preparation and attention to detail were exemplary. She demonstrated complete command of every aspect of my case, and nothing was ever overlooked. She was consistently responsive, communicative, and thorough. One of her greatest strengths was her ability to assemble and manage a highly skilled team of financial experts and analysts. Through her leadership, our legal positions were supported by extensive documentation, detailed financial data, and clear evidentiary proof. As a result, whether in negotiations or in court, our case was always presented from a position of strength and credibility. Over the many years this matter was litigated, Elaine’s preparation and advocacy were unmatched. She achieved consistently favorable outcomes and did not suffer a single loss. Her experience and strategic approach were evident at every stage of the proceedings. Divorce is an inherently difficult and emotional process, and this case represented one of the lowest points in my life. Elaine combined strength, professionalism, and genuine care, which made an immeasurable difference. Contrary to the common belief that no one is satisfied at the conclusion of a divorce, I was pleased with the outcome and relieved knowing that my interests had been fully protected. I could not have navigated this process without Elaine’s guidance and advocacy. She is highly experienced, deeply respected, and an exceptional attorney. I recommend her without reservation to anyone seeking skilled and steadfast representation.

Posted by Sue | April 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Not afraid to stand up for her clients

Was very helpful communicating. Elaine had my back while negotiating a difficult divorce.

Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Experienced, Highly Skilled Family Law Attorney: Effective in a Difficult Divorce

I worked with Ms. Ryzak Fraser during a very challenging divorce. Her extensive experience in family law was evident from the start and she guided me through every step of the process with professionalism and care. My case involved serious accusations against me, but Ms. Fraser kept me focused on ...the long-term picture and the well-being of my family. She worked tirelessly with my ex’s attorney, striving to resolve matters outside of court, but when that failed, she was fully prepared to go in front of the judge. The court sided with us, ultimately sanctioning my ex and her lawyer. In addition to Ms. Ryzak Fraser's expert legal counsel, her team included a highly skilled paralegal and an excellent attorney for the financial and property division aspects of the divorce. Thanks to her and her team, I felt confident and well-represented throughout this difficult time. I highly recommend Ms. Ryzak Fraser.

Posted by Alyssa | August 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly recommend!

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.

Posted by Mary | January 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce with dignity

Elaine was the attorney I worked with for my Collaborative Divorce. She was patient and really listened to my story, which was important to me. Her patience and calm demeanor became my touchstone during the team meetings. In Collaborative Divorce it's important that both parties first learn about Fam...ily Law and then navigate together to a conclusion that brings into focus empathy and humane values. This is especially true when you are working to dissolve a long-term marriage where there are children and hard-earned assets involved. My divorce was the most important negotiation of my life. Elaine helped me to more clearly realize what I wanted from the negotiations, then to ask for what I wanted. I am grateful and happy for the outcome and the minimal impact the process had on my family. I believe I had both a good marriage and a good divorce. I'm glad I had Elaine on my team during a difficult period of my life and would recommend her to anybody who wants to divorce with dignity.

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Elaine Ryzak Fraser's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Elaine
Alissa Moore Kempton headshot
Alissa Kempton

Family lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Margaret Miller headshot
Margaret Miller

Asylum lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nancy Diane Ligon De Ita headshot
Nancy De Ita

Family lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have see Elaine in Family Law Court arguing cases at hearings. Because she does personal injury law as well, she is an expert on the Evidence Code. She is able to get your evidence in and then argue persuasively to the judge. Many other family law attorneys will refer cases to her when they are highly complicated, involving high earners and lots of documents. She is smart, prepared and the judges like her and respect her. She also is a kind, understanding person who knows how important custody and visitation issues are. Her patience and empathy will help you get through one of the worst times in your life. She is in demand so she is efficient with her time and your money. She is extremely conscientious and responsible yet good-hearted and reasonable. That is why she has a great reputation in our Court."

Lisa Robertson Murray headshot
Lisa Murray

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Craig Harris Collins headshot
Craig Collins

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Charles Haigh headshot
James Haigh

Family lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Elaine for many years and worked in the same suite as her office for seven years. I saw her interact with her family law clients and I know she did an excellent job for her many clients. She is intelligent, hard-working and compassionate - a rare and effective combination!"

View All Endorsements
Margaret Miller headshot
Margaret Miller

Unknown lawyer

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Lisa Murray

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Top Lawyer Award-Divorce, Avvo

2020

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyer

2017

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 5% peer review, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 5% peer review, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Top 5% by peer review, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Top 5% by Peer Review, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Top 5% by Peer Review, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2010

SuperLawyer, top 5% by peer review, SuperLawyers

2007

Local Trial Lawyer Association President of the Year, Consumer Attorneys of California

Work Experience

1989 - Present

Attorney, Harris and Fraser

1987 - 1989

Attorney, Law Office of Elaine Ryzak Fraser

1984 - 1987

Attorney, McGlashan & Sarrail, Professional Corporation

Associations

2011 - Present

Collaborative Practice of San Mateo County

Executive Committee

2010 - Present

San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2005 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2002 - Present

San Mateo Country Trial Lawyers Association

Board of Directors

1986 - Present

Consumer Attorneys of California

Member

1985 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association

Member

San Francisco Superior Court Pre-Arbitration Settlement Conferences

Panelist

San Mateo County Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee

Member

San Mateo County Superior Court

Civil and Probate Advisory Committee

San Mateo County Superior Court

Family Law Alternative Dispute Roster Committee

San Mateo County Superior Court

Alternative Dispute Resolution MAP Oversight Committee

San Mateo County Superior Court

Judicial Arbitrator

San Mateo County Superior Court

Family Law Advisory Board

CP Cal

Member

2013 - 2014

Collaborative Practice San Mateo County

Co-chair

2006 - 2007

San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association

Past President

Education

1984

U of San Francisco SOL

Juris Doctor

1974

California St Univ Long Beach

Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Teaching Credential

Speaking Engagements

2020

Divorce Options Workshops Divorce Options

2007

How To Be Effective in Judicial Arbitration

Judicial Arbitration

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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