Elaine Ryzak Fraser

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.

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.

I made a mistake when initially looking for a divorce lawyer. He made tons of mistakes and incredibly bad at communicating what was going on with me. I was referred to Elaine by a family friend. I called and talked to Jo and she was very friendly and easy to talk to. After meeting with Elaine there w...as no decision to be made. Elaine, Allison and Jo we're all very friendly and easy to talk to. They took my case, cleaned up all the previous mistakes and did an amazing job from start to finish. All 3 of them are very knowledgeable and on top of everything that's going on. They are the only office I'd recommend to anyone.

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 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.