Bernie Johannes Kempen

Bernie Johannes Kempen

also known as Bernie Kempen

4.4
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 32 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Castro Valley, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support ... +4 more

19244 Redwood Road, Suite B, Castro Valley, CA

About Bernie

Biography

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 30%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist

32 years | 1,500 cases

30%
Child Custody 20%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist

32 years | 1,500 cases

20%
Alimony 10%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist

32 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Child Support 10%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist

32 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist

32 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Family 10%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist. Also has experience in LGBT issues.

32 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Guardianship 10%

Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist

32 years | 1,500 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 32 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Bernie Kempen Certified Family Law Specialist

19244 Redwood Road, Suite B, Castro Valley, CA, 94546

Kempen and Company

1301 G Street, Suite A, Modesto, CA, 95354

Kempen and Company

I Sansome, Suite 3500, San Francisco, CA, 94104

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Bernie Johannes Kempen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Ms

Complete waste of time and money. Do yourself a favor and hire someone else. They move so slowly and do not provide any updates or guide you. Throughout the process, it felt that I was paying them but they favored my ex. I hired a private judge for final judgment, no clear instructions were provided ...to pay the judge and I was charged $300 for delaying the payment for a day. didn't even have Coutsey to mail the final divorce papers, When I asked, the response was that the documents were e-mailed and I should print them for my records, which is not acceptable. In the end, the transfer of property deeds took them 3 months and nothing was done, so I withdrew my case and decided to go with another attorney at 75% less cost. But they didn't even return my payment I paid them upfront for deed transfer. So, please don't fall for the good reviews and hire them. They will never discuss the case with you and tell you what to expect, all interactions are via Email only, if you ask 4 questions in one e-mail, they will answer one and will charge you separately for every e-mail.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last February 19, 2024

Yes, we understand this client's frustration and palpable anger that caused her to write this negative review. We had a number of rejections of the property transfer deeds from the Recorder's office for tax reasons and wet signature issues and the fact that both parties live quite a distance from the other caused logistical delays. The other party didn't have a lawyer so even though we took a tough negotiation stance, we needed to remain civil in order to secure his cooperation. Other than the issue of the recording of the deeds, we achieved all of our client's litigation objectives. We dispute her other allegations, and she is free to schedule a zoom consult with us to review the issues she raises. Obviously, this will be at no cost to her. This client never queried her bill to my recollection. Usually, if warranted, we make the necessary adjustments. It's regrettable that she raises this issue for the first time in a review. We remain ready to make appropriate adjustment promptly on any line items she can bring to our attention. Client service is our top priority. Other than the delay with the deeds, we a provided our client with excellent service. However, this being a Family Law matter, emotions often run high, and we understand our client's anger when matters are not finalized with alacrity. We wish her and her family the very best with their future.

Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr.

Bernie worked hard for me in a horrible time in my life. He understood my issues and worked to help my case get over as soon as possible. He also took in to account my financial issues and assisted in keeping the bills from pilling up to much.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last July 18, 2020

Thank you for taking the time to review our services. As you discovered, Divorce is a journey, not an event (like a wedding). We have to methodically and carefully unravel the union so you can start over and rebuild wealth. Glad we could help.

Posted by Julie | March 9, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

So happy we chose Bernie and Debbie for help

Bernie is a very strong and "get to the point" attorney. He helped my family with a contested step- parent adoption case in which many others we consulted with were skeptical of. When we consulted with Bernie, he was very personable but was realistic with us and always honest. This steered us to hire... him as our attorney. He and his paralegal, Debbie, were both amazing to work with, very patient when we had our worries, and always assured us that they would do the best they could but without making promises. They're confident and very knowledgeable people. Debbie prepared our documents very nicely and is very detailed; you can tell she pays great attention. She was very pleasant to work and communicate with. Bernie was very informative, always on top of the laws and knew exactly what he was doing. As clients of Bernie's, we noticed that he was very well respected by the court. He knew how to communicate with us without sugar coating and was very quick to share any information that came up. We hope that we won't need to contact Bernie and Debbie in the future but if issues or concerns were to come up, we won't hesitate to reach out. Thank you Bernie and Debbie for your amazing work. You're both very well informed, respected, and truly did not fail us.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last March 10, 2020

Julie, it was truly a pleasure to help your family. So glad I got to meet everyone at the adoption hearing. Debbie was moved when she read the transcript. It was also a first for me to see a clerk of the court overcome with emotion when she administered the oath. Your little ones are so fortunate to have the two of you as parents. The judge also seemed to really enjoy meeting your family. Thank you for your comments. This is what we do and we value your feedback. I hope it won't be necessary but you know where to find us!

Posted by Stéphane | June 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Glad I found the right lawyer for my divorce

Divorce is definitely a lot of low and high, and quite a roller coaster, especially when your ex wife is just a source of constant problems. I am glad I decided to hire Bernie as my lawyer: Bernie kept me on track and gave me a lot of advices, and explanations to understand the complex process an...d timelines. Divorce can be extremely frustrating especially with timeline moving really slowly and your lawyer have no control of it, but Bernie was always available to reply to my email when needed. Every court appearances with Bernie went really well, and it was good to see we were both in agreement and didn't need to discuss for a long time while my ex wife and her lawyer were so unprepared. Bernie made sure that we had the time to discuss everything before going to Court so we will be prepared. My divorce has been now finalized, and still need to go through various administrative paperworks: despite the fact that I was hoping for a slightly better outcome, when I step back and look at the agreement Bernie helped negotiate, I am really pleased. I was told that a good agreement doesn't please anyone and this is the case, but really with what's happening for me post divorce, the agreement we ended negotiating is quite good for me. Not only Bernie has been a great lawyer but I want to say that Debbie his paralegal assistant has been truly awesome all along. It's good to work with a solid team when going through such difficult time. So thank you Debbie for all your hard work too. I will definitely recommend Bernie for anyone in need of a good lawyer (and I have already done it for a friend who is going through a painful and long divorce)

Bernie Kempen

Replied last June 15, 2019

Stepháne, Thank you for your kind comments. It was our pleasure to be of service. Trials are very expensive and outcomes cannot always be predicted. That’s why matters go to trial. However when you decide to settle a matter, you control the outcome and have a stake in it. Congratulations and thank you for the referral!

Posted by Stacey | May 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thank you

Mr. Kempen knows family law and helped to settle my divorce case. He was professional throughout and the paralegal on his case was also very fast and detail oriented. Everyone working on this case was attentive and responsive to emails and helped me to ensure I understood facets of the law/case.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last May 24, 2019

Thank you for your review Stacey. It was our pleasure to help you resolve your matter. We appreciated your organizational skills and sense of humor throughout. We wish you well!

See All Client Reviews

Bernie Johannes Kempen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bernie
Debra Vaniman Crawford headshot
Debra Crawford

Child custody lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elaine Lucy Morinelli headshot
Elaine Morinelli

Family lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Kempen because I know he can do the job for you correctly and swiftly, with the utmost in professionalism."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Mark David Poniatowski headshot
Mark Poniatowski

Family lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Bernie is an experienced, certified family law specialist. He is also a Rotarian that lives by the motto "service above self"."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Bernie. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Heather Mellyn Cullen headshot
Heather Cullen

Family lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kempen provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions provided herein. Attorney Kempen provides a needed service by providing voluntary and free legal assistance to the individuals herein who are in need of immediate legal answers."

Curtis Dean Colaw headshot
Curtis Colaw

Family lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had many cases with Bernie. He is professional, well versed in family law and has an excellent common sense approach to resolution of pending cases."

Lindsey Anne Bannerman headshot
Lindsey Bannerman

Family lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bernie is a very knowledgeable Certified Family Law Specialist. He has appeared on matters on my behalf. He has a true ability to evaluate a case in light of the applicable law and proceed accordingly. His clients are very well informed and advised. He is knowledgeable of not only the law but also the practice and customs of our legal community."

View All Endorsements
Kimberly Felix Leding headshot
Kimberly Leding

Family lawyer

Leslie Frederick Jensen II headshot
Leslie Jensen

Family lawyer

Mark David Poniatowski headshot
Mark Poniatowski

Business lawyer

Curtis Dean Colaw headshot
Curtis Colaw

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2006

Volunteer of the Year, CVUSD

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Sole Practitioner, Kempen&Company

1993 - 1996

Associate, Cunningham & Lansden

1990 - 1993

Clerk, Alameda County Public Defender's Office

1987 - 1990

Marketing Director, Biomed Canada

1984 - 1987

General Manager, Casterm Plastics Los Angeles

1981 - 1984

Partner, Linestar Productions

1978 - 1981

Account Director, J. Walter Thompson Ad Agency

1977 - 1978

Advertising Manager, FIAT SA

1974 - 1976

Articled Law Clerk, Balsillie Watermeyer and Bosman

Associations

2012 - Present

Friends of The Company (Young People's Teen Musical Theatre Company

President

2007 - Present

Castro Valley Arts Foundation

President

2004 - Present

Alameda County Bar Association

2003 - Present

Castro Valley Rotary Club

Past President

1993 - Present

Stanislaus County Bar Association

2014 - 2015

FoSOTA (Friends of the San Francisco School of the Arts)

Trustee/Board member

2014 - 2015

Castro Valley Matters

Caretaker Board Member

2010 - 2011

Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of The Arts Site Council

Chairperson

2008 - 2011

Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of The Arts PTSA

VP

2006 - 2008

Creekside School

PTSA President

2006 - 2007

CVHS

PTA President

2006 - 2007

CVHS

Boosters Club

2002 - 2004

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

2002 - 2003

Proctor School

Site Council Member

2001 - 2002

Proctor School

President PTA

Sample of Legal Cases

Rivera

Presumed Gay Parent Status

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Golden Gate University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1978

University of Cape Town South Africa

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2007

Rotary Club of Castro Valley

South Africa

2006

Rotary Club of Modesto East

South Africa

Publications

Languages

English

Afrikaans

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