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

33 years | 1,500 cases

30%
Child Custody 20%

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

33 years | 1,500 cases

20%
Alimony 10%

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

33 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Child Support 10%

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

33 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

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

33 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.

33 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Guardianship 10%

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

33 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

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 23 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2015 | Child Custody

Honest and ethical attorney

I worked in the legal field for over 10 years and it is rare to find such an honest and ethical attorney like Bernie Kempen. He did an outstanding job for me regarding custody and support.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last March 18, 2015

Thank you for your review and I am pleased to have been of service. Clients come and go, judges come and go, but lawyers stick around for a long time. It's therefor crucial for any attorney to maintain a pristine reputation for honesty and ethical conduct. I am a Rotarian and am guided by our 4-way test in everything I say and do; 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships. 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned.

Posted by anonymous | March 07, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Seasoned & Experienced

Some people say lawyer’s not your friend. You are a mere one-time client for them but their relationships with the court are permanent as long as they are in business. If that’s so, it’s better to have a seasoned, experienced and recognized lawyer. Mr. Kempen is very seasoned and conservative. He k...nows how the system works. He doesn't sugarcoat harsh realities. I expect him to show his high qualities as a game changer in these previous reviews for my case.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last March 07, 2015

Thank you for the review. It's important for my clients to know that I am fully committed to their case, not their cause. My job is to represent the facts of my client's case to the court in the best possible way. My client's should always be aware of the upside and the downside of potential litigation. That's why sugarcoating serves no-one. Every client deserves a thorough analysis of options, including the option of 'let it be".

Posted by Diana | February 26, 2015 | Child Custody

Represented me in case over jurisdiction.

Very pleased and at felt at ease with Bernie Kempen representing my case in Stanislaus County. I reside almost 5 hours away and my ex tried to claim jurisdiction of our child in his county by false documents and lying about serving me. Bernie Kempen represented me two times in Stanislaus County cou...rt which I was not able to be present for and handled everything quickly and professionally. I wish he was in Kern County to represent my case here! Very pleased!!!

Bernie Kempen

Replied last February 26, 2015

Diana, it was a pleasure representing you and obtaining the appropriate remedy. One of the goals of my representation of my clients is to make sure that when they wake up in the morning with a knot in their stomach about some stressful litigation, it goes away quickly when they know that we are taking care of it for them and that they can continue to live productive lives with the least amount of distractions. Thank you and best wishes.

Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Game Changer Attorney.

I had the pleasure of consulting with Atty Kempen about some certain grey areas about my case. While one attorney said he will research and get back to me on this, Atty Kempen has a straight answer for me right away. He is very knowledgeable and direct in his answer, very creative in attacking a ce...rtain scenario and a game changer in your favor if you are having issues or not satisfied with the outcome of your case.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last January 14, 2015

Thank you for the review. Crucial to the analysis of options in a client's case is the ability to spot the issues and provide a range of potential remedies for discussion. I'm pleased that I was able to do that for you.

Posted by Ann | December 08, 2014

Thank you!

Mr. Kempen took time to answer all of my questions. He helped me by both providing his expertise and compassion, a combo you don't find often in the profession. I would recommend him and will return to him if services are again needed. Thank you!

Bernie Kempen

Replied last December 08, 2014

Ana, I always strive to understand not only the legal aspects of your case, but also how the situation affects you personally. It is my goal to make sure that when you wake up in the morning, that you know that you have a legal advocate in your corner who will take on the burden of your legal representation so that you can continue with the daily aspects of your life. I hope that with the information you got from me, you may be able to resolve your issues without any court intervention. If not, I'm a phone call away and I answer all calls directly at 415-806-1974 24/7. Best wishes!

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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