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 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Efficient and Experienced

Bernie was recommended to me by a trusted friend during a very emotional and tumultuous time when I didn't trust anyone. I know I was not an easy client for Bernie, but he and his paralegal, Debbie, never gave up and did what they could to establish a trusting relationship so that we could move forw...ard as fast as I'd allow. They always had my best interests and if I had listened to Bernie from the very beginning, they probably could have completed the entire divorce process in weeks. Bernie was always a straight shooter with me, and while at times I wished I had a little more "hand holding", in the end, he was always aware of the $$ and did whatever he could to be efficient and make sure I knew what I was entitled to. Debbie was amazing and so responsive. They were able to settle the case for me out of court, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I know they were wanting me to ask for more, but they remained respectful of my needs to complete this process as soon as possible and with as little animosity as possible as well.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last May 07, 2019

I think I know who this is! Thank you so much for your review. Yes I always have to balance handholding with cost efficiency. I’m glad we were able to resolve your case before it became untenable and ultimately you are in charge of your own settlement terms, so long as it’s knowledgeable and informed. Unlike many attorneys we strive to be able to respond the same day to a client query and are pleased that we were able to provide you with a level of client service that met your needs. Best wishes for your future and thank you again.

Posted by Tara | January 10, 2017 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Grateful mother

Bernie and his staff are A plus! They always answerd any questions I had if not that day then that week. I was so thankful when Bernie sat next to me at the mediation and helped me to reveal other important info that I was not thinking of at the time because I was so nerves from the situation. Bernie... was also alert when we were In front of the jude and pointed out things I didn't even think of. His staff was very patient with me as well, even when I wanted them to change things they already worked on. I have gotn the out come I was looking for with Bernie that I haven't been on my own. I wish that I could always have Bernie buy my side to help with my sons situation because he makes a big difference. I am truly thankful for him and his staff. From a mother that needed help when she dosent have any but from Bernie.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last January 10, 2017

Glad we could help Tara!

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 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 David | September 18, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Exceptional Consultation and Knowledge of the Law

I went to Bernie with a dilema regarding my ex wife which could have cost me $5,000 or more. She was trying to extort money from me before she complied with the judges order to sign over the house deed to me. I was in closing in my refinance and the timing was very important to get this done. I...n any case, I had spoken with 3 other attorneys before Bernie, and it wasnt until after our conversation that I felt confident enough to send her a letter. In this letter, I mentioned how this could go down for her if i took it to court. ...ie how much it would cost her, and how I could potentially sue her for the injuries caused by her actions. All of this information was gathered in one conversation with Bernie. I offerred her $900 only, and she accepted, knowing if we went to court she would get nothing, I would win, and then I would sue her for damages. Bernie knows his stuff. His office is pleasnt, as is his staff. It feels like you are dealing with a friend, not an attornerny. I am very happy with his services and would recomend him highly.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last September 18, 2014

Thank you David. I am pleased you were able to resolve your issue in a cost effective manner without hiring an attorney to litigate the issue for you. Family issues should be resolved around the kitchen table or over coffee at a coffee shop. Court intervention should always be the last resort. When family are able able to come together and make an agreement, they are generally more satisfied because they are invested in the outcome, rather than having a robed individual make choices for them instead.

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