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 - 1 of 1 review | Probate

Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2011 | Probate

A Modesto Divorcee

I trusted this guy when I really needed legal advice and representation. He had my annuity frozen, and entered my deceased son's estate into probate when I was the true beneficiary...and did it all behind my back. I had no idea what was going on until my income was frozen.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last December 29, 2011

First, I do not practice and have not practiced probate law and would not have opened a probate for this reviewer's deceased son. Second, I cannot imagine a circumstance where I would have my own client's annuity frozen. This is routinely done by opposing counsel pending a divorce action. Third, I would never represent a deceased estate and a potential beneficiary at the same time since it would be a conflict of interest. I invite this reviewer to call me toll free at 1-888-487-6837 to explain why she posted this nonsense.

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

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