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 - 4 of 4 reviews | Child Support

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2015 | Child Support

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 Christine | March 22, 2013 | Child Support

Grateful, Grateful, Grateful

I used Bernie and his staff during my first divorce over 10 years ago. I will be ever grateful for the guidance he gave me, as I was completely lost. The other parent was a complete snake and used my own friends and family members to gain inside information during our divorce proceedings, even ...setting me up in unusual situations to make it appear that I was someone that I was not. I had no idea that people that I once trusted and loved would ever this to me, but Bernie caught on and advised me that my divorce was very unusual and that there was someone giving my Ex information that he was using against me so that I would have to constantly contact my Attorney and pay more money. Bernie was very gracious and gave me discounts on my billing. If I would have just listened to him in the first place and kept people out of my divorce I would have been much better off but like I said, I would have never believed that those I loved would hurt me and my children for the sake of being paid off by my former husband. What a joke, my ex has like 8 kids, 3 with me and the others by different women. My Ex was so upset because Bernie uncovered his Self employment income and he would not file taxes as he knew how the child support system worked, he thought he had Bernie fooled and he told me to keep Bernie off of his A--! It humors me now but back then it was devastating since my children would ultimately pay for his anger. Bernie Kempen, Thank you so very much. In my opinion I would pay all over again to have such Seasoned Representation. People beware when choosing an Attorney. Watch out for newly licensed attorneys, make sure they have at least 10 years under their belts so that they can Fight and Win for you. Thank you Bernie!

Bernie Kempen

Replied last March 22, 2013

Thank you, Christine. Many clients thank me years later for telling them the truth they didn't want to hear. Those are difficult times for the best of people and it's important that you have an attorney who looks out for your best interests; does not necessarily do you bidding and does not promise unrealistic results. The satisfaction I get from my job is to do my best for the client on the facts presented.

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2012 | Child Support

$40k later and still married.

The following statement is my personal opinion based on my experience with Attorney Bernie Kempen. I would not recommend Bernie to anyone getting a divorce. Initially Bernie made me feel comfortable and that this case was a slam dunk. $40k later I am still married and left not knowing what to do. ... The other parent was given 50% custody. I feel Bernie did not fight for me. I feel he laid down and was intimidated by the other attorney. The other parent, as a result of the 50% custody agreement, has gotten away with paying a very, very small amount of child support. Yet, as predicted, for the most part has not followed through with the custody arrangement- leaving me to have the kids on the other parents time (most of the time) and sticking with a huge grocery bill, more utilities, etc., The other parent lied to the court about their income and nothing was really done. Bernie did not fight for what is in the best interest of the children. He did not fight for alimony for me. He did not fight for ANYTHING. IMO, Bernie carried this out only to bill me more and more money. Than when I could not afford to pay him anymore (after $40k), he dropped me like a hot potato. Now, 6 years later, I am still not divorced. His slogan, "It's Over"... Is quite contrary to my experience. IT AIN'T OVER. So after all of this money I spent, I am still married to a bully that now violates the court orders at will and doesn't care saying, "Oh well", "take me to court", because this person knows I got screwed and now I have no representation. The other party is getting 1/2 my pension, 1/2 my retirement, pays a very small amount of child support (enough to pay maybe one utility), yet this person makes twice as much as me, just bought a new boat and a new car... Leaves the kids with me on their time with him, has given up completely on 1 child and never sees him. After all this time, and after all the money I gave Bernie, I still have not resolved any issues other than child custody which Bernie just laid down for, even though it was clearly in the best interest of the children to stay with me... Even the mediator thought it was. There are still issues regarding money, etc... Which the other parent is fighting to take from me (my pension, retirement, etc... but I have no representation - Bernie gave up because I ran out of money). I am afraid to go back to court and do anything because I don't know what will happen. I feel I was victimized by Bernie. I feel I was bullied by Bernie every time I asked a question. He would argue back at me and make me feel stupid for asking it, and then he would never address the concerns I had. The other attorney would lie in court, lie in court paperwork, etc... and Bernie barely addressed it. And when I brought it up, I was made to feel that it wasn't important. I feel Bernie would create situations that caused me to email or phone the office and ask questions, only so he could bill me more money, until finally I was broke. If I could complain to a governing body about Bernie Kempen, and knew it would do me some good, I would. I am sure Bernie will come on here and make some dumb excuse and try to defend it, but I only see that as another attempt to bully me. To sum it all up. I spent about $40k with Bernie and got nowhere. Then when I couldn't pay anymore he dropped me as a client. And now I am being bullied and harassed by the the other parent all the time. I know of two other clients that have started with Bernie but were smart enough to drop him before they got sucked in.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last October 02, 2012

This is Bernie Kempen. Regrettably I recall this client well. Contrary to her statement that she spent $40,000 in litigation, she demanded the litigation against my advice and when the court eventually allowed my request to withdraw from the case, she promptly (as is her right, of course) filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and discharged approximately $37,000 of the owed attorneys fees and costs. She did so without any regard to the effect of such a bankruptcy filing on the families working in the office of a sole practitioner. This is a common risk for any sole practitioner. Where a client can relieve an attorney as attorney of record at any time, the attorney cannot discharge the client without court approval and needs to continue providing legal services in the interim. It is essential that my clients follow my advice. If they don't, then they need to find another attorney. The work of a family lawyer is similar to that of an emergency room physician. You have to perform the best task with the facts presented to try to salvage whatever you can from a disaster. Very seldom can you achieve 100% recovery. You do what you can. There is no justice in a divorce, no retribution. It is merely emergency work with the hope of a decent recovery and the hope of a new life. As in this particular case, where both parents were at the time competent and involved, California State law prefers that the court orders a custody plan that ensures frequent and continuing contact with both parents. This client cannot blame me that the father of her children does not want to exercise his visits now (three years after I was her attorney of record). State law also provides that the community portion of all retirement plans be shared or offset equally. The court has no discretion to order otherwise. Judges and lawyers do not control the facts of a case. Here both parties opted to jump into new relationships too fast. My client started cohabiting with a partner whom she had to support, while her husband chose a new partner with a six figure income and two homes. The new partner came to all court appearance dressed to kill. She provided husband with a new boat and a new car. I have no doubt that this conduct was partly designed to rankle my former client. Naturally this was and continues to be distressing to her. It also became clear that Husband would try as long as he could for the divorce to become final so that he would not need to marry his new partner and would continue to be the recipient of his new partner’s gifting. By California State Law, the court cannot take new partners' incomes and assets into consideration when ordering child support and will only in narrow circumstances order alimony where there is cohabitation with a new partner. Attorneys are frequently blamed for the dysfunction in family relationships. This is called transference. This is one of those cases. It is my hope that this client will eventually learn that her situation will not improve until she stops trying to blame others for the situation she has helped to create and accepts personal responsibility. In the meanwhile she dealt my solo practice and my staff with a crippling financial blow and attempts to do more damage with this review. She refused to discharge me as her attorney when I asked her to and now she complains about the representation? Does that make sense? My mistake was to continue trying to help her and by not asking the court to relieve me as counsel sooner.

Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2011 | Child Support

I highly recommend Mr. Kempen and his firm.

Mr. Kempen assisted me with my child custody and support matters. He was diligent, knowledgable, and fought hard for me in Court. I ended up with a result that was fair and beneficial for my children, I highly recommend Mr. Kempen and his staff.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last January 22, 2012

Thank you! I strive to be at your side and on your side. I believe that I serve my client's best interest when I am able to come up with results that are in the best interests of the children, who do not have the same abilities as adults to handle adversity and dysfunction. Another important aspect is client service. I strive the make sure that any queries my clients may have are promptly handled

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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