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 | Compassion

Posted by Julie | March 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Adoption

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 M. Allen | May 04, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I strongly recommend retaining, you won't be disappointed

My experience with Bernie and his firm has been excellent. Kempen & Company is representing me in my Marriage Dissolution. My case has been very challenging, and It was not moving forward until I retained Bernie and his firm. He came to me highly recommended from a close friend who works with in th...e court system. He is a well-respected and knowledgeable attorney in the field of Family Law. Bernie and his firm have been very understanding, supportive and helpful guiding me through this case and process. I am grateful he is my attorney and is representing me on my case. Bernie is a man of integrity, compassion and ethics. He and his staff always respond quickly, and they will be there for you and support you as a client. He will look out for you and your best interest. I strongly recommend retaining Bernie and his firm to represent you in any Family law matters, big or small or at least speak with him/ firm you will not be disappointed. M. Allen

Bernie Kempen

Replied last May 04, 2019

Dear M, Thank you so much for your comments. I was stunned when you hired us that there had been so little progress in your case over a number of years. It’s so important for divorce case not to languish in the system. It becomes toxic. Your attorney must help you find an exit ramp and a strategy to get there, with your rights intact. Are we there yet?’ No, but there is light at the end of the tunnel now!

Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Simply the Best.

I hired Mr. Bernie Kempen to represent me in my recent divorce case. Bernie always had my best interests at heart and did a fabulous job of keeping me honest. Bernie's knowledge of family law is impressive, to say the least. He is also extremely compassionate and sincere. He is great at calming your ...nerves and is really effective at helping you navigate the ugliness of a divorce gracefully. If you find yourself having to cope with something as unfortunate as a divorce, you need someone on your side who is honest, ethical, composed, compassionate and has thorough knowledge of family law; Bernie is all this and so much more! I cannot thank him enough and will forever be grateful to him for representing me.

Bernie Kempen

Replied last May 02, 2019

Thank you! It was an honor representing you. During a divorce most clients are tempted not to follow their better angels. You resisted this impulse. I’m glad we were undertake this perilous journey together and that you have been able to find pasture on the other side. When you find a potential husband 2.0, please take me up on my offer to vet him first free of charge! Best wishes.

Posted by Christine | March 22, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

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.

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