Yolanda Simmons Bachtell

Worst lawyer I've ever dealt with. Messed up the divorce paperworks so bad I ended up doing it myself. Judgement was rejected by the courts due to procedural errors. Took her a month to finally look at it again...no responses to numerous emails and phone calls. Promised phone appointments by her ...office staff that were not kept. When she finally gets it done....it's rejected by the courts AGAIN. All due to legal/procedural errors that a Family Law attorney should know about.

Over the past three years, I have seen, heard, and learned a lot in the Contra Costa Family Courthouse. One of the highest recommendations an attorney can receive is when the Court staff speaks highly of her or him. It is analogous to a hospital environment when the nurses give the thumbs up ab...out a doctor. Yolanda Bachtell has the respect and proverbial ‘thumbs up’ in the Family Law Courthouse. I hired Attorney Bachtell three years ago after interviewing several other attorneys, some of whom were on the Super Lawyer* list. What impressed me about Ms. Bachtell were her calm unequivocal demeanor and perceptive questions and responses about my divorce case and financial situation. I believe the main objective of family law is receiving an even-handed outcome; and the way to achieve this is to have an attorney who thoroughly knows the law, skillfully uses that knowledge during the entire legal process, has integrity and is professional and honest. Ms. Bachtell has unsurmountable integrity, she is honest and SMART. I have watched her diligently craft motions, declarations, responses, financial spreadsheets, prepare trial binders and propetizers with multiple exhibits for my case. She interacts with Judges confidently and with composure. She is so organized that Judge Joyce Cram would often refer to her for the documents needed by both sides while in our hearing. I agree with another reviewer that it is important for a petitioner to feel involved with his or her case. Ms. Bachtell respects the investment I have in my case and empowers me to be as involved as is appropriate. As with any attorney, there is typically a 1-day delay in responding to clients. There have been times when I left a frantic voice mail for Ms. Bachtell, and she responded immediately or let me know when she would be able to discuss the matter. My experience with Attorney Bachtell as my family law attorney has been as positive as possible considering I am getting a divorce. The confidence I feel having her in my corner, advocating for me, has kept me sane through this long arduous process. ____________________________________________________________________ *NOTE: To be listed as a “Super Lawyer” only requires votes by their peers. Usually, these attorneys are members of numerous associations within the county. After some research, I have learned that the Super Lawyer list is based on popularity--not credibility.

Ms. Bachtell gives extremely great service in the area of Family Law. Of course, inform her about your issues and be involved in your case. You do not have to worry about having Ms. Bachtell advocate for your case. She is informed about what the other party may attempt to do, and will inform you o...f that. Otherwise, she will do her best to advocate for you the best she can. I went through many attorneys before I found Ms. Bachtell and wish I had hired her sooner.