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Emily Elizabeth Vance

Family Attorney at San Rafael, CA

4.8   22 reviews

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About Emily

Learn Emily’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area

I am a Certified Family Law Specialist in California. I have exclusively practiced family law in California since my admission to the California bar in 2009. I specialize in complex family law matters including property division, financial issues, domestic violence, child and spousal support, and child custody, both in dissolution and post-judgment matters.

I also prepare and negotiate premarital, postmarital, and separation agreements. I am a New York native and am also licensed to practice law in New York. I received my B.A., Juris Doctorate and Masters Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.

I understand that each client, each relationship, and each family is unique.

Licensed for 13 years
State NY
Status Currently Registered
Acquired 2015
Updated 11/17/2022
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2009
Updated 12/06/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Emily

Similar lawyers nearby

Vance Family Law
100 Smith Ranch Rd.
Suite 116
San Rafael, CA, 94903

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  22 customer reviews
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Posted by Kevin | July 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic lawyer
Emily was professional, kind, intelligent, and very organized. In what felt like a long and difficult process she was able to keep everything focused and on track to a successful conclusion for all parties. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a calm, thoughtful, and careful approach to the divorce process.
Posted by Carlos silva | March 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
After 9 years together I recently got divorced. Started with a simple separation that soon escalated into complicated matters, specially regarding custody and visitation rights. It was a time in my life where emotional pain clouded my judgement, I was confused and inexperienced. Then I meet Emily Vance, who dedicate her time, early morning and late at night. Always calm and objective. After negotiations with three different lawyers, Not only she helped me kept legal and custody rights, she also accomplished a fair agreement. Fair for both parents. When I was wrong, she did let me know and managed to give guidance in a painful process with kindness and empathy. I am grateful
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Posted by Carlos | February 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent representation
For those of us who are unfortunate to have to go through a divorce will be pushed to our limits and beyond. We often forget why it has come to this and lash out at those who are near to us and those whom we have hired to help us. A divorce will bring out the worst of some of the parties involved. With this being said I would like to give a very special “Thank You” to Emily Vance who represented me during my dissolution process. Emily had to deal with some very over dramatic people and uncalled for remarks and lack of cooperation from the other side which kept her very busy. Emily was very professional in dealing with these issues while staying in contact with me and keeping me up to date with the progress. Emily and I had met on numerous occasions to discuss our next move and this also required a lot of patience on my part. There was some time she had taken off which she had notified me months in advance so there was no confusion. I will say that I highly recommend Emily Vance @Emily Vance [email protected] for any Family Law issues that you may have.
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Posted by Leslie | February 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Concise, detailed, expert
I was referred to Emily by my friend who is a paralegal in Family Law. Resorting to legal action is never fun. My issue was very personal and painful. Emily helped me make informed decisions, discussed the cost benefits of any process. She helped me negotiate a fair settlement...before both parties spent extra thousands on a pre-trial hearing. I don't want to be part of a legal process again, but If I am, I would not hesitate to use Emily and Vance Family Law again.
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Posted by Jeff | February 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
Emily is a true professional and very skilled. She is very focused and understands how to get to the core of issues and resolve them quickly. She is also very fair when it comes to compensation. I believe Emily is one of the best attorneys in Marin. I highly recommend Emily without any hesitation.
Posted by anonymous | February 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bright and engaged attorney
Emily is an energetic, smart and efficient attorney who helped me through the early stages of a very difficult divorce. She keenly understood my needs and took care of everything with a direct yet kind manner. Emily listens and is highly skilled at taking appropriate action.
Posted by Gerry | February 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Emily was a great choice for an attorney through my divorce. She's professional at every level. She actively listened and asked good questions, she followed-up consistently and very effectively communicated at each stage of the process. It's very reassuring to have her on your case, she guided me through the process to the best outcome. I highly recommend her.
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Posted by Philip | February 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A great attorney
I cannot speak highly enough of Emily and my experience working with her. Divorces come in all shapes and sizes, and mine was particularly contentious, complicated, and difficult. From day one, Emily listened and provided sound and sober advice which not only helped me remain calm, but led to a better outcome. She defended both my future and the future of my children under delicate circumstances. Over a drawn out period of time, Emily helped me navigate the gauntlet the other side was putting us through by prioritizing the matters I should concentrate on so I wouldn't waste time or money, and more importantly, could focus on a new and healthier future for my children and myself. While the counsel I received from Emily was more than enough to sing her praises, I was most impressed by the genuine respect her colleagues have for her. Her demeanor with the judge and other attorneys demonstrated a level of professionalism, intellect, respect, and refinement I valued throughout the entire process. Divorces are one of the most difficult things in life to endure, and I owe getting through it to Emily.  I am so sincerely thankful for her and highly recommend her services. 
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Posted by anonymous | February 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Refreshing High Moral Compass & Integrity
Emily was critical in gaining reasonable, fair outcomes in a custody case where the respondent and their council was less than moral, truthful and often threw mud. If you're looking to do the right thing for the right reasons then partnering with Emily is a great move. She provided sage advice legally and council that led to outcomes that were best for a child. I believe she best represents clients that are honest and reasonable in the approach and outcome goals. Emily always takes the high road which speaks to her track record in court and partnership.
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Posted by David | October 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Divorce Lawyer
Emily is an excellent divorce lawyer, who represented me very well in my collaborative divorce. Emily is experienced, professional and upbeat. Emily communicates extremely well, and was highly responsive to me throughout my divorce. Emily is smart and creative, and was instrumental in developing a collaborative solution in my matter. Throughout my divorce, Emily was responsible, diligent and accountable. Most importantly, Emily cared about me and made me confident in her representation and ability. Emily is highly ethical and capable, and builds trust as a person and as a professional. Emily gives lawyers a good name. Based on my experience, I recommend Emily highly.
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Posted by Mindy | July 29, 2015
Trustworthy, Realistic, and Reliable!
Ms. Vance gives lawyers a good reputation. She is extremely professional, comes to court well prepared, and truly cares about the outcome of your situation. She understands there are different financial situations for her clients, and is realistic about the time it will take to draw up paperwork, emails, meetings, court dates and more, and is open about how much the services could potentially cost her clients. She explains court paperwork in terms civilians can understand, and is knowledgeable about the laws that are set in place for the case at hand. Ms. Vance responds to emails, voicemails, and more in a timely manner. I completely trust Ms. Vance with my confidential information and situation, and her guidance through the legal process.
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Posted by Dick | May 6, 2015
Bright and Effective . . . with a nice nudge whenever needed
Emily was expeditious and efficient, on top of my situation whenever I contacted her or she contacted me, whether by ‘phone or e-mail. She was clear and friendly in our communications including being clear about options when they came up. As she gained a better understanding of my situation she was wonderful in explaining the implications of various points. Underlying all this was her extended knowledge including her studies of human behavior highly complimenting her high ranking as a lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | March 1, 2015
A Lawyer's Lawyer!
Emily and her firm came highly recommended by another attorney when I sought new counsel to enforce my divorce settlement in state court. It had been a complex matter involving interrelated federal court action, and my first state court attorney had lost the way. Emily picked up the case, understood the intricacies, and devised a new strategy. She kept me informed at every turn. The result was even better than I could have hoped for, with back federal and state attorney fees awarded as well. I was very fortunate to have her representation, and I am grateful. Emily is excellence personified and a standout in her field.
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Posted by Ally | February 13, 2015
Best family law attorney
I can't say enough positive things about Emily. She made a very hard, long, dragged out divorce bearable by staying on top of the other attorney and the high jinx being played to by them to make this cost an arm and a leg. She is patient, professional and kind. She listens to you and your needs and will tell you point blank if it is reasonable or not. I cannot say enough positive things about her. She encouraged me to press on when my frustration grew. Thank you Emily!!!!
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Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2015
I Highly Recommend Emily Vance
Emily was an amazing attorney and exceeded my expectations in all areas while she helped me navigate my complicated divorce which involved my three children. Throughout the entire process Emily was professional and knowledgeable and was invested in everything she did to ensure the best outcome for me and my children. I would give Emily Vance my highest recommendation.
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Posted by Bryan | February 10, 2015
Emily Vance helped me retain my dignity and preserve my financial independence
Emily Vance was my divorce attorney, representing me in the dissolution of my marriage. She was not only my attorney; she was also my counselor, helping me through a very difficult time in my life. She was a good listener when I needed it, but more importantly she was strong when I wasn’t and protective when I needed her. I'll never forget the first day i met emily, i was a mess emotionally, and an hour or so later I felt such a relief because at that moment i knew i had found an incredible person and very talented individual. I cannot speak highly enough of Emily, she is one of the most professional , knowledgeable and detailed lawyers I have dealt with. She gave me excellent and professional advice on how best to represent and protect my asset value. There was a significant amount of detailed work that had to be done in compiling financial information. Emily did excellent work in preparing legal documentation and positioning my case as strongly as possible. We successfully got to a good divorce settlement with a favorable outcome. Emily was extremely supportive, helpful, and the voice of reason throughout the process. Divorce is one of the most difficult and emotionally stressful processes any person has to go through . Emily was always available to talk and offer good advice, addressing all the difficult aspects of divorce ; financial issues, spousal support , and what to expect in the divorce process. She has an incredible sense of honesty and integrity. No one wants to have a divorce attorney, but I am thankful that I hired Emily who was always diligently working on my behalf and always had my best interests at heart. I could not have asked for anything more. Thank you Emily!
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Posted by J Philip | February 9, 2015
Exceptional & Caring Divorce Lawyer
Emily was fantastic at helping me understand my legal rights through the emotional haze of divorce. I interviewed approximately 15 different firms before selecting her. She is very knowledgeable, and was compassionate to what I wanted in my settlement. She is also balanced, and allowing me to understand where I might be stretching regarding terms and conditions. I have referred a few people already to Emily, and I highly recommend her.
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Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2015
Family Law and Divorce Attorney
Emily Vance is a professional attorney who handles her business with speed, accuracy, and tactical precision in a step-by-step manner. She showed me her ability to predict the risks I was facing when my Ex continued to argue the points. She assessed the risks and tactically outsmarted the other teams attorney. Flat out, just beat them all at their own games. I could not be more impressed by her results. I am very satisfied with her services. Worth every dollar.
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Posted by Charlie | February 6, 2015
Fantastic divorce sherpa
Emily helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. She's knowledgeable, accommodating, empathetic, and most of all: patient. I hope I never have to contact her again, but if I do ever have the need I'll be ringing her up straight away.
Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2015
Great experience with Emily!
Emily represented me for a prenuptial agreement. She was trustworthy, very knowledgeable, followed up promptly, and thoroughly explained the implications for any decisions I agreed to. Overall I was very pleased with her service and felt she was a friend throughout the process.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 400-400 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.5 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Family Law Attorney
  • Vance Family Law
  • 2016 - Present
  • Family Law Attorney
  • Blevans & McCall
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Family Law Attorney
  • Fox & Bank LLP
  • 2010 - 2015

Education

  • Washington University School of Law
  • J.D.
  • 2009
  • Washington University
  • Mastes of Social Work
  • 2009
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • B.A.
  • 2004

Associations

  • Alameda County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Executive Committee Member
  • 2013 - 2014

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Equal Justice Works Award
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • 2009

Publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (2)
Endorse Emily
Family Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Emily Vance is in my go to top three list of attorneys when someone I am not able to assist needs a recommendation. Emily is smart, thoughtful, and exceedingly competent. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
Family Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I cannot say enough good things about this lawyer! I definitely recommend her!"
Family Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I give my unequivocal endorsement for Emily Vance. Emily and I used to work together for two years. Emily is knowledgeable, skillful and passionate about family law. She is very good with her clients and is highly effective both in the courtroom and outside. She is an outstanding attorney."
Family Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. She is extremely knowledgeable about all areas of family law. Additionally, her Master's in Social Work is an asset when dealing with custody cases. She is able to challenge custody recommendations or argue in support of them using her legal and therapeutic education and knowledge."
San Rafael Family Lawyer Emily Elizabeth Vance
Emily Elizabeth Vance
Family Attorney
San Rafael, CA
Licensed for 13 years