James Hoover

PRO

James Hoover

also known as Jim Hoover

4.9
116 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Domestic Violence ... +4 more

1520 The Alameda, Suite 200, San Jose, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About James

Biography

Eleven-Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. With over 250 years of collective family law experience, our team of multi -lingual family law attorneys is on standby.

Eleven -Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. With over 250 years of collective family law experience, our team of multi -lingual family law attorneys is on standby.

Eleven-Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. With over 250 years of collective family law experience, our team of multi -lingual family law attorneys is on standby.

Eleven-Time Avvo Clients' Choice Award Winner for Divorce. Certified Family Law Specialist at Silicon Valley's largest family law firm. Settlement-oriented and litigation ready. Highly experienced with litigating cases involving domestic violence.

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 25%

Divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, general property characterization, valuation and division, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, breaches of fiduciary duties, attorney's fees and costs, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and related matters.

22 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Family 25%

Divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, general property characterization, valuation and division, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, breaches of fiduciary duties, attorney's fees and costs, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and related matters.

22 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Domestic Violence 15%

Certified Family Law Specialist

15%
Alimony 10%

23 years | 1,000 cases

10%
Child Custody 10%

10%
Child Support 10%

10%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 8
Gold Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Hoover Krepelka, LLP

1520 The Alameda, Suite 200, San Jose, CA, 95126

hooverkrepelka.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find James online.

James Hoover's Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 43 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Awesome final settlement representation

When it was time to renegotiate my settlement because my ex retired, Jim was great to work with. My ex spouse had made a proposal for the new settlement and was very confident that it was fair. After consulting with Jim, I realized that was not the case. I have a hard time sticking up for myself a...nd my ex spouses arguments can be very convincing. Jim talked me off the ledge and helped me to get to a truly fair and reasonable end result that was considerably more than I had been offered. His office is very professional, understanding of the emotional issues involved, and represented me without being contentious. YAY! I am so relieved to have that all behind me and have no regrets or doubts about the end result. Thanks Jim!!

Posted by anonymous | June 07, 2021 | Family

Great Support, Even When the Request is Small

Jim helped me with a family-court issue that arose a couple of years ago as a result of my ex-husband committing significant breaches to our custody agreement, in several areas, within just a matter of days. Things had fortunately settled down between my ex-husband and I since those matters were reso...lved, however, COVID brought about new complexities for our shared custody agreement, and what was allowed under those guidelines at the time another incident arose. My ex-husband made some liberal interpretations of those guidelines and despite my protesting, proceeded to engage in unliteral decisions, again. While I didn't need the full-court press or to schedule a court hearing on this particular situation, I did need some assistance in providing formal documentation that what had occurred was unacceptable, and that I made efforts to communicate with courtesy and was completely ignored. Jim and Patrick assisted in writing (and delivering) a polite, but firm, letter to my ex-husband explaining existing travel/health guidelines in effect at that time, importance of co-parenting and communication, and the potential for matters to be escalated should those unilateral decisions continue to occur. Jim and his team never fail to bring me comfort during difficult situations, even those that seem small compared to most they deal with on a daily basis. Each conversation leaves me with a rational understanding of best and worst case scenarios. I become more easily settled in what path lies ahead and I never feel like I'm walking that path alone. Most importantly, every component of our conversations revolve around what is in the best interest of my son. While these situations are stressful and highly emotional, the actions we take are no less important than how they ultimately impact the child we share. I continue to be forever grateful for finding Jim and his team!

Posted by Mike | February 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family

Great attorney who truly understands his clients needs!

Mr. Hoover resolved an impossible custody and restraining order case for me. He truly understands the complications of family law and how they apply to the facts of the case. He was very sensitive to the emotional dynamics, in and out of court. He always made time for me and he did not over bill fo...r every little thing. I highly recommend him!

Posted by anonymous | February 05, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

The best attorney in family laws area

I couldn't be happier with the service I received from James Hoover on the domestic violence restraining order defense. It's a very challenge case, since the other party was well-prepared and got two aggressive attorneys behind her. James is extremely professional, very knowledgeable in the family ...laws and also very caring. He used his incredible expertise and best-organized evidences to win the case and get the DVTRO request denied by the court. He saved my life and got my children back. I highly recommend James Hoover to you.

Posted by Bryan | January 19, 2021 | Divorce & Separation

Great at keeping me out of court

My son's mother likes to rattle the cage from time to time and not let a functional Marriage Settlement Agreement stand for too long. James has been an indispensable resource in these times. His knowledge of the law and what I can and cannot expect with regards to outcomes moving forward. Whether or ...not I a happy with the result of the information provided I am always left with a clear path forward. To boot, if in consultation he doesn't feel anything can be added by hiring him he actually recommends against it. Always working in the favor of the client. Thank you Jim!

See All Client Reviews

James Hoover's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Eva Marie Martelle headshot
Eva Martelle

Family lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is able to balance his role as advocate for his client while maintaining his professionalism with opposing counsel. This is not true for all attorneys and speaks to Jim's capabilities as a reputable attorney."

Colin Geoffrey McCarthy headshot
Colin McCarthy

Family lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Family law is emotionally and legally challenging. James has the right temperment for the clients and the right legal skills for opposing counsel and the judge. It's why I refer family law matters to him."

Gina Nicole Policastri headshot
Gina Policastri

Family lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse James Hoover for his excellence in family law. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim professionally for nearly two decades. His reputation in the field is impeccable, characterized by his dedication to clients and sharp litigation skills. Although we are often adversarial, I can always count on Jim to be professional, courteous and settlement minded. As an employer, Jim is known for fostering a professional but fun office atmosphere as well as generous contributions to the community. Overall, I highly recommend Jim for his exceptional skills in family law."

Chelsea Armer Pagan headshot
Chelsea Pagan

Family lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"James is a strong advocate for his clients while being easy to work with. I look for forward to working with him again."

Dixon R. Howell headshot
Dixon Howell

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the sharpest young lawyers in the Family Law field; compassionate, but aggressive; I recommend him without qualification.."

Heather Murray Allan headshot
Heather Allan

Family lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse Jim. I have had several cases with Jim and his office. He is always communicative and genuinely willing to work in a cooperative manner. I appreciate Jim's approach in cases and believe he is a skilled attorney with years of experience."

Sweta Khandelwal headshot
Sweta Khandelwal

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James Hoover and his Law Firm Hoover & Krapelka are amongst the best in the field. They are trustworthy and solution oriented, which is not something that is found often, specially amongst Family Law & Divorce Attorneys. Highly recommended."

Phong H Nguyen headshot
Phong Nguyen

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher M Cave headshot
Christopher Cave

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim and the entire team at Hoover Krepelka LLP are by far the best family law and divorce attorneys that you'll find in California. I would not send my clients anywhere else."

Traci Janeen Pickering headshot
Traci Pickering

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Simon Yohanan headshot
John Yohanan

Family lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a hard working knowledgeable attorney. He does not waste his client's money on trivial matters that so many family law attorneys seem to do. It was a pleasure having him as an opposing counsel"

James Carr Suits II headshot
James Suits

Unknown lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Edward Nuddleman headshot
Robert Nuddleman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is a knowledgeable attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients. His experience and dedication to his clients puts him at the top of my referral list."

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Family lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is one of the most trustworthy lawyers I know. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him myself."

Christopher Walter Dull headshot
Christopher Dull

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jon G. Brooks headshot
Jon Brooks

Family lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jim Hoover for 14 years having attended law school with him and as a fellow attorney in San Jose. Jim is not only one of the sharpest lawyers I've ever known, he is also earnest, highly ethical and compassionate. I have never received feedback from clients we've referred to him that wasn't positive."

Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich headshot
Thomas Cvietkovich

Family lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Jacob Rudy headshot
Matthew Rudy

Family lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Stephanie Huang headshot
Stephanie Huang

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ben Hagen Stoddard headshot
Ben Stoddard

Wrongful death lawyer

Gina Nicole Policastri headshot
Gina Policastri

Divorce and separation lawyer

Tamara B. Pow headshot
Tamara Pow

Business lawyer

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Elijah Keyes

Estate planning lawyer

Emiliza San Diego headshot
Emiliza San Diego

Divorce and separation lawyer

Lana Marie Shearer headshot
Lana Shearer

Divorce and separation lawyer

Constance Leota Carpenter headshot
Constance Carpenter

Divorce and separation lawyer

Patricia Mercedes Zerbini headshot
Patricia Zerbini

Divorce and separation lawyer

Raechele Jang headshot
Raechele Jang

Divorce and separation lawyer

Diana Han headshot
Diana Han

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joy Antonette Bobadilla Diaz headshot
Joy Diaz

Divorce and separation lawyer

Monica Rita Nemec headshot
Monica Nemec

Divorce and separation lawyer

Katherine L Moinpour headshot
Katherine Moinpour

Divorce and separation lawyer

Wenjia Ma headshot
Wenjia Ma

Divorce and separation lawyer

Christine Ann Pham headshot
Christine Pham

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jaymi Lynn Salisbury headshot
Jaymi Salisbury

Divorce and separation lawyer

Elaine Le headshot
Elaine Le

Divorce and separation lawyer

Meghan Marie Herning headshot
Meghan Herning

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kelsey Jean-Marie Hickman headshot
Kelsey Hickman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Top 10 San Jose Divorce Attorney, Trust Analytica

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Client's Choice, Avvo

2025

Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2024

Avvo Client's Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2024

Northern California Super Lawyers, Find Law - Thompson Reuters

2024

Top Rated Lawyer, US Lawyer Database

2024

Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave, 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave

2024

Top 10 Divorce Attorneys of San Jose, Forbes

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 10 Divorce Law Firm in the 10 Biggest Cities in the US, Insider Monkey

2023

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 3 Divorce Lawyers in San Jose, Three Best Rated

2023

Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2023

Northern California Super Lawyers, FindLaw - Thompson Reuters

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2022

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2022

Northern California Super Lawyers, FindLaw - Thompson Reuters

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2021

Northern California Super Lawyers, Find Law - Thompson Reuters

2021

Northern California Super Lawyers, FindLaw - Thompson Reuters

2021

Client Champion - Silver, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2020, Avvo

2019

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2019, Avvo

2018

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2018, Avvo

2017

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2017, Avvo

2017

Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2017

Esteemed Lawyers of America, Esteemed Lawyers of America

2017

10 Best Attorneys, American Institution of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2015

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2015

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce, Avvo

2012

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Divorce 2012, Avvo

2001

Top of the Class Awards in Contracts, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Graduated Summa Cum Laude (top 2%), Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Dean's List 2001, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Criminal Procedure, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Dispute Resolution, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Wills and Trusts, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Commercial Transactions, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2001

Top of the Class Award in Torts, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2000

Pro Bono Service Award, Santa Clara University, School of Law

2000

Dean's List 2000, Santa Clara University, School of Law

1999

Pro Bono Service Award, Santa Clara University, School of Law

1999

Dean's List 1999, Santa Clara University, School of Law

1998

Graduated Magna Cum Laude in Accounting (top 5%), Santa Clara University

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Partner, Hoover Krepelka, LLP

Associations

2015 - Present

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of California

Certified Family Law Specialist

2012 - Present

ProVisors

Member

2007 - Present

Silicon Valley Capital Club

Member

2001 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar

Member

2007 - 2014

Network Today

Member since 2007, President 2009 and 2011

Sample of Legal Cases

Confidential

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Santa Clara University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Santa Clara University

1998

Santa Clara University

Speaking Engagements

2013

Santa Clara University

Legal Careers in Family Law

Publications

2023

2023

Hoover Krepelka, LLP - Blog Job Loss in a Divorce

2016

LinkedIn; HK Blog Legalization of marijuana: will it affect child custody cases, and how?

2015

Languages

English

Spanish

Mandarin

French

Czech

Russian

Vietnamese

Farsi

Cantonese

Romanian

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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