Overall Rating
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5.0 /5.0

116 Client Reviews

Avvo

4.9

(108)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(8 )

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Divorce & Separation (54) Family (40) Child Custody (27) Child Support (9) Lawsuits & Disputes (9) Domestic Violence (6) Litigation (4) Mediation (4) Marriage & Prenuptials (3) Alimony (2) Contracts & Agreements (2) Estate Planning (2) Guardianship (2) Child Abuse (1) Trusts (1)
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (61) Recommendation (54) Case Results (50) Professionalism (47) Practice Area Knowledge (43) Communication Style (33) Character & Conduct (32) Compassion (32) General Knowledge (32) Responsiveness (24) Trustworthiness (24) Cost of Services (21) Staff & Support (17) Free Consultations (6) Punctuality (5)

Showing 16 - 20 of 21 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by Glee | March 11, 2011

Grateful every day that I found James Hoover

I was distressed to see such a negative review for Mr. Hoover. My experience was so very positive. On the occasion of the most painful and difficult crisis of my life I am so very, very grateful to have found James Hoover and his fine staff. I was referred to Mr. Hoover by a well respected and sea...soned Palo Alto attorney who wanted to put me in ‘good and competent’ hands. My first conference with Mr. Hoover was free and he described to me succinctly, but in detail, what I could expect in terms of the law and legal fees. Initially I contacted Mr. Hoover and his associate frequently to ‘cry on a shoulder’, and was advised with great courtesy, in the interest of keeping my legal fees as minimal as possible, to consider limiting contact to specific legal issues that required my input or decisions as they arose. Good advice indeed. I had been threatened with torture and death. Mr. Hoover obtained a restraining order on my behalf so quickly. In court, opposing counsel called me names, cast aspersions on my character and shouted down the judge. It was horrible. Mr. Hoover asked me how I wanted him to behave in response. I asked that he not resort to such dreadful behavior and that we conduct ourselves as Gentleman and Lady. All through an entire court appearance Mr. Hoover stood up between me and opposing council as we sat facing the judge from our separate tables, forming a barrier between the finger pointing, gesturing, shouting and name calling attorney and me. Mr. Hoover was calm and rational in response to the tirades of opposing counsel; totally unflappable. His presentations to the Judge in rebuttal and on my behalf were calm and to the point with no disrespect directed to opposing counsel’s client. At a time when I felt so threatened, so vulnerable, Mr. Hoover made me feel safe and protected. He held up my dignity during a humiliating time. I will never, ever forget that day and that gesture. Over the course of my case Mr. Hoover brought several specialized consultants onto our team. Each brought so much value to the process and their efforts resulted in real emotional and financial benefit to me. They were not cheap, but without their expert research and testimony I would have been left with nothing from my 20 year marriage. Things didn’t always go my way, but Mr. Hoover never painted me the picture of the outcome I most desired. He told me the facts about the law, the Judge and the process. In the end what Mr. Hoover accomplished on my behalf exceeded my expectations. In all things he was honest, fair dealing and a gentleman. I came away from this most horrible of situations with financial and emotional assets I never expected. If you want to know what kind of an attorney James Hoover is, ask me. I’d love to tell you all about it. Glee Bella Rosa Wilder

Posted by Barbara E | March 11, 2011

current client

When I found myself in need of a family law attorney, I sought referrals from many friends, several of whom worked in law firms themselves. I received recommendations to several family law attorneys; however four referrals, three from other attorneys, were to Jim Hoover, at Hoover & Bechtel. After ...interviewing three of the recommended attorneys, I chose Jim Hoover to be the best fit for my counsel. I found him to be receptive and interested in my unique situation, as well as extremely knowledgeable in family law. I wasn't looking for a warm and fuzzy person, but a strong lawyer who could take command of my case and handle the anticipated bumps and hurdles. He has done this just as I had asked him to, but has also served as a patient and compassionate listener. He is very responsive both via phone contact and via email. He is prompt in getting out our motions and letters and in answering any questions I have. He has proven to have many resources available to him and various contacts outside the family law area with whom he can consult to help with my case. He has even made calls to colleagues while I am in the office, so we can get our questions answered without delay. He was upfront and frank about his fees, and has always been cognizant of his time and our expenses, sometimes suggesting alternate ways to do things to save cost. I very much appreciate this approach. While dealing with family law issues can be frustrating and emotional, I have been extremely pleased with my selection of Jim to be my attorney. I recommend him highly to anyone in need of a family law attorney who wants to get the job done, or just someone to consult with about such matters.

Posted by Randy | March 10, 2011

Great Results

Unfortunately in today’s world divorce and child custody issues are with us. We were unfortunate to have a Grandson who‘s Mother decided withholding visitation was ok. My Son and I went in for an initial consultation with Jim. He was very upfront about his fees and explained the issues and road ...blocks we would encounter in resolving the issues. The procedure went the way Jim said it would and I would recommend him to anyone that is going through a divorce or having child custody/support issues. I was also surprised when using his name with other attorneys how well they regarded him after dealing with him from the opposing side.

Posted by JillMarie | March 10, 2011

I cant believe this is the same man that I' ve referred several times and will again.

What I received from J im Hoover was excellence. I had a guardianship case. He not only was knowledgeable and experienced but he took what I would consider extra time and educated me on a couple things. I was never kept waiting or stood up (you hear of this happening all the time) without the extra ...charge. It pleases me to know such a lawyer and love referring him to friends.

Posted by Ian | June 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Nightmare experience

A friend said she had heard that this firm was ok so I met with Mr. Hoover and his associate Ben and they told me my divorce should be simple and cost me around $5000. 19 months later and $20000 paid I finally had enough after I was again asked a question I had answered at least twice before and I kn...ew I would be billed if I answered it again in an email. They quite simply do not care and if you complain they either blame the opposing attorney without suggesting an alternative or mostly ignore you. If you complain about the constant requests for further advances they have their office manager threaten to drop your case obviously to intimidate you especially if you don't understand the ridiculous divorce process in America. They are even giving my new lawyer a hard time about obtaining my file and no doubt they will bill me for their unhelpfulness. Stay away from this firm as all they want is your money. My church has a number of attorneys all have now told me they would never recommend this firm I just wish they had told me sooner. My friend is also upset because she feels responsible for my ordeal I told her not to worry I've worked with criminals and con artists for most of my adult life I should have got rid of this firm when they used up the first advance so fast and asked for another I was too trusting and have paid the price please don't allow yourselves to trust this firm.

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