Tracy Duell-Cazes

PRO

Tracy Duell-Cazes

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Family Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +2 more

1530 The Alameda, Ste. 308, San Jose, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Tracy

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Alimony 20%

Also known as spousal support in California. Including spousal support contempt of court prosecution and defense

37 years

20%
Child Custody 20%

Including custody contempt of court prosecution and defense

37 years

20%
Child Support 20%

Including support contempt of court prosecution and defense

37 years

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

Including contempt of court prosecution and defense

37 years

20%
Family 20%

Including family law contempt of court prosecution and defense

37 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 550-675 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 1 year

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2024

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 36 years

State: California

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Location

TDC Family Law

1530 The Alameda, Ste. 308, San Jose, CA, 95126

tdcfamilylaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Tracy online.

Tracy Duell-Cazes's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (9)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Joe | September 1, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney...

I was fast approaching a "Contempt" of court accusation and was referred to Ms. Duell-Cazes. I had previously worked with other local attorneys and had minimal results. Tracy took charge and immediately went to work on the issues at hand. With the professionalism of her and the staff she was successf...ul to put the contempt charge away. There remained the matter of final spousal support in which Ms. Duell-Cazes worked diligently and always kept me in the loop of what was going on and what I needed to help support my case. In the end, she was successful in achieving all of the settlement proposals that the opposing party signed off on. In a case that was lingering for years, TDC Law completed this case in less than a years' time. In addition, there were some bumpy roads to navigate in the process, but Tracy and her staff reassured me that we just stay the course, and it would work out in the end. Which of course it did. I cannot thank Tracy and her staff enough for taking this huge burden off my shoulders. Tracy is very good at what she does. She has excellent knowledge of the law, and it gave me confidence that I had hired the right attorney.

Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Knowledge of the law is key

Tracy knows the law, and she knows it inside out. As with any family law case, achieving the desired result is subject to your ability to know your options, the likelihood of success, and a reasonable projection of realistic outcomes. Simply stated, you need someone who is grounded in reality, not... the ideal state that you want. Strong arguments absent a strong legal foundation get you nowhere. This is where Tracy shines. Her years of experience and the ability to work through strategies and scenarios with a strong legal footing was instrumental in my case.

Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thank you

Tracy inherited a mess, or as she called it a trifecta of a bad judge, bad (prior) attorney, bad order. For years I was frustrated and irritated with her inability to clean it up. She forced me to have patience, which was in short supply, as she bided our time and laid the groundwork. We have had ...plenty of heated words along the way, and I certainly didn't always agree with her. But she listened, I listened, and we found a way. I now have (almost) the outcome I want and for that I am grateful.

Posted by Binny | November 6, 2014

Good Lawyer

I met a lot of lawyers before I met Tracy. My situation was really difficult, she took all the right steps. She gave my case a very good start. She is aggressive when need be, knowledgeable, communicative. She was very fair with her judgement and will give you genuine advice. I had to pull out early ...because I could not afford her legal fees, if you have the money I would not hesitate to hire Tracy.

Posted by Charles | March 11, 2013

Reduce conflict

If you are looking for a bulldog who will take the fight to the other side, who will argue every point and who will tell any lie to get what she wants, Ms Duell-Cazes is not the one for you. If you just want revenge against your ex at any price to yourself and your children, move on to the next lawye...r. On the other hand, if you want a lawyer with a reputation with the judges and with other lawyers for integrity and a willingness to resolve issues fairly, she is the one you need. Ms. Duell-Cazes will give you good advice even if you don't want to hear it. She will work to resolve issues out of court whenever possible. She will try to reduce the scope of the issue and to save money for both parties. She will tell you when you are wrong, but will fight for you when you are right. If there is any possibility of reaching a mutually equitable solution, and if that is what you are after, she is the choice you are looking for. Ms. Duell-Cazes knows her business and has been around for over 20 years. She has earned enough respect to be taken at her word by judges and by other attorneys. I highly recommend Ms Duell-Cazes for divorce or custody cases.

See All Client Reviews

Tracy Duell-Cazes's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Tracy
Nathan S. LaMotte headshot
Nathan LaMotte

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ann Elizabeth Wise headshot
Ann Wise

Family lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tracy is a fantastic attorney - ethical, knowledgeable, and reasonable. She gives her clients good advice and doesn't ramp up the hostility in order to promote litigation. I recommend her without reservation."

Rolf Kruger headshot
Rolf Kruger

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I often recommend contest cases to Tracy. I've worked with her on several high conflict matters. She is highly respected in Santa Clara county and is widely considered the expert on contempt issues in Santa Clara. I never hesitate when I refer a case to Tracy."

John Henry Perrott headshot
John Perrott

Family lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Tracey is a good attorney. I enjoy debating things with her, and respect her knowledge of the law, particularly her understanding of the Contempt process & procedures."

John Noah Kitta headshot
John Kitta

Child custody lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Other

"I endorse Tracy Deull-Cazes. Her crisp, precise answers solve difficult questions. She answers legal questions presented to her and does not leave the reader with the feeling “where is the beef?” Her presentation is direct, to the point, and effective."

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Family lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tracy is a great lawyer, who I would hire myself if need be."

Nancy Lee Bucknell headshot
Nancy Bucknell

Family lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Alexander Yomtov headshot
David Yomtov

Family lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tracy Duell-Cazes is the go-to attorney for defending against accusations of contempt of court."

Andrew Lee Westover headshot
Andrew Westover

Family lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Duell-Cazes is an excellent attorney and is well respected in our community."

Mitchell Todd Ehrlich headshot
Mitchell Ehrlich

Family lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Frederic C. Begun headshot
Frederic Begun

Family lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Tracy since we attended law school at Santa Clara University. While Tracy is experienced in all areas of Family Law and Divorce, she has developed a reputation and expertise in areas of fees and sanctions, contempt and quasi-criminal matters."

Karen Marie Hubbell headshot
Karen Hubbell

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer especially for contempt issues."

Arthur Chih-Yu Lin headshot
Arthur Lin

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I love speaking to Tracy because she knows what she is doing, and she is just so easy to talk to. I hate talking to Tracy as an opposing attorney because she knows what she is doing, and I know I cannot BS my way around her."

Steven R. Pogue headshot
Steven Pogue

Family lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tracy is intelligent, experienced, practical and a person of the highest integrity. She is willing to advise her clients as to what really is best, even if that is not what they might want to hear, rather than simply rubber-stamping. That courage and her impeccable ethics merit for her the highest rating I can give."

Michael R. Flicker headshot
Michael Flicker

Family lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tracy is very knowledgable in all aspects of family law and works hard for her clients."

Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman

Family lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have personally seen her work product. I know her to fight hard for her client's rights. She has a good grasp of the law and is a shrewd negotiator. I would not hesitate to refer client's to her for her help in Family Law Matters."

View All Endorsements
Nancy Lee Bucknell headshot
Nancy Bucknell

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael R. Flicker headshot
Michael Flicker

Family lawyer

Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman

Criminal defense lawyer

Rolf Kruger headshot
Rolf Kruger

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2022

San Jose's Best Divorce Lawyers, Expertise.com

2021

Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Northern California Super Lawyer, California Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, California Super Lawyers

2015

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2002

Certified Family Law Specialist, The California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California

Work Experience

1989 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes

1990 - 1991

Deputy Public Defender, Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office

Associations

2003 - Present

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Member

1997 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee

Member

1997 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

California State Bar Association Family Law Section

Member

2018 - 2018

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair

2017 - 2017

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Vice-Chair

2014 - 2016

LGBT/DP Committee - Santa Clara County Bar Association

Chair

2013 - 2013

Domestic Partners Committee - Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair

2006 - 2019

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2004 - 2009

Legislative Committee -- SCCBA

Chair

1997 - 2000

Criminal Law Executive Committee

Member

Education

1989

Law School: Santa Clara University

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

California State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

1983

De Anza College

AS -- Associate of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

2018 New Legislation ... Being the Year Knowing What is New and Improved

2018 New Legislation ... Being the Year Knowing What is New and Improved

2017

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Attorney's Fees and Sanctions in 2017

2017

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

2017 New Legislation ....Begin the Year Knowing What is New and Improved

2017

San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section

To Be or Not to Be: Is My Order Enforceable by Contempt?

2016

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Sanctions - the Underutilized Code of Civil Procedure Statutes (CCP 128.5 and 128.7)

2016

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Everything You Need to Know About Income & Expense Declarations But Were Afraid to Ask

2016

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Everything You Need to Know About Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure But Were Afraid to Ask

2016

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

2016 New Legislation ... Begin the Year Knowing What is New and Improved

2016

Sacramento County Bar Association

Defending Contempts in Family Law Cases

2015

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

2015 New Legislation....and the Changes Go On

2015

San Francisco County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Contempt -- What the #&** is a PFC and Why Do I Need to Understand It?

2015

Getting In ... Not So Easy Getting Out

Easy Getting In ... Not So Easy Getting Out

2014

Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section brown bag

New Legislation for 2014 ... Not as Bad as Last Year!

2013

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

New Laws and 2013 Rule Changes (aka You Need to Relearn Rule Numbers ... Again)

2013

San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Bringing or Defending a Family Law Contempt Action

2013

Bay Area Legal Aid, Pro Bono Project, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Fenwick & West

Moderator - Judge's Panel: Practice Pointers for Petitioners and Respondents

2012

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Domestic Partner DIssolutions: An Emerging Need For Representation

2012

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

The Contempt Has Been Served ... Now What Do We Do?

2012

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

How to Plead Contempt

2011

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Domestic Partners & Same Sex Marriage: The New Wave

2011

ACFLS Northern California January dinner meeting

Contempt of Court -- What It Is and How To Use It

2009

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Legislative Update

2008

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Attorneys Fees, Costs & Sanctions

2008

Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (California - North chapter)

Attorneys Fees, Costs & Sanctions

2007

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Contempt -- Hammer of Last Resort, Part 1 & 2

2006

National Business Institute

Divorce Law 101

2005

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Legislative Update

2004

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

New Developments in Legislation

2004

NBI Seminar

Child Custody and Visitation in California

2003

NBI Seminar

Child Custody and Visitation in California

2001

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Non-Support Contempt

Publications

2014

Family Law News - California State Bar Family Law Section The Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure - How To Do It Right, Best Practices, and What Happens When It Goes Wrong

2013

TDCFamilylaw.com website Suggestions for Reducing Fees

2012

ACFLS Family Law Specialist Contempt Probation - Part 2. What Do I Do Now That the Contemnor is [Still] Not Complying?

2011

ACFLS Family Law Specialist Contempt Probation - Part 1. What Do I Do Now That I Have the Finding

2010

TDCFamilylaw.com website Discovery Basics

2010

TDCFamilylaw.com website Tips on Testifying

2010

TDCFamilylaw.com website Child Support Contempt and the Moss Case

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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