Family & Children's Law Center - San Rafael, California

Elizabeth Lopez

After paying for a consultation with Virginia B she led me to believe they could help me with modifying a custody order. They quoted me and scheduled me for a two hour session. During my visit Virgina was very unprofessional, she wrote my rate incorrectly and charged me an additional amount. After that interaction she was passive aggressive towards me and It almost got to the point I wanted to walk out! Then her demeanor changed, she was acting all nice and calm when she saw I was sticking up for my self.

I finished my session 45mins early and was told they will serve and file as a curtesy. I believe in Virginia, because a week later I received an email from Marin County Clerk about family mediation. I then left a voicemail about mediation preparation. No response from Family & Children's Law Center. I showed up to my mediation and I was told it needed to be rescheduled because the other party wasn’t served. I tried for a whole week to get a hold of Family & Children's Law Center but no response and the office had a posted outdated sign they were closed. Finally, I went to the court house to pick up copies myself.

I realized that Family & Children's Law Center filed one whole week after my session. I was upset and sent an email about my concerns . Virginia then called me and tried to blame the court house for the delay, which is inaccurate. Then she said they could no longer help me. I told her that I got notified about mediation instantly after Family & Children's Law Center went to file for me but she did not care. I know that When you file you get the forms back that same day! So I don’t know what the mysterious delay was.

These are very important matters, that I trusted in family and children’s law center. This was a misleading interaction. After spending hundreds of dollars I would not recommend you to Family & Children's Law Center. Virginia and this place is awful and will steal your money !

g d

I have been a client since 2016- 2024. I have a very difficult ongoing case and I have reviewed past lawyers in this office and they have been very supportive emotionally as well as professionally. Currently I am working with Virginia Millacci and Roxana Ayala and they go above and beyond with hours they work and professionalism. Everyone that works in the front desk is always very good at call backs and sending reminders. The lawyers have helped me understand the way things go legally and I’m very great full for all of there help. I’m glad and thankful that this organization exits.

Jes C

2nd time in to request a restraining order. Abby was very unprofessional, accusing me of lying and being paranoid. Not helpful. Now I spoke to Virginia. She was wearing a zipper sweater, hair was a mess and told me I had a complicated case. Get to know us before judging our case. She accused me of looking at her computer screen, she didn't trust me and wasn't able to help my case although it's been recommended that I get a restraining order from multiple people. This is the 2nd person who doesn't have to make me seem like I'm an idiot. It's not an easy process to go into an office and tell them your experience when you're still in a traumatic situation. Have compassion. She wasn't sure if I could sign the paper because I got emotional for a min, when I told her I was fine and I stopped crying, she gave me a judgmental look over and over. I asked her if we were done because there was tension and judgement from her. She said she wasn't judging me however actions speak louder. She didn't smile, treated me like I was inadequate and questioned my situation with showing no concern. She could've said, I'm sorry you're going through this I hope things get better, something. She doesn't have to believe me just support. I told her I wish she was there for the last 40 years I've been assaulted, abused and see that I'm a good person with a good heart who doesn't deserve to be treated bad. She shouldn't treat me like a little kid or like a criminal in her office. Please stop power tripping. Treat everyone equal. Please show compassion towards all esp if they're currently in an abusive situation. I regret coming in again to have them make me feel worse. They don't know anything good about me, that I help and heal this community. She judged my report on screen and looked at me like she wanted to fight. Her demeanor was aggressive and very condescending. I apologize for anyone these attorneys put down with their smart remarks and tone of voice. She never raised her voice however she still made me cry for not trying to understand where I was coming from and was speaking slowly like she was trying not to rage. She contradicted everything I said. Where are the compassionate attorneys in the area? We're really suffering. Family and children's law center acts as if you don't matter and your situation is irrelevant. They treated me like another number as if they're only there for a paycheck. Please stop judging certain people. The award on the wall means nothing. They really need to humble themselves. We've already been through enough. Judging me with her eyes was not helpful. Abby and Virginia are very rude. Instead of someone putting them in their place to correct them or lose their license on how they treat people, this county will give them a promotion or a raise instead. Certificate for 40hrs on domestic violence? What did you learn? To profile and treat the victims like criminals. This office is disturbing, they know it and don't care. This office should be closed. I know I'm not the only one. They hurt a lot of people and get away with it. They could've at least offered a letter for my abuser to have no contact, something. They didn't offer any alternatives. Just look at me like a stupid woman. If you really need assistance, go outside of Marin. This office doesn't help or care that you're in a crisis situation. Stay away from this office.

Jen R

Abby was a fantastic attorney to work with, family law is usually unpleasant, but Abby made it easy to understand and get through. She helped me re-gain most of the custody for my twins; I was nervous to go back to court for this, but she gave me confidence, and we were able to get almost everything we requested. For any family law-related needs, Abby is definitely someone you want to represent you!
The sliding scale fee structure also made it possible for me to have representation. Most of the attorneys I contacted required a large retainer which I could not afford, and I had no idea how to go about changing my custody order, so I thought I had to live with it and save money to hire an attorney. I wish I found Children and Family Law Center sooner.

Rachael Byrnes

Even before the pandemic the phones were rarely answered and voicemails were not returned in a timely fashion. Front office staff seems to be MIA. The new intake process is extremely difficult to navigate and very confusing considering past clients have to do a new intake if they have not been seen in the past 90 days. They will literally ask you your name address and phone number and date of birth as if they don’t already have all of this information. My divorce took three years to finalize. despite being out of work with no income I was not given any sliding scale discount. I felt my family case was not treated as a priority and my ex spouse was given far too much leniency when it came to deadlines and turning in paperwork. Issues were left unresolved and I am left very dissatisfied with the services I received. I would not recommend them to anyone if you’re matter is urgent. The old saying you get what you pay for is evident here.

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The staff treats clients terribly and takes advantage of the vulnerable state you are in while going through a divorce. The office manager is a nightmare and talks to people like a piece of trash. It's sad that a place that is supposed to help those in their time of need seems to care so little! I have an ex who is abusive yet the attorney here acted as though she didn't care one bit. Good luck getting a call or an email back even when promised. And there were so many times we'd agree on terms only later to be told that the attorney never agreed or didn't recall saying it- and this is your own attorney! This place will make you question everything you think you know about integrity and honor.
The staff will treat you like dirt and they really don't care about your case or in doing what's right. In my case, it was pretty obvious what was right: abusive ex, hiding money, etc... yet the Family and Children's Law Center couldn't care less.
I ended up feeling completely alone and left in the dark. I paid for a service yet it felt as though this place was the enemy! They didn't care about doing the right thing for my children or me. I haven't cried this much in a very long time!!!
Think twice before you throw your money away!!! You're better off representing yourself- at least you won't be fighting another person. These people are just plain MEAN! I'm heartbroken to be honest.

veronika Karpik

I’ve used their services twice and on both occassions I found the attorney to be sensitive and helpful to my case.
Yes there is a few hours long wait initially, but once your plan is established all future meetings are made by appointment; so no wait!

G H.

When a mother's daughter was being abused, the mother provided evidence and this place blatantly and repeatedly ignored it. Refused to help this parent get a restraining order and were reckless and careless with the advice offered. When the mother mentioned moral turpitude they refused to speak with her again. Rigged and stacked -- this place is a recipient of federal funding but is refusing to follow the laws in place. Therefore, the funding should be cut off to this place and fines and fees should be imposed for dangerous and lawless operation.