Yanez & Associates Divorce & Family Law Attorneys

I called to make a consultation appointment for pre-existing case that's been in place for years. I was placed on hold to see if an attorney was available, so Mr. Yanez greeted me. I had explained my current orders and advised him of the change of circumstances that had occurred. Mr. Yanez broke it down to me in layman's terms and advised how I can accomplish without hiring an attorney. The fact he took the time to hear me out and offered his professional advice, which is in my favor, is greatly appreciated. Definitely locking phone number just in case.

*** STAY AWAY *** The lawyer was good at promising but when it came down to actual work, they charged a lot and did very little. In two months, heard from lawyer 3 times despite me sending several emails and one of those times was because she didn't read her email. The lack of response drove me to ask if she was still employed by firm. You don't need to pay high prices for this type of service. There are plenty out there who charge much less per hour and are more responsive and offer better service. Don't make the same mistake and find out thousands later. They lock you in with a retainer that they blow through very quickly then keep asking for more. I would understand if there was work to justify the expense - again, I hardly heard from Beatriz and delivered everything asked but she must've been thinking about my case a lot during vacation!

If you even get Beatriz (Betty) Serrate, just hang up. You won't hear from her much but she'll continue to ask you to replenish retainer.
Hoping enough people will speak up so potential clients realize what a ripoff this place is.

Sean Yanez helped me with a legal name change. I tried to do it myself and it became too complicated for me to deal with the city court documents and County of Orange court procedure. Sean did it all for me seamlessly.
I appreciate the service.

I normally don't write reviews. But I was impressed from day 0. My complementary consultation started with Sean Yanez telling me everything about the case. He had already looked everything up, and already had a plan that he would implement if I wanted to proceed. There was no pressure, and I actually didn't end up hiring him until several months after. He picked up exactly where we left off, and knew what I had accomplished on my own in the mean time. He was extremely professional, yet personable at the same time. I am the kind of guy that likes to speak my mind, and don't like having to dance around, making sure I don't step on any toes. Sean had no problem with me, and was able to adapt to my communication style. He also really values time. Both yours and his. On the phone, in person, through email, he never wasted my time, and always added value to the conversation. He never lied to me, and was prompt with all communication. Speaking of prompt, Laura Ramos was absolutely fantastic! She does all the behind the scenes work in the office, and was always available right when I needed her. The team really works cohesively, and they all had only 1 objective. Taking care of me. I would absolutely recommend Yanez and Associates to anyone, and am so glad that I hired them. I have never needed legal services before, and they really changed my opinion on lawyers in general. Hopefully I never get divorced again, but at least I know a good lawyer if I do.

I wanted help to gain custody of my daughter and Yanez and associates basically failed me. I paid thousands just to get a bad deal ending in me paying huge child support and only being able to see my daughter 3% of the time!!! How is that even somewhat acceptable. My new lawyer explained to me how I was misrepresented by my lawyer Patricia Santamaria. She was in hind sight a new and inexperienced lawyer with no clue how to represent a father or see a father's point of view. Maybe she's good for the mother's out there ...good luck. Now, I need to pay thousands more to "undo" the damage caused by Yanez and associates. If I could give less than one star, I would.

My consultation was with Scott Yanez. In a nutshell, as per Scott, Judge De La Cruz lacks empathy which left Scott on the fence weather to take on my case. He also informed me that I'm too emotional for the court room. I already know this. I tried to represent myself throughout my case because I couldn't afford representation. But now that I can afford a lawyer, I can't find a lawyer willing to listen to me or in this case go up against Judge De La Cruz.

***In response to Sean***

No, you failed to ask what my overall goal was and failed to further question my situation. You assessed my case based on a single document YOUR receptionist asked me to email. When your receptionist called to inform me you were running late, I offered the. to email additional case related documents, to which I was informed not necessary. In our conversation any time I began to explain my side or detail of my case you'd interrupt with an assumptive response. Just like in your response to my review you assumed I ended the conversation because I wasn't hearing what I wanted. I hung up because you started to criticize me for being emotional. Blaming me for your lack of interview skills and professionalism is a sad reflection on your work ethic.

Also, I did find a lawyer who listened, asked questions, was able to asses that I do have a case and now represents me.

Ms. Yanez

I reviewed your billing and it is hard to believe your office did $1,900 worth of work on my case. After what I experienced you don't deserve one cent in my eyes.

On top of the horrible service you provided you did nothing but speak rudely and make false promises, you however sure did take money from me with a smile.

For the TRO you did nothing but copy and paste from one of your others clients declaration using the wrong name and wrong children's name on my response to an ex parte. What an embarrassment. How could you keep money from a client after your sloppy 5 minutes worth of work.

To top it off after I lost my daughter whom I love and have had with me for ten years you didn't even want to talk to me. You brushed me off.

After being arrested myself and my daughter came to you in desperation for help and you destroyed our lives because you simply don't care. How you were named attorney of the year baffles me.

I will assure you that I will pursue legal action against your firm for gross misrepresentation.

I will assure through social media I stop other from using your firm and most importantly contact the Hispanic Board Association and share my experience.

From a proud professional Latino you are truly a disgrace to all professional Latino Women.

I'm a very satisfied client. Atty Sean Yanez thank you for taking my case without any hesitation and the most favorable charge retainer fee within OC. And to Atty Patricia Santamaria thank you so much for helping and guiding me throughout the process with my divorce and custody case. I was amazed for the quick and smooth proceedings. Thank you very much.

I'm giving my review five stars because I literally did nothing and a lot was done for me. I just sat back and lived life while my work was handled for me. I paid my fees and my attorney got to work in a timely manner. Yes, the process for my situation is lengthy, however, my attorney did all the work for me, I didn't have to do anything. That was my piece of mind. I was updated on everything , sent copies, emailed. Great service from my attorney. Big shout out to my Sean Yanez. Very helpful, kind, and eager to help. Thank you so much Attorney Sean!

A little of our story,
My Husband and I hired on Mr Yanez & Associates to help us with a move away case from CA to CO for my step son who had primarily lived with us since he was 5 yrs old (he's 11 now). His birth mother believed that with us moving away she should now have her turn in raising him and attempted to change the custody agreement. We were worried we'd lose the case and our son would have to stay behind and not be able to continue to grow up with his brothers since "courts tend to sway with the biological mothers" or so they say.
My husband and I were fortunate enough to have had met with Sean in person a few years prior and were able to get a feel for how we'd hope he'd handle our case. And thankfully we were right. Even with all the Covid 19 obstacles he did not falter. We wanted someone who would listen to our concerns, someone who would answer our questions (and trust me we had a lot!) but not just with what we wanted to hear but with facts, with honesty and sincerity even if it wasn't the answer we wanted. We wanted someone who knew the ins and outs of the court system and how it all worked and would give us their honest opinion. He was always was a step and ahead and very strategic. He gave us play by play and being in a situation where the end result could possibly be loosing your child, having someone like Sean who was literally there fighting with us made all the difference.
Mr Yanez & Associates were always extremely timely with getting back to us quickly, we never felt out of the loop, we never felt as if we were in limbo waiting on responses or answers or what our next step should be. Their professionalism and knowledge in my opinion is bar none.
The end result is we now live in CO with my stepson, and thanks to Mr. Yanez & Associates, my husband and I can continue to watch our boys grow up together.
If you're looking for an attorney for your case. Look no further!!
Sincerely,
a Wife & Boy Mom of 3