How much does it cost to hire Ernest for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ernest walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Ernest offer a free consultation?

Ernest charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Ernest's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in California typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ernest gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ernest take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

Ernest is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ernest will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Ernest?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ernest will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Ernest accepting new child custody clients right now?

Ernest's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ernest Baello, Child Custody Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 17 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

PartneratMoradi Neufer

San Francisco, CA

Practicing child custody in San Francisco since 2009.

17+: Years practicing
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law General +1 more →

Are you Ernest Baello?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Ernest Baello is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Ernest has over 17 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Moradi Neufer.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 17 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 17 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Ernest Baello

Ernest concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, dv defense, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ernest handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in San Francisco, California

Ernest takes child custody matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in San Francisco, California

Ernest takes child support matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Francisco, California

Ernest takes divorce matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in San Francisco, California

Ernest takes dv defense matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in San Francisco, California

Ernest takes family law matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ernest agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Ernest Baello — Over 17 years of California child custody experience

Ernest Baello is a lawyer practicing family law, uncontested divorce, divorce & separation and 5 other areas of law. Ernest has been licensed for 17 years. Ernest practices at Moradi Neufer in San Francisco, CA.

Working with Ernest on a child custody matter

Clients Ernest works with

Ernest reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Ernest Baello's legal education and bar admissions

Hofstra University School of Law
J.D. · 2008

Jurisdictions

Ernest's state bar admissions

California
2015 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2013 · ACTIVE
New York
2009 · ACTIVE

Ernest studied at J.D. in Hofstra University School of Law.

Law school and academic background

Ernest completed J.D. in Hofstra University School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ernest runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Ernest Baello's office in San Francisco

Ernest's primary office is at 50 California Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Moradi Neufer

50 California Street, Suite 1500

San Francisco, CA 94111

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Ernest Baello

Ernest has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Ernest Baello — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ernest usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Ernest charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ernest will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ernest

Ernest discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ernest confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ernest's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ernest Baello

How much does it cost to hire Ernest for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ernest walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ernest offer a free consultation?
Ernest charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernest's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Ernest's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in California typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ernest gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ernest take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Ernest is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ernest will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ernest?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ernest will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ernest accepting new child custody clients right now?
Ernest's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Ernest handles child custody matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Ernest's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.