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

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

Does H. offer a free consultation?

H. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain H.'s office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check H.'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. H. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

H. 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 — H. 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 H.?

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. H. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is H. accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

H. Nathan James, Child Custody Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 4.6/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

MemberatSeifer, Murken, Despina, James & Teichman, ALC

San Francisco, CA

Practicing child custody in San Francisco since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 5 client reviews
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Entertainment Family Law Litigation +1 more →

Are you H. Nathan James?

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

H. Nathan James is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. H. has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Seifer, Murken, Despina, James & Teichman, ALC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

H.'s practice areas in San Francisco

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

Child Custody cases in San Francisco, California

H. 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 H. agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in San Francisco, California

H. 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 H. agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Francisco, California

H. 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 H. agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California

H. takes entertainment 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 H. agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in San Francisco, California

H. 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 H. agrees to represent you.

Biography

H. Nathan James, child custody attorney serving San Francisco

H. Nathan James practices at Seifer, Murken, Despina, James & Teichman, ALC

Read Full Bio

H.'s approach to child custody cases

H. Nathan James practices at Seifer, Murken, Despina, James & Teichman, ALC Read Full Bio

The kind of cases H. takes

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

Credentials

Credentials — where H. studied and practices

Lincoln University, San Francisco
J.D. · 1980
University of Nevada, Reno
B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

H.'s state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
California
1981 · ACTIVE

H. studied at J.D. in Lincoln University, San Francisco and B.A. in University of Nevada, Reno.

Law school and academic background

H. completed J.D. in Lincoln University, San Francisco and B.A. in University of Nevada, Reno. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice H. runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

H.'s legal honors and published work

H. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

H. Nathan James's office in San Francisco

H.'s primary office is at 2135 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA, 94123. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Seifer, Murken, Despina, James & Teichman, ALC

2135 Lombard Street

San Francisco, CA 94123

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Client feedback

Client reviews of H. Nathan James — 4.6/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of H.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in San Francisco.

4.6

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once H. Nathan James claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire H. Nathan James — 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 H. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

H. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain H.'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; H. 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 H.

H. 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. H. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

H.'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 H. Nathan James

How much does it cost to hire H. for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. H. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does H. offer a free consultation?
H. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain H.'s office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check H.'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. H. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can H. take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
H. 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 — H. 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 H.?
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. H. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is H. accepting new child custody clients right now?
H.'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

H. 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 H.'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.