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

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

Does John offer a free consultation?

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

Can John take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?

John 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 — John 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 John?

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

Is John accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

John Edward Harding, Child Custody Attorney in Walnut Creek, California

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews

MemberatHarding & Associates

Walnut Creek, CA

Practicing child custody in Walnut Creek since 1989.

37+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 18 client reviews
6: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Family Law General Paternity Real Estate

Are you John Edward Harding?

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

John Edward Harding is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. John has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harding & Associates. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.

Based in: Walnut Creek, CA
Experience: over 37 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Family Law

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law matters from Walnut Creek, CA.
Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

John's practice areas in Walnut Creek

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

Child Custody cases in Walnut Creek, California

John takes child custody matters in Walnut Creek, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Walnut Creek, California

John takes divorce matters in Walnut Creek, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Walnut Creek, California

John takes family law matters in Walnut Creek, 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 John agrees to represent you.

General cases in Walnut Creek, California

John takes general matters in Walnut Creek, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Paternity cases in Walnut Creek, California

John takes paternity matters in Walnut Creek, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Biography

John Edward Harding, child custody attorney serving Walnut Creek

John Edward Harding is a lawyer practicing divorce, post-divorce, parenting time and 4 other areas of law. John Edward received a B.A. degree from St. Mary's College in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. John Edward practices at Harding & Associates in Walnut Creek, CA and 1 other location.

Working with John on a child custody matter

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and family law matters in Walnut Creek and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where John studied and practices

Golden Gate University
J.D. · 1989
St. Mary's College
B.A. Communications · 1986

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
Wyoming
1996 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1991 · ACTIVE
California
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1989 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Golden Gate University and B.A. Communications in St. Mary's College.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Golden Gate University and B.A. Communications in St. Mary's College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

John's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

John Edward Harding's office in Walnut Creek

John's primary office is at 1255 Treat Blvd., Ste. 3300, Walnut Creek, CA, 94597. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Harding & Associates

1255 Treat Blvd., Ste. 3300

Walnut Creek, CA 94597

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John Edward Harding — 5.0/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews

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

5.0

18 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Edward Harding claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Edward Harding — 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 John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Walnut Creek, 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 John

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

Payment methods and payment plans

John'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 John Edward Harding

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

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