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

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

Does Peter offer a free consultation?

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

Can Peter take my case if I'm outside San Mateo?

Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?

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

Is Peter accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Peter Whitney Daniel, Child Custody Attorney in San Mateo, California

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 4.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

AssociateatViola Law Firm, P.C.

San Mateo, CA

Practicing child custody in San Mateo since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
4.0 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law General +3 more →

Are you Peter Whitney Daniel?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Peter Whitney Daniel is an associate based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Peter has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Viola Law Firm, P.C.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: San Mateo, CA
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from San Mateo, CA.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Peter Whitney Daniel

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

Child Custody cases in San Mateo, California

Peter takes child custody matters in San Mateo, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in San Mateo, California

Peter takes child support matters in San Mateo, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Mateo, California

Peter takes divorce matters in San Mateo, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in San Mateo, California

Peter takes dv defense matters in San Mateo, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in San Mateo, California

Peter takes family law matters in San Mateo, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Peter Whitney Daniel — Over 31 years of California child custody experience

Peter Whitney Daniel is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, family law, child custody and 9 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Peter practices at Viola Law Firm, P.C. in San Mateo, CA.

How Peter handles child custody matters

The kind of cases Peter takes

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

Credentials

Peter Whitney Daniel's legal education and bar admissions

Golden Gate University School of Law
J.D. · 1995
University of California at Berkeley
B.A. History · 1992

Jurisdictions

Peter's state bar admissions

California
1995 · ACTIVE

Peter studied at J.D. in Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. History in University of California at Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Peter completed J.D. in Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. History in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Peter Whitney Daniel

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Peter's professional memberships and bar associations

San Mateo County Bar Association, MemberAmerican Bar Association, Member
membership

Locations

Peter Whitney Daniel's office in San Mateo

Peter's primary office is at 441 First Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Viola Law Firm, P.C.

441 First Ave.

San Mateo, CA 94401

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Whitney Daniel — 4.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

4.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter Whitney Daniel claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Whitney Daniel — 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 Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in San Mateo, 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 Peter

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Whitney Daniel

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

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