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

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

Does Stuart offer a free consultation?

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

Can Stuart take my case if I'm outside San Jose?

Stuart 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 — Stuart 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 Stuart?

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

Is Stuart accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Stuart Phillip Fishman, Child Custody Attorney in San Jose, California

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 1.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatStuart Phillip Fishman

San Jose, CA

Practicing child custody in San Jose since 1993.

33+: Years practicing
1.0 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

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

Are you Stuart Phillip Fishman?

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

Stuart Phillip Fishman is a member based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. Stuart has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stuart Phillip Fishman. Rated 1.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: San Jose, CA
Experience: over 33 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from San Jose, CA.
Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Stuart takes on

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

Child Custody cases in San Jose, California

Stuart takes child custody matters in San Jose, 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 Stuart agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in San Jose, California

Stuart takes child support matters in San Jose, 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 Stuart agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in San Jose, California

Stuart takes criminal defense matters in San Jose, 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 Stuart agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Jose, California

Stuart takes divorce matters in San Jose, 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 Stuart agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in San Jose, California

Stuart takes dv defense matters in San Jose, 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 Stuart agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Stuart Phillip Fishman — child custody lawyer in San Jose

Stuart Phillip Fishman is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, domestic violence, family law and 6 other areas of law. Stuart has been licensed for 33 years. Stuart practices at Stuart Phillip Fishman in San Jose, CA.

Working with Stuart on a child custody matter

Clients Stuart works with

Stuart reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Santa Clara University
J.D. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Stuart's state bar admissions

California
1993 · ACTIVE

Stuart studied at J.D. in Santa Clara University.

Law school and academic background

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

Locations

Stuart Phillip Fishman's office in San Jose

Stuart's primary office is at 151 West St. James Street, San Jose, CA, 95110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stuart Phillip Fishman

151 West St. James Street

San Jose, CA 95110

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stuart Phillip Fishman — 1.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

1.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stuart Phillip Fishman claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stuart Phillip Fishman — 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 Stuart usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in San Jose, 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 Stuart

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Stuart'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 Stuart Phillip Fishman

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

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