Fernandez & Karney Reviews

Simply amazing family law attorneys! You can t beat a free consultation in Los Angeles!

I was a client of Fernandez & Karney, whom worked tirelessly to settle my case. Please be aware that divorce brings out the worst in people and there are reviews here that are purely acts of revenge (ie, not from actual clients).
I will try to be brief, but know that there's no way I can summarize all the things I'm happy about with regards to this firm!
First, here's my advice on deciding on a family law firm: decide if you need a lot of attention/hand holding or if you're comfortable with a team approach. There are pros/cons to both. F&K is going to be a team approach, you will not deal with just one main attorney and their assistant/associate. But, F&K's team approach is more cost effective and I liked having multiple view points. I think this is where people get confused when dealing with a firm like F&K, you have to be flexible and know your case- no one is going to hold your hand the whole time, but you can choose to spend a lot more money for that kind of assistance. Their approach worked well for me, but might not be for everyone.
Now, here's a little about the specifics of my case. I tried to settle all issues outside of court, but unfortunately my ex was set to fight on every matter. So, I had issues with every aspect of my divorce: support, child custody, division of assets and property, etc. Throughout the entire process, F&K faced much adversity, aggression and gaslighting from my ex. They were always professional, stood their ground, were ready with sound advice and fought very hard for my case. My case was extremely difficult and F&K was a rock of support! In the end, my settlement was good and bad. But this is what to expect when you're dealing with the uncertainty of the legal system- nothing is black and white, you must make concessions in order to move on with your life.

These guys are looking out for only one thing--their own pockets. They cost my ex husband a ton of money, they cost me a ton of aggravation, and because I hired an attorney who was smarter-(Noelle
Halaby-get a consult from her before hiring these schmoes) my ex wound up worse off than if he had stayed true to our mediation agreement. Steven F filled my ex husband's head with visions of making LOTS more money, so got him to hire them. The Only people who made tons of money were attorneys at Fernandez.
Avoid at all costs.
*update: They attempted to remove my review, which I assume they do with all negative reviews Hence the completely un merited score of 4.7 . My BF is a professor of law These guys should be disbarred for serving themselves Not their clients.

I have been to 5 Family Law offices in the past 3 months and I finally found one worth hiring for my legal matter! Class A Atorneys with a star quality staff!

I am very fortunate to have been a client of Fernandez & Karney during my divorce. I was naive in thinking that all law firms behaved in an ethical and professional manner, but what I have found is that Fernandez & Karney is one of the few firms whose moral compass points due north. Everyone at this firm has my best interests at heart and I can't tell you how much that means while going through a process that is so adversarial. Crystal and Stephen have guided and advised but also consulted and included me in each and every decision. It is so nice to have one's voice heard. Importantly, they work very hard to keep my costs down in what is at times a needlessly expensive endeavor. The rest of the team and Fernandez & Karney are equally professional and caring. Every time I call and with each bill I receive I am treated in a kind and courteous manner. Thank you to each and every person at Fernandez & Karney

By far the worst of worst. Both attorneys. Worst experience. Do yourself a favor and find another firm

I was referred to Fernandez and Karney's firm and Mr. Steve Fernandez took my case and after I met with Mr. Fernandez and we spoke for a few times; I decided to give my divorce case to his firm. I am very happy that I did; because from the time that he took my case he handled it very professionally and I was very happy for my divorce settlement case. I was very happy by the results and I will highly recommend him to my friends and family!

Handled my case, even though I didn't have a ton of money. A bit pricey, but accepted payments. They certainly know what they're doing. Paralegal Homar very helpful.

I have worked with Steve Fernandez and Mark Karney for many years. They are both extremely dedicated to their clients and genuinely good people. Thier work ethic and knowledge exceeds any competition. I highly recommend Fernandez and Karney!

There is only one choice in Santa Monica for family law--Fernandez and Karney. When you are experiencing the emotionally draining and financially devastating effects of divorce, this is the firm you want. My previous lawyer had done almost nothing to help me--and didn't even show up to court a few times! Mr. Fernandez is absolutely brilliant and knows the fine points of family law that can checkmate an opponent in court in a matter of minutes. He is also affable and finds the humor in it all--even at the most gut-wrenching moments.
I also appreciated the staff of gifted young lawyers who assist Mr. Fernandez: Jean Kim, Stephen McCall, Alexander Zaytzev, Craig Nadai, and Stacy Bandhold. Last but not least, I am grateful to Roxanne Saint-Marie in the front office, who, with her sensitivity, intelligence, and compassion, always made me feel at home. I don't have enough superlatives for this law firm--they are truly the best!
Laurie M.
Santa Monica

Excellent representation, clear communication, amazing ethics! Mr. Karney and his staff offer the best for your children!

WOW!! WHAT CAN I SAY. THE BEST ATTORNEYS IN SANTA MONICA VERY SKILLED AND WILL ALL THEY CAN TO HELP. CALL THEM NOW!! YOU WONT REGRET IT.

Most of society can go their whole lives without needing an attorney; family matters result in unexpected moments in court and it's in your BEST interest to be thorough in your search for representation. I vetted at least three attorneys and even then hired/fired the first one (different firm). After a bumpy start I struck gold when I had my consult with Steven Fernandez of Fernandez and Karney.

Steven's intricate knowledge of family law and his readiness with solutions gave me a sense of support and protection that you are suppose to feel when hiring an attorney. Steven felt that an attorney on his team, Jean Kim, would be a perfect fit and YES...she was.

Jean Kim is a listener, legal scholar, and court navigator with an amazing ability to activate. Jean is not only super knowledgeable about the infinite avenues/detours of family law; Jean makes it a priority to know the facts and details of your situation like she knows the law. Why is this important? In real-time, court has so many unexpected moments; but with an attorney like Jean...It didn't matter because she was ready to activate and SHE DID! Thank you Jean and thanks Steven for having amazing talent on your team!

And did I mention I live in another state...Jean Kim is awesome!

One word describes this team: PASSION. I recently worked with Steve, Mark, and their team and was blown away by their sincerity and character. My past experience with attorneys was very stuffy, buttoned-up, and business oriented. At Fernandez & Karney they really talk to you as if you were family - on a first name basis.

You can either do business with just any team or you can do business with good hardworking people who take pride in their work. Thank you for all your help!

Fernandez and Karney is a wonderful law firm. They have a wonderful office atmosphere that is relaxing yet formal.

family law is one of the most difficult areas of law. Most attornyes lack the compassion but the entire staff at Fernandez and Karney are warm hearted and understanding!

Went into the Law office of Fernandez & Karney for a consultation with a family member and the quality of service was beyond compare. If you have any questions relating to a family law matter, please call this firm for a free consultation and you wont regret it!

THEY REALLY ARE FABULOUS ATTORNEYS WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR CLIENTS.

I am so glad I found Mark H. Karney and his team!

I was about to hire another lawyer for my divorce and just before I signed that contract I decided to get another opinion and I'm SO glad I did.

After speaking with Mark and his wonderful paralegal Tristina I realized I almost made a huge mistake. I found out because I was married for a short time and we were amicable, we could get a dissolution instead of a divorce. An important distinction the other local law firm didn't tell me - even though they knew all the same details.

This saved me over $4,000.

Mark & Tristina were honest, helpful, and responsive. And they treated my case with care. They answered all my questions, and even went above and beyond in helping me get paperwork I needed when I was purchasing a home.

The genuinely cared about helping me secure my home and I couldn't be more grateful.

Very welcoming and professional. Resolved my matter immediately. Couldn't ask for a better attorney. Thank you Fernandez and Karney Team!

Best attorneys and staff on the westside. If you need a family law attorney call Steve Fernandez. He is a fabulous Lawyer and even a better person.

A friend of mind was going through some tough times and Kelly Fernandez and Karney was recommended. Their professionalism was second to none and most importantly made us felt important and welcomed. Needless to say, everything turned out more than what we had expected in the end.

I cannot say enough great things about Fernandez and Karney. When I was being bullied, in a low and difficult position, Fernandez and Karney provided the legal and emotional support I needed. They got me what I deserved, stood up for my rights, and guided me through the arduous and complex process of divorce. They were thorough, precise, and prompt in all their work. I cannot say how grateful I am. Every single member of the team, in some sort of way, helped me. I have my life back, and, for the the first time in a while, I am happy. If only there were more stars available. Thanks again...

Had a wonderful consultation during an extremely stressful child custody battle. Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Karnes put my mind and heart at rest by giving me details on all of my legal rights. Thank you so much everything is great now!

Steve Fernandez heads a firm of honest professionals. I have had the pleasure and displeasure of dealing with many of the most prominent attorneys in this field. Fraud is real in family courts, finding an attorney who is willing to stand up and fight for you is much less common. Just my experience of course. Let's just say, there is plenty of work in this field, not many attorneys of Stevens caliber are going hungry, therefor and
perhaps, work uh less hard, or, cherry pick cases that keep them in the news. This firm has had its share of cases in the LA Times, but these cases were righteous ones. My observation has been that this firm takes on uphill battles of injustice, from Los Angeles to Monaco which is pretty cool. Side note: If you are a man seeking custody of your young child, you qualify for the uphill battle section of that statement. I would recommend staying out of court, it's a terrible place to be, regardless of your gender, your children will suffer. That said, if you must, Steven and his firm are the best.
In my case, Steve Fernandez has had to put in countless hours of actual work while traveling quite a distance. He has permitted his staff to do the same. This while opposing council is working four cases at a time at his VERY local, VERY friendly to him courthouse, Steven is loosing money just by virtue of being away from LA, sitting in Hemet where he has no other clients, him, his firm, sitting there with me, but we are fighting and slowly winning. Point is, there is much easier money out there for Steven than working my case, but the guy has always done right by me and my daughter as well. Don't confuse being honest with being weak, this firm has been with me every painstaking step of he way, exposing opposing councils every lie and every fraud, this in a court where, let's just say, we are not part of the boys club, being that we have to travel from Los Angeles into a courthouse where I was not welcomed with open arms. I'm going to keep my mouth shut. Being honest has been helpful in our case, I would recommend honesty above fabricating a case, although you will find lawyers offering you just that. Avoid them.
Just know that there is not a more determined, honest, smart, hardworking group of prominent professionals in all of the United States than Steven Fernandez and his firm. You can trust Steven Fernandez and you can trust everyone at his firm and that is RARE. They have not dropped the ball once.

My dear friend recommend this law firm to help me in a legal matter. After my time on the phone with the receptionist I knew this place was first class.

Fernandez and Karney are top notch family law attorneys.

I went with a friend to Fernandez and Karney for a free consultation. She had a serious child custody case and needed advice. The entire staff was highly professional and compassionate to her situation. I highly recommend this firm to those in need of sound advice.

Steven, Crystal and team at Fernandez and Karney: Stephen, Joanna, Stacy, Nicholas, Daniel, Karen, Melanie, Kirk, Jo, Natalie and Roxanne, really pulled through for me.

Prior to retaining Fernandez and Karney, I had another experienced team of family law attorneys and professionals dedicated to my case, and I thank them for their efforts. However, I needed something more to help me reach and cross the finish line, and Fernandez and Karney were just the catalysts that I needed.

Crystal and her team were not afraid to litigate my case and use appropriate measures both inside and outside of court to defend me against the ever-increasing barrage and onslaught of aggressive tactics used by opposing counsel over a span of nearly a year to try to force me to be separated from my children on terms that were highly disadvantageous to me and that did not serve their best interests.

One of the best family law attorneys by far. They are highly knowledgeable professionals, and to say that you will want them to represent your best interests would be an understatement, simply because when it comes to issues of the court... having the best representatives is the key. And to me, choosing the right team starts with with first impressions, which was stellar from the beginning. The lady I spoke to on the phone was extremely helpful, caring, professional, ethical and of course... positive and respectful. She asked me lots of questions and details about the situation. And this is how you know if the place is good, they will ask you many questions because even the smallest detail "you may think" is irrelevant... will come back and bite you during court. So I really appreciated that level of professionalism, which sealed the deal for me. They do offer free, "IN PERSON" consultations, which is where you can decide if this is the right place for you.

Overall, this is a safe place during challenging times!!!