Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Family Law & Landlord/Tenant Attorney in Aptos, CA
The Law Office of Darlene R Kemp has provided dedicated legal representation in family law and landlord/tenant matters since 2000. With over two decades of experience in both criminal and civil litigation, including five years with the Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office, Darlene brings proven expertise in resolving complex legal disputes. Our practice emphasizes personalized service, combining compassionate client support with rigorous advocacy in court proceedings.We serve clients across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and the greater Bay Area, maintaining strong community ties through volunteer work and educational outreach. Our track record includes successful mediation and trial outcomes, supported by specialized knowledge in child custody, spousal support, property management, and unlawful detainer cases.
Services
Family Law
Landlord/Tenant Law
Legal Consultation
Mediation Services
Court Representation
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 20+ years handling complex family law and landlord/tenant cases
- Proven trial success with personalized client communication
- Former Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office investigator
- Recognized Attorney of the Month by Santa Cruz Bar Association
- Active community educator through Elementary Law Program
Associations and certifications
- California Bar Association
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California
What people say
Compassionate and caring
Excellent negotiating skills
Highly recommend
Prepared and knowledgeable
Quick and efficient
Services
Family Law
Comprehensive family law representation including divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and spousal support negotiations. We guide clients through complex legal processes while prioritizing children's best interests. Our services cover premarital agreements, paternity cases, and domestic violence protection orders.
Landlord/Tenant Law
Specialized landlord/tenant legal services including unlawful detainer proceedings, security deposit disputes, and lease agreement enforcement. We assist property managers with eviction processes and money judgment collections while ensuring compliance with California's evolving housing regulations.
Legal Consultation
Personalized legal consultations for family law and property management issues. We provide cost-effective strategy sessions using Dissomaster software for child support calculations and case outcome projections. Services include document review and litigation risk assessment.
Mediation Services
Alternative dispute resolution for family law matters through structured mediation. We facilitate negotiated settlements for divorce terms, custody arrangements, and property division while maintaining client confidentiality and minimizing adversarial proceedings.
Court Representation
Experienced courtroom representation for family law trials and landlord/tenant disputes. Our services include evidence preparation, witness examination, and strategic argumentation. We maintain strong familiarity with Santa Cruz County court procedures and local judicial expectations.
People
Darlene R Kemp
Attorney
Admitted to California Bar since 2000 with 20+ years of litigation experience. Former Santa Cruz District Attorney investigator and recognized Attorney of the Month. Specializes in family law and landlord/tenant cases while maintaining active community involvement through legal education programs.
Questions
How is child support calculated in California?
California uses a formula considering both parents' income, custody time shares, and tax status. We use Dissomaster software to provide accurate calculations during consultations.
Can teenagers decide their custody arrangement?
Courts consider children's preferences as one factor among many, but no specific age grants sole decision-making authority regarding custody arrangements.
What's the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody involves decision-making authority for education/health/welfare, while physical custody determines where the child primarily resides. Both can be sole or joint arrangements.
Can landlords change locks during tenant disputes?
No, self-help evictions are illegal. Landlords must use formal court procedures for lock changes or utility modifications during tenant disputes.
How quickly can eviction proceedings start?
Unlawful detainer cases require immediate action. We initiate formal notices and court filings promptly to address non-payment or lease violations.
Do you handle property management legal issues?
Yes, we represent property management companies in eviction proceedings, lease enforcement, and security deposit disputes across Central California.
