Client Testimonials

stars icon I will retain his services in the future, if needed, and recommend him without reservation.

“Divorce attorney Mark Karney took over my case with a high level of professionalism and integrity. He explained all the legal aspects in detail and he was up front with me from the beginning about my chances, legal options, time expected, possible outcomes, and legal fees. Mr. Karney was a true professional every step of the way and always responded to all my phone calls in a timely manner and answered all the questions I had. In addition, he was always well prepared and performed extremely well in the courtroom. I will retain his services in the future, if needed, and recommend him without reservation.”

MARTIN MENDIETA
stars icon Crystal is a champion for domestic violence victims

“As a victim of domestic violence, I had lost all hope that my abuser would ever be brought to justice. With such a personal and sensitive matter, I didn’t know who to trust. Crystal not only handled my case with the utmost professionalism and expertise, but was sensitive and encouraging through my emotional breakdowns. I stood silent for so long that my case seemed almost impossible to win. Crystal took on the case with such fierce dedication; tore down the opposing council; strategically caused my abuser to get tangled in his own lies; and won an incredible victory for all victims of domestic violence as my case brought state-wide attention to this issue and many state legislators are now speaking out against it. Crystal made that happen. She also restored my faith in the justice system.”

Susan
stars icon I am extremely pleased with not just the leadership of Steven Fernandez, but with his partners and his entire support team.

“I am still in the midst of my divorce case and it’s a kicker tearing me inside out and let me tell you I could not have landed in a better firm. They are managing me terrifically. There have been times when they could have milked me pushing ideas of restraining orders etc..when I became distraught and they didn’t. There are many wrong turns I could have taken that could have derailed my case but they have kept all aligned in a conservative and smart, tactical way.

One of the partners need special mentioning. If you are looking for a firm who has a bull dog, sharp edge, seriously educated and tactical interrogator…Mark Karney is your man. He is a rock in court and in the way in which he manages his case. He’s very, very tough and I would fear being interrogated by him for anything! Their support team is top notch.. They immediately respond and never leave you hanging and are concise and extremely professional.

The treasure in the core of this group is their soul commitment to doing right and good by their client and managing that client in a multi- tiered fashion, as not to incur unnecessary costs, keeping a very upset client grounded and keeping me railed and grounded to the law vs. emotional expectations caused simply by the pain of divorce. I am extremely pleased with not just the leadership of Steven Fernandez, but with his partners and his entire support team and highly recommend you meet with them before you commit to any other attorney. You will not be disappointed.”

C.K.
stars icon Every single member of the team, in some sort of way, helped me.

“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…“

ZACH
stars icon We are living the life we dreamed and I just want you to know how truly grateful I am to you.

“Dear Mr. Mark Karney, thank you for the amazing work you did for my family and I. You will never know how much all you did meant to me. My child custody case was a complicated one because it was a move away case. As trying as it was at times you handled it professionally and with integrity. I honestly do not believe I would have achieved the desired outcome that I did without your law firm. Your knowledge, confidence and real desire for what was in the best interest of my daughters was honorable. I think what sticks out the most to me is how professional you always were, yet, I could tell this was not just a job for you because you really cared about what was right. I would also like to acknowledge how amazing your paralegal, Homar Cornejo, was. He was my first line contact to you and always answered my calls or returned them as soon as he could. Mr. Cornejo was not only knowledgeable and supportive, but he always treated me with respect and compassion. This was a very emotional and trying time for my daughters and me. Thanks to you and your law firm I received primary custody of my daughters and we were allowed to move away. We are living the life we dreamed and I just want you to know how truly grateful I am to you.”

LISA CARBONELL
stars icon Hire her to protect you, your kids and your families. I did and I couldn’t be happier.
“Crystal has gone to bat for me time and again over the last six years. She has defended me in legal battles that seemed too hard to overcome. Not only has she been successful in winning, but she has also treated me with decency and respect amidst even the most horrible of allegations.
Crystal is a fair and levelheaded, yet under fire and pressure she becomes a Phoenix and flies over her opposition. I couldn’t recommend Crystal more as both a person and a professional. Hire her as your attorney if you want to overcome even the greatest of odds. Hire her to fight your fight with grace and care. Hire her to protect you, your kids and your families. I did and I couldn’t be happier.”
Anonymous Client
stars icon Mark & Tristina were honest, helpful, and responsive. And they treated my case with care.

“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.”

Sarah Turner
stars icon Jean Kim is a listener, legal scholar, and court navigator with an amazing ability to activate.

“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!”

K J
stars icon Thank you to each and every person at Fernandez & Karney

“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.”

LJD
stars icon By far the best decision I've ever made and worth every dollar. Without a doubt.

“Mr. Karney by far was the only person I spoke to that managed to calm me way down really fast and not only told me but showed the ways he would get my daughter back in 3 days. And HE DID JUST THAT – MY DAUGHTER WAS BACK HOME IN 3 DAYS. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found Mr. Karney and Homar – he’s been reliable and completely in control of the entire case I am truly grateful to these 2 individuals like I can’t even describe. The receptionist is extremely kind and comprehensive as well. By far the best decision I’ve ever made and worth every dollar. Without a doubt.”

Serg B.
stars icon I will highly recommend him to my friends and family!

“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!”

Roya Rashti
stars icon Overall, this is a safe place during challenging times!!!

“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!!!”

Nate Ocean
stars icon I don't have enough superlatives for this law firm--they are truly the best!

“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 Maldague
stars icon Crystal is effective, ethical, and warm

“Ms. Boultinghouse came with me for a day of settlement conferencing downtown last summer, protecting me from an extremely aggressive lawyer with logic and buffering as well as an acute knowledge of what was and wasn’t possible to accomplish. She was logical effective, ethical, and even warm despite the difficult circumstances. She is easily the best lawyer I’ve seen operate in the last four years. She was so effective the opposite party tried to prevent her attendance, but failed.”

The B Sisters
stars icon I recently worked with Steve, Mark, and their team and was blown away by their sincerity and character.

“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!”

David Garcia
stars icon I highly recommend Fernandez and Karney!

“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!”

Thomas Daspit
stars icon If you're looking for a Lawyer that will always be in your corner look no further than Crystal Boultinghouse

“I went to Fernandez & Karney Law firm and Crystal Boultinghouse was assigned to my case. Let me say I could not have been happier. She is not only very nice but professional, trustworthy and will fight for you. She listens to your concerns and keeps you informed on whats going on with your case. She stays clam in the court room and will get aggressive when needed. If you’re looking for a Lawyer that will always be in your corner look no further than Crystal Boultinghouse.”

John Pratt
stars icon The quality of service was beyond compare.

“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!”

Presence Massie
stars icon Best attorneys and staff on the westside

“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.”

diana lopez
stars icon Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Karney put my mind and heart at rest

“Had a wonderful consultation during an extremely stressful child custody battle. Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Karney 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!”

Gina Estrada
stars icon I would highly recommend Ms. Boultinghouse to anyone who loves and cares for there children the way I do

“I am a loving, caring, attentive single father who has done nothing but run towards his responsibilities. It is Ms. Boultinghouse hyper attention to detail, along with her cool, calm, collected demeanor, and tenacious pitbull mentality, that has allowed me to fight the good fight! Working as a team, Ms. Boultinghouse has kept me in the game and refused to let my efforts be marginalized in the least.

I would highly recommend Ms. Boultinghouse to anyone who loves and cares for there children the way I do. I honestly do not know what I would have done without her in the last three years. She is my champion, she is my children’s champion!
Thank you for all your hard work and relentless efforts.”
Mathew
stars icon Fernandez and Karney is a wonderful law firm

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

Briar Scott
stars icon Staff at Fernandez and Karney are warm hearted and understanding!

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

Marren Madison
stars icon Class A Atorneys with a star quality staff!

“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!”

Karam
stars icon Couldn't ask for a better attorney

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

Alex Martinez
stars icon Crystal has the knowledge and resources to provide outstanding family law services

“Crystal has the knowledge and resources to provide outstanding family law services. She is both professional and dedicated. I hired Crystal when my domestic violence and custody visitation case called for a highly experienced family law Attorney with extensive resources. At one point, my evidence mandated immediate attention, and

Crystal brought her staff together and worked an entire Saturday; she was ready to file and proceed with an urgent motion on Monday. After 6 months of dedicated advocacy, I feel I made the best choice in choosing Crystal to represent me and my minor child. I highly recommend Crystal for cases that require depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and a responsive and caring attitude.”

Katherine
stars icon I knew this place was first class.

“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.”

Valentine Espinoza
stars icon Crystal possesses qualities that set her apart from so many in her field

“Crystal is an excellent attorney and I give her my highest recommendation! She is sharp, professional, and attentive. Indeed, Crystal possesses qualities that set her apart from so many in her field. She is genuinely caring and compassionate, and exhibits integrity, class and poise.”

Theresa
stars icon Top notch family attorneys

“Fernandez and Karney are top notch family law attorneys.”

Jasmine G