5588 N. Palm Avenue, Suite N1, Fresno, CA 93704
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5588 N. Palm Avenue, Suite N1, Fresno, CA 93704
G. William Hess obtained his JD from the University of San Diego School of Law in May 2000. Before going to Law School, Bill had obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree, graduating with a double major in Philosophy and Anthropology from the University of California Santa Cruz. As a law student, he worked as a Clinical Legal Intern at the Office of the City Attorney of San Diego. He later obtained a position working for the Department of the Navy, Office of the Counsel for the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, as a Summer Law Clerk, in his last year studying for his JD.
After graduating with a Law Degree, he worked for the Department of the Navy in Maryland, as an Attorney-Advisor, before moving back to California in late 2001. His legal career took off as an Associate/Contract Attorney for Western Legal Group, APC in San Diego where he practiced civil litigation mainly at the trial level, but also drafting two Federal appeals to the Ninth Circuit, and one appeal and one writ to California appellate courts.
Bill eventually moved to Fresno, CA where he launched his Attorney At Law practice in 2004. Bill has also worked as an Independent Attorney with local law firms, including the Law Offices of David J. St. Louis Inc., and Prussak, Welch & Avila, Inc. The Law Offices of G. William Hess began practicing family law in 2006 and Workers’ Compensation Law in 2010.
A family law attorney is a legal professional who specializes in handling legal matters related to family relationships. These lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations governing issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, spousal support, child support, and property division. These answers provide a general understanding of what family lawyers do, but it’s important to consult with a qualified family lawyer to discuss your specific situation and receive personalized advice and guidance based on the laws in your jurisdiction.
A: Family lawyers deal with legal matters related to family relationships and domestic issues. This can include divorce, child custody and support, adoption, paternity, prenuptial agreements, domestic violence, property division, spousal support, and more.
A: Family lawyers provide a range of services, including legal advice, representation in court proceedings, negotiation and drafting of legal documents, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, settlement negotiations, and advocacy for clients’ interests in family law matters.
A: No, family lawyers handle various types of cases beyond divorce. While divorce cases are common, they also handle child custody and support disputes, adoption proceedings, paternity cases, domestic violence matters, property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and other legal issues pertaining to families.
A: Yes, family lawyers play a crucial role in child custody and visitation matters. They help clients understand their rights, guide them through the legal process, negotiate custody and visitation arrangements, represent them in court proceedings, and advocate for the best interests of the child.
A: Absolutely, family lawyers assist clients in matters related to child support. They help calculate child support amounts based on relevant guidelines or factors, negotiate child support agreements, represent clients in court if disputes arise, and ensure that the financial needs of the child are appropriately addressed.
A: Yes, family lawyers can handle adoption cases. They help clients navigate the legal requirements of the adoption process, prepare and file necessary paperwork, guide clients through adoption hearings, and work to ensure a smooth and legally valid adoption.
A: Family lawyers often provide assistance in cases of domestic violence. They help victims obtain protective orders or restraining orders against their abusers, provide legal guidance and support, represent clients in court proceedings, and work to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients and their families.
A: Yes, family lawyers are involved in property division in divorce cases. They help clients understand and navigate the laws related to the division of marital assets and debts, negotiate property settlements, and represent clients in court if disputes arise regarding the division of property.
A: Yes, family lawyers can help couples draft and negotiate prenuptial agreements. They ensure that the agreement meets legal requirements, protect the rights and interests of both parties, and provide guidance on issues such as property division, spousal support, and other matters that may arise in the event of a divorce.
A workers’ compensation lawyer is a legal professional who represents employees who have become injured or ill as a result of their work. (Some workers’ compensation lawyers also represent employers.) These lawyers are knowledgeable about the laws and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation, which is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The following answers provide a general understanding of what workers’ compensation attorneys do, but it’s important to consult with a qualified lawyer to discuss your situation and receive advice and guidance, for your specific case, based on the laws in your jurisdiction.
A: I have been practicing law since 2000 and have been practicing workers’ compensation since 2010. I have successfully represented many clients in similar cases.
A: The process typically involves notifying your employer about the injury or illness, seeking immediate medical attention, documenting the incident and related medical treatment, and submitting a workers’ compensation claim to your employer’s insurance provider. I can guide you through each step of this process.
A: Workers’ compensation benefits in California may include Medical Treatment for a work injury or illness, Temporary Disability for wage loss caused by the injury, compensation for Permanent Disability you may have suffered, and a training voucher/SJDB to obtain training and/or equipment. The benefits you are entitled to vary depending on the nature and severity of your injury or illness.
A: The time limits for filing a claim vary by jurisdiction. In general, it is advisable to report the injury or illness to your employer and file a claim as soon as possible. Delays in reporting and filing can potentially affect your eligibility for benefits, so it’s best to act promptly.
A: If your claim is unjustifiably denied or disputed, I will work to gather additional evidence, address any legal issues, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. I would also file an Application for Adjudication to protect your rights and seek the benefits you deserve.
A: Yes, as your workers’ compensation lawyer, I will handle all aspects of your case. This includes preparing and filing paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you at hearings before the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
A: I believe in clear and timely communication with my clients. I will keep you informed about the progress of your case, promptly respond to your questions and concerns, and provide you with regular updates.
A: In workers’ compensation cases, attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis and in California, all fees need to be approved by the workers’ compensation judge. I would charge the typical fee, which is 15% of the monetary benefits obtained on your behalf. In nearly all cases, there is no payment necessary for our firm to take the case, which is typical of most attorneys representing injured workers. I will explain the fee structure in detail during our initial consultation.
A: Although we have not yet discussed your specific case, I have successfully handled numerous cases that are likely to be similar to yours. I have a track record of securing favorable outcomes and obtaining the maximum benefits for my clients in workers’ compensation cases.