How much does it cost to hire Craig for a family law case?

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

Does Craig offer a free consultation?

Craig charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Craig's current terms during booking.

How long do family law cases in California typically take?

Simple family law 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. Craig gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Craig take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?

Craig 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 — Craig 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 Craig?

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

Is Craig accepting new family law clients right now?

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

Craig Nelson Finta, Family Law Attorney in Walnut Creek

Quick answer

Craig Nelson Finta is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Litigation. Craig has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Seibel & Finta, LLP.

Based in: Walnut Creek, CA
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: Family Law · General · Litigation

Handles Family Law, General, and Litigation matters from Walnut Creek, CA.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Craig takes on

Craig concentrates on family law, general, litigation, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Craig handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Walnut Creek, California

Craig takes family law matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.

General cases in Walnut Creek, California

Craig takes general matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Walnut Creek, California

Craig takes litigation matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Walnut Creek, California

Craig takes probate matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Walnut Creek, California

Craig takes real estate matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Craig Nelson Finta — family law lawyer in Walnut Creek

Craig Nelson Finta is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Litigation. Craig has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Seibel & Finta, LLP.

Craig Nelson Finta is a lawyer practicing family law, trusts and estates, wills and 4 other areas of law. Craig received a B.A. degree from University of Oregon in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Craig practices at Seibel & Finta, LLP in Walnut Creek, CA.

Craig's approach to family law cases

Craig Nelson Finta is a lawyer practicing family law, trusts and estates, wills and 4 other areas of law. Craig received a B.A. degree from University of Oregon in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Craig practices at Seibel & Finta, LLP in Walnut Creek, CA.

The kind of cases Craig takes

Craig reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, general, and litigation matters in Walnut Creek and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Lincoln University, San Francisco
J.D. · 1978
University of Oregon
B.A. · 1971

Jurisdictions

Craig's state bar admissions

California
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE

Craig studied at J.D. in Lincoln University, San Francisco and B.A. in University of Oregon.

Law school and academic background

Craig completed J.D. in Lincoln University, San Francisco and B.A. in University of Oregon. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Craig runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Craig Nelson Finta's office in Walnut Creek

Craig's primary office is at Gateway Centre, 1850 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 650, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Seibel & Finta, LLP

Gateway Centre, 1850 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 650

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Craig Nelson Finta

Craig has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Craig Nelson Finta can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Craig Nelson Finta — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Craig usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Walnut Creek, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Craig

Craig discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law 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. Craig confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Craig's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Craig Nelson Finta

How much does it cost to hire Craig for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Craig walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Craig offer a free consultation?
Craig charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Craig's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in California typically take?
Simple family law 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. Craig gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Craig take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?
Craig 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 — Craig 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 Craig?
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. Craig will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Craig accepting new family law clients right now?
Craig's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like Craig Nelson Finta. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What are the grounds for divorce in California?
I’ve been married for 10 years in California, and I’m considering filing for divorce. I have heard about no-fault divorce, but I don’t know if there are other grounds I can cite. M
1 verified answer · Family Law · California
Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Walnut Creek, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Craig handles family law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.