How much does it cost to hire Dianne for a adr case?

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

Does Dianne offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adr cases in California typically take?

Simple adr 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. Dianne gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Dianne take my case if I'm outside Stockton?

Dianne 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 — Dianne 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 Dianne?

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

Is Dianne accepting new adr clients right now?

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

Dianne Drew Butler, ADR Attorney in Stockton

Quick answer

Dianne Drew Butler is a partner based in Stockton, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody. Dianne has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butler, Thiessen & Metzinger, Inc.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in: Stockton, CA
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: ADR · Alimony · Child Custody

Handles ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Stockton, CA.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Dianne takes on

Dianne concentrates on adr, alimony, child custody, child support, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dianne handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Stockton, California

Dianne takes adr matters in Stockton, 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 Dianne agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Stockton, California

Dianne takes alimony matters in Stockton, 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 Dianne agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Stockton, California

Dianne takes child custody matters in Stockton, 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 Dianne agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Stockton, California

Dianne takes child support matters in Stockton, 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 Dianne agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Stockton, California

Dianne takes divorce matters in Stockton, 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 Dianne agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Dianne Drew Butler — adr lawyer in Stockton

Dianne Drew Butler is a partner based in Stockton, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody. Dianne has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butler, Thiessen & Metzinger, Inc.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Attorney Dianne Drew Butler knows the ins and outs of laws that affect you and your family. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific in 1979. In 1986, Butler obtained her Juris Doctorate from Humphrey's School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar.

With 30 years of experience, Dianne Drew Butler's record of successful divorce resolutions speaks to the dedication and effort that she exudes on every case. She specializes in divorce, mediation, and litigation trial services which includes property division, child custody, child and spousal support, restraining orders, paternity and guardianship matters.

An experienced family law professional makes a difference. Dianne Drew Butler is an attorney who is familiar with the outcome of various situations surrounding divorce, child custody and support, and property division, and she possesses the expertise to guide you through tough decisions.

Certified Legal Specialties

• The State Board of California

• Certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Board of California Board of Legal Specialization 2010

Past Employment Positions

• San Joaquin County Superior Court-Municipal Division, Judge Pro Tem

• San Joaquin County Superior Court, Arbitrator

Pro Bono Activities

• Intensive Mediation Training, 2010 to 2010

• Collaborative Training, 2008 to 2008

• Member, Board of Directors, Mary Graham Children's Foundation

• Founder/Owner, Dianne Drew Butler & Associates

• Co-Chair of the Mary Grant Children’s Foundation Event, 2014

• Chairperson for the San Joaquin Family Law MCLE Programs, 2014

Professional Associations and Memberships

• State Bar Association-Family Law Section, Member

• Association of Certified Family Law Specialist, Member

• San Joaquin County Bar Association-Family Law Section, Member

• San Joaquin County Bar Association-Family Law Section, Past Chair, Board of Directors, 1995 to 1995

• San Joaquin County Bar Association, Past Member, Board of Governors

• San Joaquin County Bar Association, Secretary

• San Joaquin County Bar Association-Women's Lawyer Section, Member

• San Joaquin County Collaborative Practice Group, Member

• San Joaquin County Bar Association-Lawyer Referral, Past Chair, Board of Directors

• Mary Graham Children’s Event , Co-Chariman, 2014

• Mary Graham Children’s Event , Chairman, 2016

Dianne's approach to adr cases

Attorney Dianne Drew Butler knows the ins and outs of laws that affect you and your family. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific in 1979. In 1986, Butler obtained her Juris Doctorate from Humphrey's School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar. With 30 years of experience, Dianne Drew Butler's record of successful…

The kind of cases Dianne takes

Dianne reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, alimony, and child custody matters in Stockton and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Humphreys College School of Law
J.D. · 1986
The University of the Pacific
B.S. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Dianne's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
California
1986 · ACTIVE

Dianne studied at J.D. in Humphreys College School of Law and B.S. in The University of the Pacific.

Law school and academic background

Dianne completed J.D. in Humphreys College School of Law and B.S. in The University of the Pacific. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dianne runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Dianne has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Dianne Drew Butler's office in Stockton

Dianne's primary office is at 3031 W. March Lane, Suite 224 West, Stockton, CA, 95219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Butler, Thiessen & Metzinger, Inc.

3031 W. March Lane, Suite 224 West

Stockton, CA 95219

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Dianne Drew Butler — 4.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Dianne. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Stockton.

4.0

8 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dianne Drew Butler claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Dianne Drew Butler — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Stockton, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Dianne

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Dianne confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dianne Drew Butler

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

Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona
What Should I Do If Mediation Fails In Minnesota?
I've been trying to mediate a separation agreement in Minneapolis, MN, but it feels like we’re not making any progress. If mediation fails, I’m worried about what my next steps sho
1 verified answer · ADR · Minnesota

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Stockton, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

Dianne Drew Butler, ADR Attorney in Stockton, California

Quick answer