How much does it cost to hire Kristi for a adoption case?

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

Does Kristi offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in California typically take?

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

Can Kristi take my case if I'm outside San Mateo?

Kristi 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 — Kristi 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 Kristi?

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

Is Kristi accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Kristi Cotton Spence, Adoption Attorney in San Mateo, California

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Business · 4.6/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatLaw Offices of Kristi Cotton Spence

San Mateo, CA

Practicing adoption in San Mateo since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption ADR Business Divorce Family Law General +1 more →

Are you Kristi Cotton Spence?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Kristi Cotton Spence is a member based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Business. Kristi has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Kristi Cotton Spence. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: San Mateo, CA
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Adoption · ADR · Business

Handles Adoption, ADR, and Business matters from San Mateo, CA.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Kristi Cotton Spence

Kristi concentrates on adoption, adr, business, divorce, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kristi handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in San Mateo, California

Kristi takes adoption matters in San Mateo, 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 Kristi agrees to represent you.

ADR cases in San Mateo, California

Kristi takes adr matters in San Mateo, 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 Kristi agrees to represent you.

Business cases in San Mateo, California

Kristi takes business matters in San Mateo, 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 Kristi agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Mateo, California

Kristi takes divorce matters in San Mateo, 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 Kristi agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in San Mateo, California

Kristi takes family law matters in San Mateo, 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 Kristi agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Kristi Cotton Spence — Over 45 years of California adoption experience

Kristi Cotton Spence is a lawyer practicing family law, mediation, domestic relations and 7 other areas of law. Kristi received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1963, and has been licensed for 45 years. Kristi practices at Law Offices of Kristi Cotton Spence in San Mateo, CA.

Kristi's approach to adoption cases

Clients Kristi works with

Kristi reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and business matters in San Mateo and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Kristi Cotton Spence's legal education and bar admissions

Stanford University
J.D. · 1981
Stanford University
B.A. · 1963

Jurisdictions

Kristi's state bar admissions

California
1981 · ACTIVE

Kristi studied at J.D. in Stanford University and B.A. in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Kristi Cotton Spence

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Kristi's professional memberships and bar associations

San Mateo County Bar Association (President, 1997 Chair, Family Law Section, 1986) State Bar of California
membership
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
bar_fellowship

Locations

Kristi Cotton Spence's office in San Mateo

Kristi's primary office is at 1777 Borel Place, Suite 204, San Mateo, CA, 94402-3511. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Kristi Cotton Spence

1777 Borel Place, Suite 204

San Mateo, CA 94402-3511

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Kristi Cotton Spence — 4.6/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

4.6

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kristi Cotton Spence claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Kristi Cotton Spence — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in San Mateo, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Kristi

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Kristi confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Kristi Cotton Spence

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

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving San Mateo, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

If Kristi's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in San Mateo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.