How much does it cost to hire Robert for a child custody case?

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

Does Robert offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in California typically take?

Simple child custody 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?

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

Is Robert accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Robert John Bruening, Child Custody Attorney in San Mateo, California

Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and DV Defense · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratViola Law Firm, P.C.

San Mateo, CA

Practicing child custody in San Mateo since 2001.

25+: Years practicing
4.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce DV Defense Family Law General Prenup +1 more →

Are you Robert John Bruening?

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

Robert John Bruening is a partner based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and DV Defense. Robert has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Viola Law Firm, P.C.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Mateo, CA
Experience: over 25 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · DV Defense

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and DV Defense matters from San Mateo, CA.
Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Robert takes on

Robert concentrates on child custody, divorce, dv defense, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in San Mateo, California

Robert takes child custody 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Mateo, California

Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in San Mateo, California

Robert takes dv defense 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in San Mateo, California

Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Mateo, California

Robert takes general 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Robert John Bruening — child custody lawyer in San Mateo

Robert John Bruening is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, equitable distribution and 8 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of California, Davis in 1996, and has been licensed for 25 years. Robert practices at Viola Law Firm, P.C. in San Mateo, CA.

Working with Robert on a child custody matter

Who Robert represents

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and dv defense matters in San Mateo and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Creighton University
J.D. · 2000
University of California, Davis
B.A. History · 1996

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

California
2001 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in Creighton University and B.A. History in University of California, Davis.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Robert's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of California Bar Association of San Mateo County
membership

Locations

Robert John Bruening's office in San Mateo

Robert's primary office is at 441 First Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Viola Law Firm, P.C.

441 First Ave.

San Mateo, CA 94401

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert John Bruening — 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert John Bruening claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Robert John Bruening — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in San Mateo, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 Robert

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert John Bruening

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

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving San Mateo, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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