In early 2020, after leaving the California court system with a feeling of being cast away, thrown out and discarded, it was recommended that I seek counsel to assist with my request to modify my child custody and visitation agreement from out of state. After doing some research, I knew that I needed a home run hitter in my corner. A firm that could navigate the troublesome waters of my particular situation. A team of professionals that would guide me on this now 2 plus year process, and always have me and my sons best interest at heart. I have been a proud client with Hartley Lamas Et Al, and being out of state, the majority of our communication has been via email and phone call. Always professional, patient and assisting in any way that they can. Not once have I felt left out, not a part of the team, or tossed by the wayside. Most recently, I had to make my very first appearance in court. When I tell you that the entire office stepped up to assist me in preparation for mediation, court room proceedings, and any additional items that came up...blessed is the word that comes to mind. I would like to pay special attention to a few key members of the law firm as it pertains particularly to my case. Mr. John Castellano was incredible with his preparing me for mediation. It was as if he had peered into the future with his knowledge of how mediation would work with opposing party. The body language, the receptive nature, the willingness to cooperate; all were indicated the day prior by John. His questions and conversation pieces were so in tune with what actually was spoken inside mediation, it was as if he was there. I can honestly say that preparing with John led me to be the best version of myself during a trying and worrisome time in my life. Thank you. Mrs. Carla Hartley, you were with me step for step during my day in court. When I tell you, having you by my side put a sense of ease over me during a testy and trying time, I am happy that I'm your side, and not opposing party. I understand that you get what you pay for, and you and your firm are money well spent. You have fought for me every step of the way and I thank you for your time, your guidance, and most importantly your leadership. It is a pleasure being included as part of the family, and your team is a direct representation of you, so for that, I thank you. Lastly, Mrs. Kelly Clunan. This woman defines what it is to go the extra mile. No matter the time of day, the occasion, or where I currently was in the nation, she made the effort to always communicate with me and ensure there were no stones left unturned. When we started getting some traction on my specific case, she personally called me to deliver the tremendous news. While on the phone, I could hear the joy and sheer excitement. When there would be certain issues that would arise, she was straightforward and guided me along the process. As flexible as possible, she truly let me vent and make me feel like part of the family. On the date of my court appearance, we made it a point to see each other and finally put a face to the name I had always went out of her way to make it known I was taken care of. A face to the name that I associate with a phone call that I want to get. And a face to the name that I wanted to give a hug to for taking care of me along the way. I give my highest recommendation to this firm for any and all needs, as you will not be disappointed. You get what you pay for, and this is money well spent. read more

Carla Hartley and Ben Vojtik were ethical, honest, and truly supportive throughout my highly contentious divorce. They provided clear guidance, stayed professional when the other side didn't play fair, and were there when I needed them most. I'm grateful for their integrity and steady counsel during a very difficult time. read more

My experience with Ms. Carla L. Hartley was extremely frustrating and disappointing. From the beginning, it seemed that her focus was on prolonging the case and increasing fees rather than seeking a fair and efficient resolution. Despite there being no children involved and minimal disagreements over finances, she demanded irrelevant documents and created unnecessary complications. Ms. Hartley led my husband to believe there were more significant issues than actually existed, which contributed to the unnecessary length and cost of the case. Her actions seemed more focused on generating fees--charging $500/hour--rather than resolving the matter efficiently and ethically. Her approach was neither client-centered nor transparent. She misrepresented the complexity of the situation and failed to prioritize what was in the best interest of either party involved for almost two years. She dined my husband's request for reconciliation and lied to him. If you are looking for an attorney who values integrity, efficiency, and honest representation, I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere. Ms. Hartley's tactics only served to complicate the case and increase costs, turning what could have been a straightforward matter into an expensive and exhausting process. I am pursuing a formal complaint regarding her practices. I strongly recommend against hiring Ms. Hartley, as it will likely lead to frustration, unnecessary expenses, and an overall unsatisfactory experience. I would have chosen a zero star if that's an option. Surprised nobody sued her for malpractice yet. Carla wants portions of my husband's inheritance or house because I don't want any. Her response is mostly lies here without any facts which she does on court as well. read more

The Hartley firm was hired for our complex adoption case in 2017. They completely botched it and added years (the adoption case took 3 years) of stress and strain to our lives and cost a ridiculous amount of money. The assigned attorney was terrible in court, didn't know the law whatsoever and routinely made terrible legal errors and typos on critical documents. We had to go to arbitration in 2019 to settle our bill and hire another lawyer to help with that after we fired our lawyer during the middle of the case. Hartley was crass, obnoxious, unprofessional and even told me husband to "fuck off" during the arbitration proceeding. One of the worst experiences of my life. read more

Ms. Lamas and the staff are by far the best law firm out of the many attorneys I unfortunately had contend with to defend myself and my granddaughter. Ms. Lamas and her staff are comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead, and a powerful team! They won every battle! Ms. Lamas is a consummate professionals and VERY respected in the court and amongst other attorneys. She took on an ongoing case and worked this complex case tirelessly to make sure that the truth was told and presented it perfectly. She and her team stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Though there were challenges, Ms. Lamas and her staff strategically and diligently with compassion met them head on and never faltered. I am proud to be a client and will continue to retain Ms Lamas for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands. read more

I spent a lot of time researching attorneys in Ventura County who could best support me with family law matters. I needed an attorney to continue to help me navigate through the Ventura Superior Court system, and someone who can strategize through ongoing legal issues. During my research, I came across Carla Hartley. After meeting with Carla for a consultation, I felt confident she was the right attorney to retain. Carla' law expertise has exceeded my expectations, and since retaining her, she has provided me with sound legal advice, and has successfully litigated a case for me. I cannot say enough good things about how supported I feel by Carla and her team throughout! Through all our meetings and In court, I found Carla to be well prepared. She is concise, well spoken, and is prepared to advocate for her client! I feel Carla's expertise had a tremendous positive impact on the outcome of my case. read more

Sometimes you come across an attorney that truly cares about families. That is Carla. I hope when you read this review the first thing you do is make a phone call to her amazing staff. It will change your families life. My wife and I truly appreciate you Carla! read more

Carla and her team were very helpful with my case. Everyone was very supportive knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely use her again if the need arises. read more

I SHOULD'VE READ THE REVIEWS FIRST! I retained this law firm for a divorce back in 2021, after almost 2 years, over hundred thousand dollars, I am no closer to finishing my divorce and had to retain another attorney. The negative reviews I read were all true. After a year, it got to the point that I couldn't afford to pay my attorney in full, I paid a partial payment, within weeks a got a nasty letter that from Hartley threatening to drop me. I pulled out a hundred thousand dollars out of my 401K in March of 2023, then paid my attorney and overdue bills. Within a few weeks, I received another letter and a Subpoena that I was being dropped for taking out the money. I retained another attorney, then received a final bill from Hartley for $25K dollars. Within ten days of that bill, she had already put a lien on my home. it was paid on the next day. During my experience with the Hartley Law Firm, I never received updates on my case, was asked for the same items more that once in several occasion, they rarely ever returned my emails or phone calls. Just awful! people. But the worse things that happened is that during some of the discovery requests, my attorney failed to respond in the timeframe due to him being out on maternity leave. Sanctions were filed from my wife, and the court awarded her 17K dollars in which I will have to pay. Never have I ever failed to supply my attorney with information requested by the other party. Sad, that the worse person in a divorce is your own attorney. read more

Carla was great! Answered all my questions and took the extra time with me when I needed it.

Absolutely the best in the business. I have had a long professional relationship with this firm and I am grateful for their hard work!

I need to explain how amazing this woman is. I was led in a completely terrible direction with a awful lawyer in my custody arrangement from years ago. My old lawyer was late, never responded to me. Never mentioned she could help me with child support. Basically just ran up the costs for what? I'm not exactly sure. Not the case with Mrs. Hartley. She's a breath of fresh air. Her team and her do the work. In a matter of a short time, my custody arrangement got better. And I have child support. I can't imagine my life without Carla now. She's worth every penny, and being a single mom having someone care means everything. Make your appointment now to meet with her!!!! read more

Best lawyer in California! I would recommend Carla to everyone! She is so compassionate in her job and is always willing to go the extra step to help. She changed mine and my sons life and helped me beat what other lawyers couldn't. Thank you so much!!! read more

We went here for a family trust, and I regret paying her full price for an incomplete few page document that declared my wife sole proprietor of our property. It took her about a year as she was having health problems. This was all brought to my attention after we went to a real family law practice and had a complete small book created detailing our assets and wishes for a lot less. Do yourself a favor and PASS read more

If there was a choice for 0 stars, I would have selected it. I hired this law firm to represent me for my divorce. I was assigned Pat Llamas as my attorney and her paralegal Kelly. After $7000 absolutely nothing got done. They were always late on deadlines. Pat couldn't remember a thing about me when we spoke. It took days to get a call back because you have to go through 2-3 gatekeepers just to get a call back from Pat. After months, I asked Pat if she had ever called my soon to be Ex's attorney and her answer was no. When I said don't you think you should call her, she said she would but then it took 2 weeks. They charged me $40 each to email me form letters that they sent to all their clients that were not relevant to me but they use them as CYA letters. Do yourself a favor and NEVER hire this firm. The only thing this firm is good for is billable hours! read more

I appreciate Pat and Team for being in my corner through it all. The empathy and caring ways they showed in being by my side made the experience quite comforting. Thanks to their hardwork and dedication, my daughter and I get to live life together. No words can express the blessing. The journey of fatherhood continues. Pat and Team will forever be a part of our family. Thank you. read more

We had a very complex termination of parental rights case that got caught up in all of COVID delays. Carla and her team despite many, many continuances from the other side and the court, were diligent to keep everyone focused and on task. Her strategy was solid from the beginning and we did prevail in the case. Her team is very responsive and also cognizant of spending your money by keeping communication on point. If you have a "family matters" case I highly recommend using this law firm. read more

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and OUTSTANDING Divorce Attorney Carla, was my divorce attorney in 2011. She helped me and my two teenage daughters during one of the most stressful times in my life. Carla, was very professional, caring and outstanding! I ended up with almost full custody of my daughters (they volunteered to stay with me full time as well). I retained my Navy retirement, my home and family. I couldnt of asked for a better outcome during my divorce. She, is highly recommended for your needs. I trust Carla Hartley and her team. read more

Walking in Carla's office for the first time, I was warmly greeted by receptionist. Very clean, neat,and very professional atmosphere. I knew in The first few minutes that I was going to want Carla handling my very difficult case. Right away she had a strong and confident demeanor, she gave me hope when I had lost all. Both , Carla And Pat handled my case and the communication between these to women was amazing. We were all on the same page every step of the way. They both fought for my children and and showed nothing but genuine concern. I would defiantly recommend this firm without hesitation to anyone in need of a GREAT lawyer. read more

Carla Hartley is my attorney. Despite the stunningly stupid things that I did with my ex wife during our marriage (putting her name on deeds on property that I paid for etc.) Carla literally saved my retirement despite some overwhelming odds. My life could have been a financial disaster if I had gone to another attorney! In addition to being a great lawyer she is a warm, caring person - absolutely no arrogance. She is also very personable, actually the kind of person you would like to hang out with. W.S. Port Hueneme, CA HIRE HER. read more

Carla and her team are true professionals. They handled my case while I was located overseas and my spouse (now ex) is in another county. The communication between myself and her and her team were easy. Carla provided all necessary advises and answered my questions. From the moment that I hired their firm, stress level has gone down drastically because I knew that I am in good hands. Definitely worth hiring! I highly recommend Carla and her team for any legal advise you might seek. read more

Hartley, Maxwell @Castellanos firm reviewed our case for adoption, with open arms. We immediately knew we wanted this firm to take on our case, during our consultation, as we felt comfortable. If your looking,for an adoption firm look no further. Carla Hartley and associates is trustworthy & knowledgeable. We are very happy with this firm. We would definitely recommend this firm!! read more

In response to the firm's comment: First, we did not take a break for a year like she said. It was for 2 months. Second, we did not become unresponsive. We never received any response from them for nearly 2 years. Third, instead of becoming defensive and blaming us, learn from the mistakes your firm has made moving forward. What you did with our case was more than just mismanagement, you completely and I quote from the attorney who represented, us "let our case fall through the cracks." Also, yes we did move out of the county to L.A. county, does that justify letting our case go cold for 2 years? It shouldn't matter where you move. And your firm told us it was no problem when you finally spoke to us. All I can say again, is learn moving forward from the mistakes you made with our case. I'm very disappointed that we wasted 4 years with you guys and you have the audacity to come on here and blame us. Your response is disgusting. You still haven't taken any responsibility for what you did to us. Smh read more

I wanted to take the time to post this review because the hardest part of any legal action is finding an attorney who is honest, reputable, talented and concerned about their clients welfare. Going through reviews prior to choosing an attorney is tedious and you're never sure if they're real reviews and I assure you this is a real review from a real client of Carla Hartley's. I had met with several attorney's before I chose Carla. With other attorney's I left the consultation feeling uneasy but by the end of my consultation with Carla, I knew she was the attorney I wanted and needed. She is bright, talented, tough when she feels it is necessary, makes suggestions you may not always agree with but she's looking out for your best interest. Carla's staff is amazing. I had an immediate positive experience with Renee. She is the perfect first line of contact and I greatly appreciated having access to her when I needed to get information fairly quickly. Gerard was also wonderful to work with and helped to field questions I had. I commend Carla for her fine team, which is a great reflection on her leadership and expectations. Keep in mind that Carla has many other clients and obligations. She prioritizes accordingly so use the first line staff that she chooses for you as much as you can. This will save you a lot of money in the long run since their billing hours are much less and be sure something that is extremely pressing is done via a phone call and you will have the best possible experience. I will retain Carla again in the future if I have any new legal issues. read more

This law firm is fantastic! Me and my husband had three cases going on at once. (Termination of parental rights, step parent adoption, and custody) We knew going into this that this was going to cost allot. But it was worth every penny. Carla Hartley is very knowledge with what she does. Carla and her team are efficient and will make sure your case is handled right the first time. read more

I absolutely cannot be any happier with this firm. They are worth every penny. They are fully invested in what they do and make you feel like you are their priority. They have a very friendly staff and are very welcoming the moment you walk in. They work with you on payments and are very understanding to your needs. They are always on top of everything and have always got the job done for me. I definitely recommend their services! read more

Bob Maxwell, with the firm of Hartley, Maxwell & Castellano, handled my divorce. If you want an attorney who will give 110% to your case, this is the attorney for you. He is such an honest, compassionate man and could not have done a better job of keeping me informed as to where my case stood all along the way. In fact, everyone I worked with at Hartley, Maxwell & Castellano was very professional and on top of their game. This is an exceptional law firm and I highly recommend them. read more