Hands down the best attorney you could ever ask for! Kara is truly a breath of fresh air! She is brilliant, knowledgeable, experienced and driven, but she is also relatable, passionate, and truly a force to be reckoned with. I came to Kara feeling desperate and defeated. My life turned upside down. Not knowing where to turn. And almost ready to give up. She immediately cut to the chase. Assed the severity of the situation, and worked tirelessly sometimes until 3 am to give me life back. All while never compromising her astute moral compass. The world could use more attorneys like this. read more

I had to change attorneys, with Kara it seemed as though she was MIA all the time. The best move I made during the divorce was being represented by a different attorney. read more

First I need to clarify that I did not work with this person in her services as a lawyer. But after my experience, I never would. I provided small web services for her. She owed me the sum of 200 bucks and I cannot begin to tell you what I had to do to actually get my money. Unbelievable. I've never seen such lack of ethics. Oh and in the 2 hours I was at her office working, I had to put up with crazy anti-vax, and other (very crazy) political talk. I first thought the woman was deranged. Now I think she is really what I saw and heard that day. Scary and profoundly unethical. read more

I went to Kara Holtz for help with my divorce in 2022. Beware she uses multiple fake email accounts to try to delay responding. It is in reality just her. She has no staff other thsn one male who seems to be her husband or son. If you hire her, you will find out quickly she is not in any condition to practice law. She proved to be 100% unreliable. Was quick to charge $30,000 in retaimers of which she only did about $2k worth of work. She charged 20% more than lawyers with full support staff. She wasted a lot of time and was Extremely disorganized, showed late and un-well to the only court appearance we had. After her constant runarounds and lack of action on her part, I finally had to replace her with Robert Menache. When I sent her the attorney substitution letter, she refused to turnover or help transition the case. That really hurt our case. If you give her a chance, pay a lot of attention... Look for signs related to people who have addictions... Just make your own decision. 2 years later I am still waiting for $25k refund. read more

Hi Kara I RETAINED YOU FOR MY DIVORCE For some reason you hand delivered papers to my Ex you called me to tell me when I ask why I got no answer I gave you 5000 in retainer fees in one month I got a request to pay 5,000 again I ask why I never called ur office I was informed by ur secretary that my ex husband and his girlfriend called everyday to ask questions and MY RETAINER was all used up by them I was livid ur add said 5000 total for the divorce so did the paper I signed I'm not fake I can post all the paperwork this divorce started 2013 it's never ended we are still waiting for the final decree your never supposed to meet with my Ex without me but for some reason you hand delivered it I should have taken you to the Bar for this I believe all those comments plz say mine is fake I will Post Every read more

No response, after numerous messages . Unfortunately, I gave up . A bit frustrating cause no one called me back

I highly recommend Kara for anyone who needs help with any family law matter...she is ethical, smart, hardworking and efficient...she will fight for your rights and will achieve the best possible outcome... I was going through a horrible custody batte and Kara was amazing..she always made herself available to me during this difficult time...she was strategic in her approach and got the results...I am forever grateful to her.. Kara is The Best... read more

Kara Holtz is a scammer, she will get your retainer fee and lack of follow up. All the complaints that she preys those people who are already emotionally down because of a divorce is true. The good reviews either she just made up or she asked her employees to do favor for her. I wonder how many complaints about her filed in California Bar Association. We are truly her victimized clients. She was trusted to help but that's not the case. One of these days bad karma will catch on her and will be an avalanche and on the day that she would not expect to come. If you don't want a headache, stay away from her.. Dennis was a good man but learned to lie and make up excuses saying Kara Holtz is in business trip .etc and I believe he's gone, maybe he can't take by his conscience anymore all the lies and scamming money from people. read more

I originally hired Kara in 2020 for my move away case. It cost me 30K which looking back was way over charged for the amount of work done. I believe Dennis was doing most of the work. Alot of my emails were copied and pasted for the court documents and put together last minute. Not all of the paperwork was done correctly, but at the end of the day I am glad that I got my move away order. Fast forward to August 2024 I called and rehired Kara to file a simple change of venue motion order. I can't believe this is the same person because I waited 4 weeks for a draft to sign to file the court papers and never received it after paying a $2500 retainer fee. There were times I would call, and she seemed out of it and barely made any sense. I had to keep calling and emailing to try and put a date on the calendar to have the paperwork done and filed and the response would be asap or tomorrow. She has plenty of excuses such as it's too hot let's do it later, in a car accident, on a flight, or a court trail. She seems to go out of the country a lot as well. The list goes on and on. After a month of nothing being done, I fired Kara and hired a new attorney. I haven't received an invoice statement for any work that she has done. It's been a month of following up to try and get an invoice and refund for the retainer. Do yourself a favor and go hire someone else, don't waste your time or money. read more

Sadly, my experience was not consistent with the glowing reviews upon which my own decision to use Holtz Law was based. Negotiation is a difficult process and I appreciate that it's both easy & unproductive to blame the proverbial dealer that's turning over cards for the house. Nevertheless, in this case there were multiple scheduling & communication issues that were objectively not introduced by the contending parties -- and which threatened a deadline of great personal importance. I made my deadline, earning this rating a second star. Unfortunately, the negotiated agreement itself has worked poorly in a way I feared it might -- but compromised upon Kara's advice. Yet when it has subsequently broken down and I have requested assistance from her, no help has been forthcoming. Perhaps your experience will be more like those who left five star reviews? However, having hopefully resolved the problem with aid of other counsel, I feel obliged to sound a cautionary note. read more

Hello all...Domestic Violence Survivor here. Please beware of Kara Holtz. She is a terrible attorney and I'm surprised she passed her bar exam considering she isn't informed on basic family law in California. She represented me on a very serious case that involved domestic violence toward me and having to flee the state with my child. I was in a vulnerable situation with my child and Kara preyed upon me. She conned me into hiring her saying she had extensive knowledge of domestic violence situations. I frantically gathered the money (11k) requested and then things got negligent. She couldn't keep track of vital details on my case and seemed "out of it" in front of the judge. I could not attend due to safety and being in another state. When the judge asked Kara where I was...Kara lied and said I was in California! Later on the phone she told me I needed to immediatly fly to CA (cross country) get an air bnb and live here for a month. This is because she realized after court she lied to the judge and that would come back on me!!! She could have cost me custody of my child! In another instance on a phone conversation she said that she thought my perpetrator was at her house (what!?!) and she hung up on me. Calling me back frantically later to say it was just a worker. Truly delusional. After that first experience/month she turned around and asked me for another 15k. When I couldn't believe it because she hardly lifted a finger her assistant/partner told me to be prepared to spend about 15k a month for Kara's services. I quickly fired her and hired an attorney who had actual experience with complicated cases and had a great reputation within the marin community. She was able to smooth over the ruffles Kara had caused my case and get things back on track. If you would like to drain your bank account, look like a fool, lose custody, have more trauma...hire Kara Holtz. read more

Worked with Kara in a very contentious dragged out divorce. Kara was with me all the way and took it to the appellate level and won. Unlike so many attorneys, she took a personal interest and was always compassionate. I highly recommend her as both a highly proficient professional as well as a compassionate/caring person. read more

I had the exact same horrible experience as Joanne and Todd. Kara Holtz took a huge retainer from me and didn't do any work, which made my complicated custody situation even worse. She failed to give me any legal advice or respond to my emails and calls. She consistently gave me deadlines that she didn't meet. She would disappear for weeks at a time. And I haven't seen any of that retainer back yet and will have to put a complaint with the Bar to recover it. read more

Kara Holz went way above and beyond in representing me through a very difficult divorce process. Kara was incredibly easy to work with, detail-oriented and yet able to keep a big-picture perspective. Her primary concern was that of my well being, and for that I'm forever grateful for, particularly during what was such a challenging time. Her assistant Dennis, was also very responsive and informative when I called upon him for advice and counsel. I was extremely pleased with my choice to use her as my attorney and would recommend her if you're in need of legal assistance with a divorce. If you want someone who will fight for you to achieve the best possible outcome then you definitely want her in your corner! In summary she deserves 5 stars because she greatly exceeded my expectations of my divorce final settlement, cant thank her enough for her wisdom, empathy, and support. read more

I wish I could leave a zero stars as part of the review. I'm only posting to make others aware to avoid Kara and her firm. She makes fake promises and never reaches back out to you. She quickly took my $11,0000 retainer fee from me and did absolutely nothing. It Took her almost a month to file custodial paper work which was filed incorrectly. I fired her a little after a Month of getting absolutely nothing from her all while she kept making fake promises of "I'll do it tomorrow". Tomorrow never came for me. I asked to be refunded the rest of my retainer fee and she stated it's all spent. All these one stars reviews about her are true and she knows it. I had the absolute worst experience working with her and she preyed on me when I needed her the most. Avoid Kara Holtz she will take your money and then demand more for zero work done. It has been over a month and she still refuses to provide me with an itemized receipt for the services I paid for. Mind you I hired a new attorney and she was able to correctly file the paperwork within 2 days. read more

Kara Holtz asks for a retainer of $7,000- $ 12,000 that states the retainer is earned upon receipt so basically she doesn't have to do a thing even though her contract outlines scope of work needed. You sign the contract and she basically can ignore all your calls schedule appointments to discuss what needs to be done not show up for appointments not complete work, send you documents full of errors even though she has the correct information and charge you for each edit because her position is retainer is already earned. . It's a scam you call her again get her paralegal receptionist and you get charged paralegal fees who knows nothing. So your retainer gets used up with charges for listening to her excuses along miscellaneous things like taking a voice mail never responding to your questions and things just drag out until she uses up retainer and then asked for more money to get work done. In my opinion she never has the intent to get things done cause I never received legal counsel just a bunch sorry stupid excuses why things weren't done along with promises things would get done. Also the crazy stories you will hear from her as to why not complete, her tires on car were bombed with explosives, mother died, her homes is for sale, child heal issues, delayed and canceled flights, vacation time, has to volunteer at court and on and on. It's like listening to someone in a mental hospital just bamble about nothing that has to due with your case. I really felt sorry for her but now I'm getting the real truth from opposing counsel that she made threats to get me access to funds but never followed through. She never sent my copies of opposing counsel comments that were possibly questioning her tactics. I was informed of nothing pertaining to my case. I did get last minute requests for documents to be filed out and no time to get my responses done in a timely manner. My retainer is used up I have sloppy documents and still having to start over. I really would have appreciated her just not taking me on. Cause who in the world has $12 k to blow on nothing and waste of time when you in desperate need of professional legal counsel and not crazy excuses . I not saying she is manic but my experience of dealing with a manic employee reminds me of this experience and has truly left me traumatized and without any funds to hire another attorney at this time due to being currently disabled and she knew that. I'm hoping family law can help me and probably where I should have started to begin with. I was referred to her by a CPA and will make sure he is aware of how unprofessional she is at this point in her career. No one needs extra stress induce by an attorney that can't get her job done that she is retained to do neatly, thoroughly and professionally. Oh please her paralegal is probably not even certified but I don't have time to verify that but he absolutely sounds more like a receptionist that doesn't even have those skills mastered. Kara please get your office and life straightened out cause the bar association is very interested in hearing our experiences. read more

I retained Ms. Holtz and initially she was quite responsive. However soon thereafter she would go missing for weeks at a time. Her office staff would also not answer the phone or call back. She rarely followed through on any assignment and would simply not show up for meetings. When she did get in touch she was unprofessional and inappropriate. I begged her to do various filings and she would not respond except to ask me for additional retainers. Ultimately I needed to switch to a new attorney and she has never sent my file to the new attorney, so I had to begin anew after a one year delay. She has also refused to refund my unused retainer. I have filed a complaint with the state bar, BUYER BEWARE. read more

Kara is hands down the absolute worst attorney and human I have ever met! Kara has a habit of taking money from people in the absolute worst time of their life and then not performing work she was paid to do, she will take your money and then not return phone calls or emails for weeks at a time, and send out automatic emails that she is out of the office for the 12th time not to mention that in my case there were time-sensitive documents that needed to get to opposing council and I sent them to her twice but she never sent them to O/C, she never told me I was supposed to be on a Zoom meeting until the meeting had already started for the first settlement conference so I was late and for the second settlement conference she had asked me to send her documents an hour before the meeting which I did and then she was not on the Zoom for the meeting. I called and emailed Kara several times to see where she was only to find out that she had "fallen asleep" then we were set for trial on 4/21/23 and she had put in an emergency ex parte to try to move the trial but never paid the fees so it was rejected and the court date was still on at which point after I called, texted and emailed her to see what to do she all of a sudden became very "ill" and not able to make it to court, she emailed "the court" but it went to the wrong people so I had to take the day off from work with no notice at all and make it to court on time with no attorney and no documents. Thankfully, I made it there or I would have lost by default and had sanctions against me. I now have $40,000 in this case of which I would be shocked if she has earned $5,000 of that money and she refuses to refund even a single penny. This case has been going on for a year and a half for absolutely no reason at all other than Kara likes to delay, delay, delay, and not do the work she has been paid to do in advance. I have lived through one tragedy after another from her (personal tragedies) and multiple delays because of it and now I have to find new council to represent me. Kara has a habit of doing things like this I am just now finding out unfortunately far too late. I have missed out on several very important life events dealing with this "person" who as it turns out is worse than the one I am divorcing! If you know what is good for you DO NOT hire Kara to represent you, she is horrible! Kara comes across as very likable but she can come up with every excuse under the sun do nothing and ask you for more money after she has not done the work you have already paid her to do. Please! Whatever you do DO NOT hire Kara! I would not hire her to represent me against a gumball! She doesn't care if you are in a life-threatening situation at all! She only cares about milking you for every single last penny you have until you have nothing more to give and when you finally have to fire her she says you threaten her! Kara owes me a lot of money and she absolutely refuses to give it back! read more

Highly highly recommend Kara Holtz Law for anyone looking for an Attorney, especially if you have young children involved. I had the pleasure of working briefly with with Ms. Holtz and her team recommended through the Sonoma County Family Law Division. Custody cases especially high conflict cases like mine, by nature takes a heavy toll on children's mental and emotional well-being. The thought of interacting with a stranger can be a little intimidating and scary especially for little ones. The day we met Ms. Holtz was nothing short of amazing. Ms. Holtz had a very friendly, outgoing, kind presence. Within the first 10 minutes of meeting Miss Holtz, I could see how comfortable both of my children felt being in her presence. When it was time to end, both of my children expressed me how much they enjoyed their time with Ms. Holtz and how they look forward to seeing her again. I remember driving home that day overwhelmed with gratitude they each had a wondrous meeting with her. Anytime I had reached out to Ms. Holtz, both her and her office staff have been very professional, respectful and attentive. This has been my pleasure writing my personal experience and truth. Warmly, Katelyn S. read more

I started working with Kara Holtzs' office about 2 years ago. I came across Kara after calling around to several offices desperate for help. Most of the lawyers I talk to on the phone were not friendly and were actually a bit negative, and snobby. The thing that made me decide to go with Kara's office was her Paralegal Dennis, who answered the phone. He was the only one that took the time to hear my story and immediately told me Kara will call me to discuss my case. Dennis was a good listener, and he had Kara call me that same night. After talking to Kara on the phone she was confident and seemed excited to take on my case. Kara is extremely passionate about her work and she has excellent knowledge with the SF court system, and how it works. During my case I had to do a deposition of discovery on my opponent and she was excellent in her questioning and her preparation was amazing. Kara was precise in her deposition. She got the opponent to admit the real truth within 15mins of questioning. It was at that moment I knew I was in good hands. Kara and Dennis are both organized and they love what they do. Kara did exactly as I wanted TO PROTECT ME I'm so grateful I found the Law offices of Kara S. Holtz. Kara and Dennis are permanent contacts in my cell phone. Don't take any chances, go with the professionals that know what they are doing GO WITH Kara Holtz's Office! read more

I met with Kara to review some questions I had. She really made me feel comfortable. She is extremely knowledgable and gave me some great advise. I would 100% recommend her. I scheduled my appointment with Dennis and he was able to move around schedules to get me in right away. Great office. If you need a family law attorney I strongly suggest you meet with Kara. read more

First of all let me say, Kara Holtz is incredible. She is not just brilliant, but warm, compassionate and kind. I have never been in need of an attorney before and had no idea where to start, then I came across Kara. She helped me understand the divorce process during a time when I thought I was going to loose my mind. She was so patient with my story, questions and emotions, she put me at ease, she helped me stay focused on what it was that I needed to do when I could only see red . I am so thankful to have Kara on my side, she is hands down the very BEST around. read more

I must say that Kara Holz is the best Family Law Attorney in the SF Bay Area. I had a messy divorce and once it was over the last thing I expected was to see myself back in court fighting for my children. But that's what happened. I was in complete shock without any idea of how to move forward. Thank God a friend referred me to Kara and her team. As soon as I met her I knew she would do everything in her power to get the best results. Kara and her team did the necessary work and prepared me for the trial. Kara knows the system she's compassionate and will fight. Kara was exactly what I needed. We won the grueling 2 day trial and I'm enjoying life with my children. I also feel comfort as I move forward with a follow up to the case. I highly recommend Kara S. Holtz and her team. read more

My Office worked with Kara and Dennis both to help them get a few individuals served on short notice. From minute one her and Dennis were incredibly friendly and easy to work with. They were clearly both very dedicated to their cases and working on them well past normal hours! If I am ever in need of an Attorney in the area, their office would be my go to! read more

Divorce is always unpredictable! I went in to mine thinking things would be simple. No real assets, custody already settled. In the end, it is still a quagmire of emotions, confusion and paperwork. Thanks to Kara and her team I was able to navigate this mess with minimal loss, financially and emotionally. Thanks Kara and team! read more

I had a divorce pending for over 7 years because I could not afford a lawyer to help me figure out the paper work and finish it. I finally had some money and asked for help on a website full of lawyers and the next day I received a call from the law office of Kara s. Holtz. Not only was my case even worse off then I had assumed I also did not even live in the same state that I had originally field in. All though it took over a year and $20,000 to complete my divorce Ms. Holtz made sure I was protected from being cheated out of anything My ex owed and got all my money back and then some. I felt confident in everything she did. She kept me informed and made it very simple to understand. I recommend the law offices of Kara S. Holtz to anyone needing a divorce. She is well worth the money. read more

Unfortunately this is one of the most unprofessional lawyers I have ever had the experience to come in contact with in my legal history. She is rude, combative, derogatory, condescending and clearly had no knowledge of life beyond her law books. She has absolutely no compassion for a person but only for the dollar. read more