About Bernie
Bernie Kempen has practiced law in California since he launched a solo practice in 1993 under the name LawyerBernie.Com. He began as a one-person firm and has maintained that independent spirit while expanding the practice into offices operating as Kempen&Company. Over three decades he has built a steady practice anchored in family law.
His career is straightforward and steady. He opened his doors at a time when the internet was new to law practice, using the site name to let potential clients find him. He has worked the full range of issues that come through a family law practice. That steady exposure shaped his day-to-day work and the services he offers.
Kempen holds certification as a Certified Family Law Specialist from the State Bar of California. That credential signals additional training and testing in family law and permits him to present himself as a specialist under California rules. In practice he handles dissolutions, child custody and visitation disputes, spousal and child support matters, and property division. He represents clients in both negotiated settlements and contested hearings.
Colleagues describe his approach as pragmatic. He prepares cases for trial when necessary, but he also looks for ways to resolve disputes efficiently. He has represented clients in courtroom proceedings and in settlement conferences. His practice includes both litigation and alternative dispute approaches, depending on what the case requires.
Over the years he has kept his practice compact. The business identity shifted between the LawyerBernie.Com name and Kempen&Company, and the offices reflect that continuity. Remaining a sole practitioner allowed him to control how cases are handled and to keep client contact direct. That structure also meant he handled everything from case intake to court appearances personally.
Outside of court filings and appearances, his work includes drafting parenting plans, negotiating support formulas, and handling property division documents. He prepares clients for hearings and works through the practical details they will face during and after a case. He is a familiar presence to clients who prefer dealing with one lawyer rather than a large firm.
As of 2026, he continues to practice in California, concentrating on family law matters at his Kempen&Company offices.
