Bristol Family Law LLC - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Christina M Scarpitti

James Bristol is a highly respected attorney with a background in social work and spirituality. He brings a unique perspective to family law helping couples and their children through their most intimate, difficult, and complex challenges. James has the technical skills and experience to not only navigate legal issues but can support parties through the emotional struggle they encounter along the way. His priority on child wellbeing promotes collaborative approaches and mediation over costly and polarizing court hearings. He is one of few American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in New Mexico, a distinction that indicates a commitment to his practice. James is compassionate, professional, and operates from a foundation of integrity. I would highly recommend him.

Andrea W

James Bristol is professional and easy to work with. He is patient and his expertise ensures that his clients understand all necessary details and procedures. His exceptional legal expertise and compassion should be praised. He’s a true advocate who goes above and beyond to support his clients during incredibly stressful times.

Ivan Barnett

James Bristol is much more that a skilled,professional and expeirenced attorney. He s one of the most sensitive human beings i have ever met. His ability to empathize with his clients is extraordinary.
Last summer James and myself sat for an entire day together,
in a divorce mediation. He was not only patience and pragmatic,
with me as his client, but also firm and frank when necessary,
with me.

The reality is that no one gets everything they want in a mediation, nor ultimately a divorce....which often is where mediation is used.
It s a give and take.

I believe that James training as a monk,
is a huge part of his ability to actively listen, and find practical
solutions to sometimes difficult problems,while at the same time, taking a strong stance and not wavering.

James will go above and beyond with his clients.....and he also knows
how to "hold his clients" hands, when things get rocky

He also has the coolest law office in Santa Fe!

Finally, James s office support colleague Marilyn is a gem of
a human being.

Kelley Ryals

Divorce was one of the scariest and hardest times of my life. I wanted to start with mediation but I was hesitant because my ex-husband made a lot of threats. I was scare to meet with a mediator because I thought my ex-husband would bully me if I didn’t have my own lawyer present. The first time I met with James, he recognized my fears and anxiety annd immediately put me at ease. From the first meeting with James, he set down boundaries and was able to help us navigate a fair divorce without having to go through the court system. It made our divorce less expensive and faster than my other friends going through the courts. We also were able to make decision best for our family instead of courts deciding. I highly recommend James and Marilyn to work with if you are in need of mediation.

Mandy Norris

James has been AMAZING! He was compassionate, fair, and undeniably respectful to both parties during the mediation process. Honestly, he helped curb my anxiety and I am eternally grateful. I would recommend him to anyone going through a difficult situation, a 1000 times over!

Tamara Trujillo

I want to offer James Bristol sincere thanks for the most professional representation. I admire his composure, and work ethic. I am most grateful for his generosity and the care he provides me during difficult times. It is a blessing to know him!

Colin Keegan

James and his office were a delight to work with. Divorce is a very hard time for all, and James professionalism and caring went a long way in the mediation. His office was efficient, helpful, and explained all the details in great form. The entire process was made easier by James and his firm.

Frederick Ryals

James is the best. He was referred to me from other lawyers who are the best at what they do in Santa Fe. He has also worked with people I know and they all said he gets things done the fair and right way with a smile. He was very straight forward and honest with everything he does. He keeps a positive mindset that we can figure out the best outcome for both parties without involving other lawyers. He would tell us when we were off, even if we did not like to hear it.

I got a lawyer before even going to mediation with James. My lawyer who is one of the best in Albuquerque, Nate Gentry, said that James knew what he was doing. They did not know eachother until my case. Through a couple session my lawyer figured it out. James knows what he doing and then some.

When you walk in there to get divorced there are a lot of emotions that come out in front of him. He makes sure to bring you back to what you are there for. You may not like what you’re hearing sometimes. It’s not what you want out of the divorce. That’s just our ego and we need to be realistic with ourselves and fair to our soon to be ex. This is were you need to realize that if he is saying something, it’s just and fair. He does not take sides at all. If you don’t like what you’re hearing and think he is off, you probably need to get your own lawyers and do it that way. If you want a fair, mindful, integrity driven facilitator and someone who wants the best for both parties. He is the only one you want.