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Best Divorce Lawyers in Santa Barbara

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2023
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Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC logo

Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC

692 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Alimony

Business Description

Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, has been providing legal services in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas since 2002. It handles military, high asset, mediation, and senior citizen divorce cases. The firm helps clients on the legal matters of spousal support, child support, child custody, and division of debts and properties. One of the founding attorneys, Ron Bamieh, authored a book, "How to Hire a Lawyer," about clients being more selective on who should represent them.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
5.0 / 5 (42)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (32)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Drury Pullen A Professional Law Corporation logo
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Drury Pullen A Professional Law Corporation

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148 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Contested

Business Description

Drury Pullen A Professional Law Corporation is a family law and mediation firm that serves individuals in Santa Barbara and the neighboring communities. The firm's family lawyers handle divorce cases, including custody, visitation, property division, child support, and spousal support issues. In addition, the legal team provides remote mediation services to help clients seeking non-contested divorces. The legal office has been serving the community since 2004 and is staffed with a board-certified family law specialist.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
4.0 / 5 (8)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
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Detail
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Felix & Killen logo
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Felix & Killen

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1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Business Description

Felix & Killen is a law office that houses Santa Barbara-based family law and divorce attorneys. It assists clients in the metro area and surrounding communities with their divorces and other family law cases, including child custody and support, guardianship, visitation rights, alimony, and marital property settlements. The team at Felix & Killen also practices in the areas of civil litigation and estate planning, which includes probate and trust administration.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Ferreira Law Group, PC logo
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Ferreira Law Group, PC

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924 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Business Description

Ferreira Law Group, PC, is a firm based in Santa Barbara that provides legal services to family law matters. Owner Gabriela Ferreira has been in the law industry since 1988. Ferreira is a member of the California Bar Association Family Law Section. Her team of law professionals offers services to family law matters such as divorce, pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements, child custody, child support, and spousal support. They offer other services in mediation and child visitation disputes.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
4.2 / 5 (5)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
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Detail
Gregory R. Lowe Attorney at Law logo
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Gregory R. Lowe Attorney at Law

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3463 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Gregory R. Lowe Attorney at Law provides legal services to individuals, families, and businesses in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas. This firm represents clients who are filing for a divorce, ensuring that they are informed throughout the entire process by keeping in close communication. It also deals with bankruptcy, civil litigation, conservatorships, estate planning, and mediation. Gregory R. Lowe, the firm's lone attorney, has been serving the community for more than 16 years. He can practice law in all California courts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
3.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Law Office of Jeralyn C. Ehlers logo
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Law Office of Jeralyn C. Ehlers

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15 West Carrillo Street Suite 213, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Alimony
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

Business Description

The Law Office of Jeralyn C. Ehlers is a local legal practice focusing on family law and estate planning in Santa Barbara. It handles divorce cases, including high-asset cases. It also deals with related issues, such as child custody and support, alimony, and property division. Its sole practitioner, Jeralyn Ehlers, has over 17 years of legal experience. She is a graduate of the Houston Family Law Trial Institute and a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.9 / 5 (33)
Yelp
2.3 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Law Office Of Meghan Behrens logo
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Law Office Of Meghan Behrens

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1035 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Business Description

The Law Office Of Meghan Behrens is a firm that serves the legal needs of people within the Santa Barbara metro. It offers representation in divorce proceedings, including custody and visitation of minor children, child, and spousal support, as well as the division of properties and debts. Its founder, Meghan Behrens, is a criminal defense lawyer and family law attorney who has been in practice for over 13 years. Additionally, she deals with cases involving alcohol, drug, and theft offenses.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Law Office of Renee M. Fairbanks logo
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Law Office of Renee M. Fairbanks

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15 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Business Description

Law Office of Renee M. Fairbanks provides legal advice and representation to clients in Santa Barbara and the surrounding communities. It deals with various family law cases, such as divorce and legal separation, child custody and visitation, parentage, property division, and spousal and child support. Moreover, it handles mediation consultation and premarital settlement agreements. Renee M. Fairbanks, the founding attorney, is a fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (5)
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Law Offices of Marla A. Pleyte logo
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Law Offices of Marla A. Pleyte

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1035 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Mediation

Business Description

The Law Offices of Marla A. Pleyte maintains a location in Santa Barbara. Its lawyer Marla A. Pleyte assists clients facing divorce and matters relating to it, including spousal support, child support, child custody, visitation, and property division. She represents clients in family law litigations and offers her counsel to clients considering premarital and postnuptial agreements. Her other areas of practice include estate planning and administration, probate, and conservatorship, and guardianships. Pleyte established her solo practice in 2007.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Merenbach Law logo
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Merenbach Law

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225 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Merenbach Law is a general practice law firm located in Santa Barbara. It assists clients with divorce cases and other related matters such as spousal and child support, marital property characterization, valuation and division, custody disputes, and paternity. It also addresses post-divorce deceptions, such as sham exchanges, self-dealing, and questionable transactions. Dennis Merenbach is a mediator, arbitrator, legal media commenter, lecturer, and published author. In 2015, he was recognized by the American Institute of Family Attorneys as one of the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (15)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
Morales Law logo
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Morales Law

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718 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Business Description

Morales Law is a legal practice in Santa Barbara that provides representation and mediation services to clients facing divorce and legal separation issues in the metro. The firm was founded in 2011 by Marcus Morales, who has worked on family law cases since he began private practice. Some of the divorce cases and issues he works on include high-asset divorce, legal separation, child custody, spousal support, as well as property division. He also provides business valuation services for marital ventures.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (19)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (9)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Paul E. Schonauer logo
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Paul E. Schonauer

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209 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Business Description

Paul E. Schonauer is a law firm that assists with the legal needs of individuals and families residing within the Santa Barbara metro. It offers assistance with divorce proceedings including division of property, child custody and support, spousal support, and post-judgment modifications. Its founder, Paul Schonauer, has over 20 years of experience representing clients using a variety of procedural methods that include, traditional, collaborative, and mediation options. He focuses on achieving goals while keeping his clients' individual needs in mind.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Shulman Family Law Group logo
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Shulman Family Law Group

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7 West Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Asset Distribution

Business Description

Shulman Family Law Group is a practice serving Santa Barbara. It helps clients in a wide range of divorce matters, including child custody, valuation and division of businesses and partnerships, and spousal and child support. Aside from conducting consultations, its legal team utilizes private judging mediation alternatives and litigation for certain cases if needed. The firm also handles international and interstate cases of relocation involving a child and cross-border custody enforcement. Its founder, Maya Shulman, offers her services in English and Russian.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (17)
Google
4.6 / 5 (11)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (7)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C. logo
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The Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C.

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1035 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody

Business Description

The Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C., is a law firm that serves Santa Barbara and nearby metros. It offers representation services for dissolution of marriage, including cases involving child custody and support, spousal support, and property division. The firm was established by Gregory I. McMurray who began practicing law in 1998 as a deputy public defender. He has a background in jury trials and currently focuses on proceedings involving family law. His legal services extend to estate planning and personal injury.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner logo
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The Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner

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1215 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Business Description

The Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner is a legal practice in Santa Barbara that offers legal assistance in matters involving family law, real estate law, and estate planning in the metro. The firm was founded by Stephen Penner, a Vietnam War veteran who has over 40 years of legal experience. He and his legal team tackle divorce cases and provide solutions for marital agreements, spousal support, child custody, property division, as well as divorce mediation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (26)
Google
4.6 / 5 (11)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Barbara, California?

    The City of Santa Barbara Police Department takes emergency calls at 805-882-8900.

  • If a couple in Santa Barbara has submitted an uncontested divorce to court and there is no dispute between the spouses, are they still bound by that six-month waiting period?

    Yes, a couple in Santa Barbara that has agreed to divorce and has no issues to settle in court still has to wait for six months before the judge gives their agreement his approval. The law of the state applies, and it was written with the theory that the parties might reconcile thus a half-year timeframe is given in case there are changes of heart.

  • If there is a threat by the other parent that the kids will be moved out of the state, what remedy does a spouse in Santa Barbaba have during a divorce?

    The remedy is to hold the other parent in contempt of court. Under the California law applied in Santa Barbara, as soon as a party has been served summons there is an automatic restraining order in place. This prevents litigants from moving the kids out of the state unless there is consent from both parents. The intentional violation of a court order is also a penal offense and prosecution may produce permissible legal intimidation to compel compliance.

  • Can a spouse who has been in California for six years but has spent five years and ten months in Orange County ask for a divorce in Santa Barbara after moving to the latter?

    No, the spouse who has only moved recently to Santa Barbara cannot yet file for a divorce in the metro. While the residency period is met as far as the state is concerned, the party must also have been living in the county where the suit will be filed for at least three months. This is clearly not the case because at best, the individual has only been in Santa Barbara for two months.

  • If a father in Santa Barbara without custody of his kid has experienced a sudden financial downturn on the same day his child turned 18, how can he obtain financial relief?

    First, the father must check if his child has graduated from high school because child support orders in Santa Barbara are generally binding until the kid reaches 18, or 19 at most if the latter is still in high school. If the offspring is still studying in secondary school, the dad may seek a modification of court orders because of the change in his personal financial circumstances.

  • If a couple started a family business in Santa Barbara using funds each of them inherited from their parents, are the shares in the company subject to property division during a divorce?

    Yes, the shares in this scenario will fall under the properties that could be divided up during a divorce in Santa Barbara. While the state law followed in the city says that inherited assets are excluded from community properties, this ends the moment there is commingling. In this case, the inherited funds of both spouses were used in a family company and this pooling removes the separate nature of the money.