Melinda Manley | Manhattan Beach Divorce & Family Lawyer

In a child custody case, father had primary custody but without a written agreement. Out of the blue, mother wanted 50-50 custody. I was able to get father primary custody & a judgment entered in father's favor. The children are now in a good place. I also just finished a case where the conniving husband was trying to hide assets & require wife to pay spousal support. Wife came to me distraught as her prior attorney was letting her down. By aggressively digging into the financials, I was able to settle the entire divorce without going to court, and without wife having to pay spousal support. My client was so happy, she was almost giddy.

By working hard: keeping up on changes in legislation, attending every seminar available, and always dedicating 100% of my energy to each client. Almost all of my new cases are from referrals from past clients.

Certainly, a client wants someone who is in sync with the client's goals, but they should also look for someone who is willing to provide realistic expectations. Preferably, a client should find an attorney who will try to resolve without going to court, but who has the confidence and ability to take the matter to the judge if settlement fails. An attorney cannot settle a case in a positive manner for a client unless the attorney is prepared for trial.

The family law bench is constantly changing so it is difficult to have advance knowledge of judges all the time. That's where my network of fellow ACFLS attorneys can provide insight. For those judges that have been on the family law bench for a while, I have earned their respect.

Our firm does not provide free consultations. The cost is $250 for a half hour, though I usually spend a minimum of an hour going over the case and providing information.

I always ask potential clients to provide whatever documentation has been served on them. Also, to get an idea of the financials, the most recent tax return is helpful.

While all litigating attorneys like to win, I truly care about my client's outcome.

The end of the case, when the client can move from the darkness of divorce into a new beginning and when the children are in a good place.

I practice yoga regularly. I love my family, which includes rescue dogs, and enjoy cooking for friends and family. With Covid, I have developed interest in jigsaw puzzles, and cooking more.

Before Covid, I volunteered my time as a daily settlement officer through the LA County Bar Association. The court is working on setting up a remote version of this, and I will participate in that as well.

• Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member | 1996 - Present
  State Bar of California | Member | 1996 - Present
  Member of ACFLS (Association of Certified Family Law Specialists)
  Member of American Inns of Court

• Certified Specialist - Family Law | State Bar of California

• Melinda Manley
• Avvo | Melinda Manley