Top best Child Custody Lawyers in Huntington Beach | 9 available

Shannon E. Payne is a graduate of the University of La Verne College of Law in Ontario, California. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri, with a Minor in Hispanic Studies and a Certificate in Women and Gender Studies.. As an undergrad, Shannon interned at, and later worked for, Legal Advocates for Abused Women, which provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. While in law school, Shannon volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Los Angeles Dependency Court’s CASA program. During law school she worked for a medium-sized real estate firm and found she preferred a practice area that involved more client contact. After law school, Shannon worked for a boutique civil litigation firm, predominantly in Personal Injury Litigation and Family Law. This is where she was introduced to the benefits of small firm practice.  Since joining the California Bar Association, Shannon volunteers with the L.A. County Bar Association Domestic Violence Project as a Pro Bono Attorney, and started Payne Law Group.

After dedicating my practice exclusively to family law matters since 1997, I passed the specialization exam and became a Certified Family Law Specialist in July 2008. My boutique firm is small, and my case load is managed exclusively by me. I do not have associate attorneys who will work on your case. I like to meet my clients in person, obtain the history of their case, and assess their individual situation. My goal is to settle cases where I can, and litigate when necessary. I am a tough fighter in court when litigation is called for. If children are involved, I try to settle if possible, as it is better for the children in the long run, to have parents who can work together. If the parents are at war, the children inevitably suffer. When litigation is the only alternative, I devote my energy and time to doing the best job possible to achieve the desired results. I have been married since 2000, and have two young children, so I understand the demands of balancing a career with raising children. Call today for a free 15 minute phone consultation to determine if I can help you!

After a number of years in this profession -- specifically, family law and all it entails -- I remain convinced that the best results are often obtained when the two people dissolving their union sit down and resolve their issues outside of court.  This means less stress to the parties and their children, less money spent on attorneys, and less animosity between the parties.. The challenge is sometimes to determine whether a client's case is appropriate for a mediated settlement.  If your spouse was argumentative, unreasonable or abusive in your relationship, then they won't change during your dissolution.  Expect more of the same, only amplified many times; you will probably end up in court.  So if you believe you will be getting divorced and you're married to such a person, by all means, plan ahead.  Your spouse will not play fair, so find out how to protect yourself.  I provide a no-charge, one-half hour consultation so you can determine the steps you should take prior to filing for divorce.  We hope for the best, and plan for the worst.  By taking preemptive and proactive steps, you will protect your rights and make the dissolution process much easier for your entire family.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas.