Barton Pokras
Law & Mediation Offices of Barton Pokras
3075 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Map
Phone: (805) 477-0505 | Fax: (805) 777-0115
http://www.pokraslaw.com
Affordable Family Law - Court & Mediation Services
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
All aspects of Divorce and Family Law:
Child Custody and Visitation
Distribution of Assets
Spousal and Child Support
Domestic Violence
Jurisdictional Disputes and Move Aways
Uncontested and Contested Divorce
Mediation and Collaborative Family Practice
High Asset Divorces
Sub-Topics
Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
Annulment
Child Support
Collaborative Law
Custody/Visitation Rights
Delinquent Support Payments
Division of Property
Divorce Mediation
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Restraining Orders
Uncontested Divorce
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
All aspects of Family Law and Divorce:
Child Custody and Visitation
Distribution of Assets
Spousal and Child Support
Domestic Violence
Jurisdictional Disputes and Move Aways
Uncontested and Contested Divorce
Mediation and Collaborative Family Practice
High Asset Divorces
Sub-Topics
Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
Children
- Child Support
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
Couples
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Elder Law
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
Enforcement Actions
Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Name Changes
Restraining Orders
Rights
- Grandparent Rights
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1972
Bar Number: 55012
Other Court Admissions
• California Supreme Court
• United States Tax Court
• U.S. Federal District Court for Northern California
Association Memberships
• Ventura County Family Law Bar Association (Board of Directors)
• Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Coalition for Collaborative Divorce (President 2009, 2010)
• Ventura Collaborative Family Law Professionals
• Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association
Continuing Education
I teach California Community Property Law, as a Professor at the Southern California Institute of Law. I attend seminars in Mediation and Collaborative Family Law on an ongoing basis. I always exceed the required number of continuing education hours.
Example Cases
• Dissolution of Marriage of physician with medical practice and extensive property holdings resolved entirely out of court with negotiated settlement.
• Successfully obtained and successfully defended against Domestic Violence Restraining Orders.
Education
University of California, Hastings College of Law
Juris Doctorate
San Francisco
CA
1972
Graduated with Honors
Golden Gate University Law School
Master of Laws- Taxation
San Francisco
CA
1981
University of California at Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Arts
Santa Cruz
CA
1969
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The Law Offices of Barton Pokras was first established in 1973, in San Francisco, California and was in operation until 1992. In 2007, offices were opened in both Ventura and Westlake Village, and have been in operation since then continuing to the present.
The focus is entirely on family law matters. Although I have many years of litigation experience, I have always tried to negotiate a fair out of court agreement for my clients. Whenever possible I try to help my clients arrange to have their matter resolved through mediation or collaborative family practice.
Previous Employment Summary
I was employed by Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, PA from 1972 - 1973 before I opened my law office in San Francisco in 1973.
Activities and Awards
• Volunteer Mandatory Settlement Conference Officer for Ventura Superior Court
• Award from Ventura Superior Court for Volunteer Services at Family Law Facilitator's Office
• Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney from Ventura County Bar Association 1999 for Family Law work
• Award from State Bar of California 1986 for Outstanding Pro Bono Services in Family Law
• Volunteer Mediator for Ventura County Superior Court
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Knowledge is power. Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful experiences a person can have. Being aware of the legal issues involved helps a person effectively deal with the many issues presented in dissolution of marriage.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I offer unbundled services, and often review and complete documents prepared by my clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I offer unbundled legal services and serve as a consulting attorney in mediations.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because of my interest in helping people resolve conflicts.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have over 20 years of family law experience. I graduated with honors from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. I have a Master of Laws degree in taxation which enables me to deal more effectively with the tax issues in a divorce, in dividing property, as well as in situations where there are complicated estate plans. I have a great deal of experience in business law, contracts, and real property law matters which enables me to deal more effectively with these issues when they arise in a divorce, such as where one of the spouses runs his or her own business, has stock options and retirement / pension plans.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Family law is an area that encompasses many other areas of law and also deals with the personal dynamics and emotions of the people involved. I like being able to help people resolve their conflicts and moving forward in their lives.
What do you like best about your career?
Successfully helping people.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me.
What are your strengths and style?
My strengths are my legal knowledge, years of experience, and my ability to bring peace into highly conflicted situations.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid reader and love to go sailing, backpacking and enjoy the outdoors. I also have a ham radio operator's license in conjunction with the sailboat cruising I have done.
Fax
(805) 777-0115
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening hours available.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Ventura
1198 Navigator Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I don't have fixed price services.
Hourly Rates
$250 - $350
Free Initial Consultation?
Free 1/2 hour initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
$1,500 - $7,500
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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