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Andy Cook

Andy Cook

Law Offices of Andy Cook
1901 First Avenue
Second Floor
San Diego, CA 92101-0309

Phone: (619) 515-9900  |  Fax: (619) 515-9898
http://www.divorcesd.com

Contact Andy Cook

Certified Family Law Specialist. 100% Family Law

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

I prefer to take on cases for men or women who have already decided to file for divorce or for child/spousal support or child custody, as well as those who have been recently served with court papers in these areas.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Name Changes
  • Restraining Orders
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
Children
  • Child Support
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

I prefer to take on cases for men or women who have already decided to file for divorce or for child/spousal support or child custody, as well as those who have been recently served with court papers in these areas.

Sub-Categories

Divorce
  • Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
  • Annulment

Bar Admissions

CA, Jun 1994
Bar Number: 171354

Specialty Certifications

Certified Family Law Specialist (Certified by State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization)

Other Court Admissions

Supreme Court of the United States (2000); United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1997); United States District Court, Southern District of California (1994); All of the courts of the State of California (1994)

Association Memberships

State Bar of California, San Diego County Bar Association

Continuing Education

Besides meeting our state's minimum continuing legal education requirements, I have regularly attended the State Bar of California's annual fall convention since 1993, including every convention but one starting in 1998. I also regularly attend the winter, spring, summer and fall seminars sponsored by the Certified Family Law Specialists of San Diego, as well as the monthly brown bag seminars sponsored by the Family Law Specialists of the San Diego County Bar Association.

Papers and Publications

I have been a guest speaker for five different seminars. I have also been a speaker at an elective course at California Western School of Law.

Example Cases

Over the last year alone, I have handled numerous contempt cases involving the non-payment of child support, a child custody matter involving child abuse, and two divorce divorce cases in which it was alleged that property was fraudulently conveyed. This is just a small example.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

California Western School of Law

City:

San Diego

State:

CA

Year:

1993

Honors:

First Year Honors Instructor

Focus and Accomplishments:

Traynor Moot Court (co-champions brief writing and second place oral argument) and National Moot Court Competitions

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

University of Vermont

City:

Burlington

State:

VT

Year:

1984

Focus and Accomplishments:

Major in History

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I started the firm on May 8, 1995. The firm's focus is exclusively on family law. I handle divorce as well as paternity cases (which are like divorce cases except that the people are not married). I also handle post-judgment matters involving the modification of child and spousal support orders and child custody orders. I also handle domestic violence matters.

Previous Employment Summary

From 1991 through 1995, I worked at three insurance defense law firms and also handled family law and plaintiff personal injury matters. During that time I was also an intern at the San Diego City Attorney's office. From 1984 to 1990, I was a full-time professional journalist.

Activities and Awards

I serve part-time as a Small Claims Court judge. I also serve as a settlement judge in family law matters.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

With the internet as well as other self-help resources, I think clients who educate themselves on legal issues have a head start when they turn to a lawyer and often have lower legal bills.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I will do so at my normal hourly rate.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am willing to do so at my normal hourly rate.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I became a lawyer because I enjoyed oral argument and I like to write.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

My experience as a full-time journalist, including on-air reporting.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I enjoyed the wide range of subjects covered by "family law."

What do you like best about your career?

The thing I like most about my career is taking responsibility for the well being of my clients and teaching them about the law.

Tell us about your law firm:

I have two full-time employees and one part-time person who assists me. I also have an on-site process server.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are preparation, attention to detail, and knowledge of court procedures.

I am persistent. I always try to settle a case first, but if that doesn't work, I can and do go to trial with excellent results.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy traveling, sports, trivia, and history.

Office Manager/Assistant

Connie Williams

Fax

(619) 515-9898

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

None

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

N/A

Hourly Rates

$275, if this website is mentioned; otherwise $300

Free Initial Consultation?

Free initial consultation, either over the phone or in person.

Typical Retainer

Anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000. The typical retainer in a new divorce case for someone who owns property is $2,900 plus the $320 filing fee.

Understanding Fees

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