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Carolyn Makupson
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Carolyn Makupson
Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, APC
301 E Colorado Blvd.
Suite 610
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 356-0752 | Fax: (626) 356-0752
http://www.makupsonandhowardlaw.com
Minimizing emotional & financial impact on your family
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Clients who will trust that our firm will give their cases individual attention and care.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Marriage
- Grandparent Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Clients who will trust that our firm will give their cases individual attention and care.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1990
Bar Number: 146752
Other Court Admissions
State Court.
Association Memberships
Beverly Hills Bar Association; Langston Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Family Law.
Example Cases
A custody case. I represent the father. A child custody evaluation was conducted. The recommendation was primary physical custody to father. The case was litigated and is still in litigation. Father has primary physical custody of the minor child (daughter). A supplemental custody evaluation was conducted and the recommendation was consistent with the first recommendation. The case is set for hearing in March.
A divorce case. I represent a wife who was married to a doctor. The husband started his medical practice prior to the marriage and bought out his partner's interest during the marriage. The parties have several community assets in addition to the medical practice which we argued is community property. We hired a forensic accountant and the husband hired a forensic accountant. We filed an Order to Show Cause requesting attorneys' fees and spousal support for the wife. We prevailed. We were preparing to proceed to trial when the case was settled. We are in the process of signing the Stipulated Judgment.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
The University of La Verne
City:
Upland
State:
CA
Year:
1986
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Loma Linda University
City:
Loma Linda
State:
CA
Year:
1970
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm was established in the summer of 1990 when I left the partnership of Kaufman and Katz to start my own practice.
We focus on family law, which includes divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence restraining orders. We handle divorce as collaborative divorce; mediation, unbundling (assisting pro pers); consulting attorneys and litigation.
Our firm's goal is to focus on collaborative divorce and mediation; however, currently we have more cases that are in the litigation arena than in the collaborative and mediation arena.
Previous Employment Summary
I was an elementary school teacher for approximately 13 years. I was a vice principal for two years, and a principal for one year.
Activities and Awards
Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles County Superior Court (family law). I am on the Board of Directors for the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law and I do pro bono work for the organization. I am a past member of the Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar Family Law Section (1995 to 2003).
AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that clients should educate themselves on legal issues. The more that they understand, the less complicated the process will seem to them. When parties consult with me and/or retain my services, I do my best to educate them on legal issues. I want them to understand the law and their rights.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
My partner Kristen Howard and I both are very willing to review documents prepared by clients. We will also assist them in preparing documents. However, based upon my experience, I find that the majority of clients need more assistance than completing documents. The majority of clients do not understand how to get the case through the court system. I have had several clients retain me to finish the work in order to finalize the divorce. In these cases, many of them have been sitting for months and sometimes years after the initial filing because the parties do not know what to do.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not coach clients who want to represent themselves. I will advise them what to expect in court (i.e. courtroom protocol).
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I went through divorce in 1981 and I had a very incompetent family law attorney. I decided then to go to law school. I went to law school for four years by attending La Verne 3 nights per week and I taught fifth grade every day. I finished law school in 1986; however, I did not begin practicing until 1990 because I became vice principal and then principal. I waited to vest in that system before commencing the practice of law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My life experience of going through divorce makes me a better lawyer. I was a stay-at-home mom until my divorce in 1981 (other than working part-time as a teacher). My children were 11, 7 and 4 years old. Their father and I were as amicable as possible regarding custody. However, the financial issues were not straight forward because I had been kept in the dark as a wife. I learned a lot during the divorce process. My background as a teacher makes me a better lawyer when I am appointed by the court to represent children.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Because of my divorce in 1981.
What do you like best about your career?
Divorce and separation of parties when they have children is very traumatic. I believe that I make a difference. I do my very best to assist parties and their children in getting through the process. I try to as much as possible to minimize the emotional trauma and stress. When I am unable to assist the parties and their children emotionally, I have resources that I can encourage them to use. There are mental health professionals that I can refer them to for counseling. My clients trust me and know that they can talk to me. It is very rewarding as I observe parties begin to smile when initially they were crying. It is very rewarding when they thank me and refer others to me. When I receive Christmas cards with pictures of children who were small when I handled the case and who are now graduating high school, I smile.
I also like the fact that my clients and other attorneys have told me that I do my very best to minimize the legal fees.
Tell us about your law firm:
My partner, Kristen M. Howard, is my daughter. Kristen was 7 years old when her dad and I divorced. As a child of divorce, she decided to become a family law attorney. She has the same philosophy that I have as a family law attorney. She cares about our clients too. Tasha Shermer is my legal assistant and receptionist. I have been told by others that she is very sensitive to my clients and others that call our firm. She is very patient and kind. She is extremely pleasant on the phone.
What are your strengths and style?
I have been told that I am very understanding. I am easy to talk to and I am a good listener. My clients tell me "You care."
I am a good negotiator and work well with opposing counsels; however, if I have to litigate, I am a strong advocate for my clients. I have no difficulty dealing with the family law attorneys who only know how to litigate. If I can avoid litigation, I will do so because it saves the high cost of litigation. However, in the majority of my cases, I have no choice, I must litigate and I can do it successfully. Several years ago, an opposing counsel said to me, "I mistook your kindness for weakness."
I get referrals from opposing counsel. A few years ago, an opposing counsel had to close his firm and he had me take over his existing files (with the clients' consent).
Personal Interests:
I like to read, garden, spend time with my family and travel. I attend church every weekend when I can. In addition to giving to my church, there are a variety of charities that I give to also.
Office Manager/Assistant
Tasha
Fax
(626) 356-0752
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:30a.m. - 5:15p.m.
Friday, 9:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
$300 for my services; $225 for Kristen Howard.
Free Initial Consultation?
No. (However, my initial consultation may last longer than one hour and I only charge $300).
Typical Retainer
It ranges from $5,000 to $7,500.
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Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
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