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Stephen A. Gershman

Stephen A. Gershman

Law Office of Stephen A. Gershman
15260 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 640
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Phone: (818) 990-6505  |  Fax: (818) 990-6514
http://www.losangelesfamilylawyer.com

Contact Stephen A. Gershman

There's No Substitute for Experience

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

I prefer to handle divorce, dissolution, legal separation, nullity, custody, move-away, support, domestic violence (obtaining order and defense), property division, prenuptial agreements, interstate custody and support, post-judgment modifications and step-parent adoptions.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Name Changes
  • Restraining Orders
  • Enforcement Actions
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Abuse
Children
  • Adoptions
  • Child Support
  • Children's Rights
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Civil Unions
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Power of Attorney
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Education & Schools
  • Individualized Education Plans
  • Special Education
Rights
  • Grandparent Rights

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

I prefer to handle divorce, dissolution, legal separation, nullity, custody, move-away, support, domestic violence (obtaining order and defense), property division, prenuptial agreements, interstate custody and support, post-judgment modifications and step-parent adoptions.

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

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1976
Bar Number: 70941

Specialty Certifications

State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, Family Law, 1994.

Other Court Admissions

California State Courts, 1976; United States District Court, Central District California, 1977.

Association Memberships

State Bar of California; Los Angeles County Bar Association; Beverly Hiss Bar Association; San Fernando Valley Bar Association; Association of Certified Family Law Specialists; Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.

Continuing Education

I regularly attend legal education seminars and workshops in family law and specialized areas of family law. I always have at least three times the number of hours needed for the State Bar minimum continuing legal education requirements.

Example Cases

1. Opposed to a move-away custody case for a father. We successfully prevented the child from being allowed to move to Texas and custody was awarded to our client.

2. Set aside two child support orders that were several years old for a client who had never been served.

3. Obtained a domestic violence order for my client against an abusive husband where there was little physical evidence.

4. Litigated the character of a $25 million dollar asset which the other party claimed to be almost all separate property and obtained a favorable result for my client.

5. Successfully defended client against domestic violence allegations in a custody matter.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Pepperdine University School of Law

City:

Malibu

State:

CA

Year:

1976

Focus and Accomplishments:

Moot Court

 

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

School:

Pennsylvania State University

City:

University Park

State:

PA

Year:

1972

Honors:

Dean's List for four quarters

Number of Attorneys

3

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

The firm was established in 1984. It has been at the present location since 2002. There are now three attorneys with experience of 31, 18 and two years. We represent men and women, husbands, wives, domestic partners, grandparents, and step parents in all family courts in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, and sometimes in Orange County.

We provide legal services in Family Law which includes divorce (dissolution of marriage), mediation consulting, custody, visitation, move-away, interstate custody and support, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, grandparent rights, paternity, property division, step parent adoption, domestic partnerships, and termination of parental rights.

Previous Employment Summary

• 1976 to 1978: David A. Leviton, Century City, sole practitioner in general practice,
• 1978 to 1980: Mink & Neiman, Los Angeles, four attorneys, general practice, mostly family law litigation,
• 1980 to 1984: Law Offices of Owen A. Silverman, Torrance, five attorneys, family law and civil litigation,
• 1984 to 1992: Law Offices of Stephen A. Gershman, Hermosa Beach and Tarzana, sole practice, family law and civil litigation,
• 1992 to 1995: Law Offices of Stephen A. Gershman, Beverly Hills, sole practice, family law and civil litigation,
• 1995 to 2002: Law Offices of Stephen A. Gershman, Century City, sole practice, family law litigation,
• 2002 to present: Law Offices of Stephen A. Gershman, Sherman Oaks, three attorneys, family law litigation

Activities and Awards

Volunteer Judge Pro Tem for Los Angeles Superior Court; Mediator for Los Angeles Superior Court.

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

It is very helpful when clients have educated themselves on legal issues. We do this for our clients, but when they already have some knowledge, it helps us to work as a team for more effective representation.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I or my staff members will review documents and if retained, re-draft the documents in proper form with suggested changes. I will not sign any document prepared solely by a client.

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

I will consult with them.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoyed the thought analyses and the challenge of creative thinking. I wanted to make a difference in people's lives.

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

Being a parent (step-parent of two young children whose father died) gives me valuable insight for guiding clients in custody cases and understanding the development of children.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I chose this area of law because of the diversity of areas that are involved. No case is routine. Each client has different issues with different facts. I enjoy dealing with a client's entire life and knowing that my guidance may have a profound effect. In this area of law, I can help parents and children have happier lives.

What do you like best about your career?

I am in a field of law that is in constant change as society changes. Intellectually, it forces me to be well-versed in many areas and keeps my intellectual curiosity alive. I like making a positive difference in clients' lives.

Tell us about your law firm:

I have a wonderful assistant who is very attentive to clients when they need reassurance. She is very sensitive to their needs. One attorney has 18 years experience, and I trust her judgment on everything. She brings a different approach and perspective to the practice which helps me relate better to my clients and be a more effective advocate. The newest attorney is eager to learn and absorbs everything. I enjoy giving her the benefit of my experience and watching her develop her own style. She is far more computer-savvy than me, which is valuable to many cases.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are being well-prepared and well-versed in evidence. I am also able to guide clients and explain why recommendations are being made. I try to create a situation where both parties can live with the result when possible. When this is not possible, I will be forceful and sometimes confrontational, so my client feels his or her interests are being protected. It is very important that clients feel that they have had the opportunity to have their say and that their position was adequately presented.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy reading about history, photography, collecting older cameras such as the Rolleiflex and Retina Reflex, and doing home repairs.

Office Manager/Assistant

Yes. Carole Eastman.

Fax

(818) 990-6514

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Other times are available by special appointment

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Spanish and Russian.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Minimum fee for pre-nuptial agreements is $6,000.

Hourly Rates

$250 to $450.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, for up to 30 minutes. The next hour is $250.

Typical Retainer

My retainer depends on issues in the case, with a minimum of $5,000. Contested custody and complex issues can be $10,000 to $25,000.

Understanding Fees

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