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Geoffrey A. Norris
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Geoffrey A. Norris
The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Norris
5 Harris Ct., Bldg. N
Suite 2
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 649-3600 | Fax: (831) 656-1244
http://www.montereylegal.com
Emphasizing Integrity and Client Satisfaction
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with clients to achieve the best result possible and protect them from the perils associated with all issues in a marital dissolution or other type of family law or civil matter.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Nursing Homes
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with clients to achieve the best result possible and protect them from the perils associated with all issues in a marital dissolution or other type of family law or civil matter.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1989
Bar Number: 142782
Other Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, United States District Court Northern District of California
Association Memberships
Monterey County Bar Association
Continuing Education
In November of 2003, I attended a multiple day interactive workshop put on by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America at the Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. I attend multiple hour continuing education classes each month. Additionally, I attended a two day Collaborative Law training seminar and also a 3 day Collaborative Law and Mediation seminar during 2006.
Example Cases
Lengthy trial in 2005 on the issues of asset tracing and the ownership of assets acquired with significant personal injury proceeds in a marital dissolution proceeding.
One month long jury trial in Monterey County in 2004 where the jury awarded approximately two times what I asked for and gave the opposing side nothing.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Year:
1985
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Southwestern University School of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1989
Focus and Accomplishments:
1988 Southwestern University Exceptional Achievement Award in Estate and Gift Taxation; 1989 American Jurisprudence Award in Insurance Law
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I started the firm in 1990 as a sole practitioner in Monterey County. By the year 1992, I had two partners and our practice became more diverse. My portion of the practice focuses on family law. In addition, I still handle select personal injury cases and civil cases.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to November of 1990, I worked for M. Michael Meheen as an associate attorney. Before passing the bar, I was a law clerk for the Century City law firm of Rogal & Coggan.
Activities and Awards
For approximately 7 years, I taught Business Law at Monterey Peninsula College. I am an active member of the Family Law Section of the Monterey County Bar Association and an executive member thereof.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Client education is very important. As part of the initial intake and interview at our firm, we routinely hand out to new and prospective clients a divorce and/or child custody folder(s) containing a wealth of information to educate the client on these issues and to help save attorney fees. The information provided teaches clients about a system that is often alien to them.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We will review documents prepared by clients; however, we will not sign off on documents prepared solely by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We routinely consult individually on an hourly basis with parties who are going through mediation, and occasionally those parties who choose to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
When I was in high school, I was wrongfully handcuffed by the police for skateboarding because of mistaken identity. It was extremely unjust, and I decided that I wanted to help people who were unfairly treated by the judicial system.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I am continually working on continuing education areas in family law and trial work. I am a better family law attorney because of my trial work in the civil area. My undergraduate experience taught me to welcome diversity in ideas and people.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
In Family Law, you have the most opportunities to make the biggest difference in people's lives for the better.
What do you like best about your career?
I think what I like best about my career is helping the clients through what can be one of the most stressful and difficult times in their lives and achieving a positive result, so that when the case is done the client is in a better place.
Tell us about your law firm:
Joanne Kelly is a licensed California attorney who works for me. She has extensive trial experience in the area of family law. Ms. Kelly has been a lawyer for 27 year and assists me in preparing all of the cases for settlement or court hearings. I do all of the litigation work for the firm in the area of family law.
What are your strengths and style?
I have the ability to listen to the needs of our clients and present those needs in the context of their case in a court of law.
I emphasize integrity and client satisfaction in my work.
Personal Interests:
I am a Pacific Grove resident. I have been married for 18 years and have 3 children. Passions outside the law include motorcycles, surfing (was Monterey County #1 men's division), skiing and cycling.
Office Manager/Assistant
Allison Jaramillo
Fax
(831) 656-1244
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish and French
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We work on an hourly rate.
Hourly Rates
Attorney: $300 per hour.
Paralegals: $100 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Our initial consultation is $150.
Typical Retainer
Our minimum retainer for a new family law case is $4,000.
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
