Matthew Steven Schultz

I hired Matt after having interviewed two other attorneys (and paid their consultation fee) who left me with the impression that they would not aggressively represent my interests. Both indicated that since I was the primary earner in the marriage, I should be prepared and willing to pay long-term s...pousal maintenance and accept less than half of the community portion of our assets. Matt's interpretation was different. He indicated that in my case issues such as child support and the division of community property were generally straight-forward and should not be complicated to resolve. He also indicated that spousal maintenance was not a foregone conclusion and, given the specific circumstances in my case, was not warranted. He provided me with a general timeline for the divorce process and a sense of what his overall fees would be. Matt is competent, direct and efficient. Although my former spouse terminated her first attorney half way through the divorce process, and her new attorney proceeded to repeat all of the work, communication documents, filings, etc., previously completed, which resulted in significant unnecessary fees to my former spouse, Matt endeavored to limit his fees to only what was necessary and appropriate. Consequently, in the end, my spouse's attorney's fees were almost double what mine were. Throughout the process, Matt was available to answer questions, made good decisions relative to court filings and was well prepared for hearings and for trial. His pre-trial and other documents spelled out compelling arguments and effectively represented my interests. In the end, we reached a settlement the day before our scheduled trial date. Incidentally, the settlement agreed upon was essentially the same settlement I and Matt had proposed nine months earlier, and included no spousal maintenance. Overall, I was satisfied with the outcome and with Matt's work in representing me.

When my ex decided to load up the van and leave in the middle of the night with my 2 girls, I had no idea the roller coaster I was in for. Mr. Schultz was one of the few to take my telephone call on a Saturday, provide good advice over the phone and was ready to take on my case by Monday. The c...ase got ugly fast, Mr. Schultz was prepared with all of the legal paperwork, technical consultants, and child custody process documentation. Together we compiled over 400 pages of evidence, 8 witnesses, and expert testimony to refute the claims presented by my ex. In court appearances, he was professional yet aggressive and always prepared. His experience enabled him to anticipate the other parties moves and statements making it easy to put forth a clear message to the judge. While the opposing lawyer was re-hashing the same statements in every document submitted to the court, Mr. Schultz was compiling transcripts from the prior hearings and always one step ahead. With the opposing counsel was floundering for direction, Mr. Schultz suggested a full Custody Evaluation. Once set in motion, Mr. Schultz worked tirelessly over many nights and weekends to compile my documentation, witness lists, doctor and medical records, and court documents to present to the court appointed psychologist. When it came to mediation, Mr. Schultz ensured that I had all of the paperwork ready and we had met over the desired outcomes. This effort allowed the mediator to have quick answers, based on facts. Although I am currently paying spousal support, the amount is a fraction of what she had asked for and for half the duration. Overall, it was the best possible outcome. The final trial was almost comical to watch, even though I had given specific instructions to my dad - he let out a couple of laughs. Mr. Schultz took control and the opposing counsel had no new information, and not a foot to stand on. As a result, she OWES me $6k for my legal costs even though she did not (and has not) earned an income.

I hired Matt through a friends recommendation when my ex decided to try to take my daughter away from me. His rates are reasonable, and his service and availability are amazing! While prepping for court, he coached me through all of the potential questions I would be asked, and gave me things to rese...arch so I wouldn't run into any surprises. During my hearing, he was aggressive and stern, yet professional. HE IS THE REASON I HAVE SO MUCH TIME WITH MY DAUGHTER! With his help, I was able to get almost 50/50 custody!

I was in a bitter custody situation where my ex and her family were hiding my son from me and I needed help immediately. I had initially hired another lawyer to handle my case and was referred to Matt when I became displeased with my first attorney's inability to file my case for over a month after I... hired him. After meeting with Matt he assured me I was in good hands and I would soon have my son back in my life. The very next day my case was filed and Matt expedited my first hearing so I could see my son again. Despite my ex's extreme attempts to lie to the court's about everything under the sun, the opposition didn't know what hit them. My ex ended up going through 3 different attorney's because she kept losing to Matt. Through the entire process Matt was available for any questions and concerns I had and kept me well informed as to what was going on in my case. At the end of it all I got joint custody and reasonable child support even though my ex was seeking sole custody, a ridiculous amount of child support and attorney's fees awarded, none of which happened. I was so pleased with Matt's performance that I referred him to another friend who's opposing counsel is notorious for being one of the toughest/aggressive family law attorney's in the Valley... Matt won that case too.

Matt has represented me in 2 custody cases over the last 10 years. He has always been honest with me about the proceedings, possible outcomes and provided me advice on how to cope with such. Matt was my attorney in 2005 when I was fighting for custody across states lines and for a true understandin...g of my children's fathers ability to pay child support. Matt kept my unemotional through a process that is never easy on a single mother and her children. He has always been available by phone and has provided my consultation on additional matters to include domestic abuse over the past few years. I trust this man to help my and all four of my children get through the difficult situation that divorce and court puts in your life. He is tenacious in the court room and well informed. That is all I can ask for as a client.