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Joanne Deborah Ratinoff

Family Attorney at Los Angeles, CA

4.7   12 reviews
  • Licensed for 44 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1978
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Joanne

Learn Joanne’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    20%

  2. Family
    20%
    Divorce and separation mediation, litigation and collaborative practice; child custody; child support; spousal support (alimony); prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements; co-habitation agreements; transmutation agreements

  3. Alimony
    15%

  4. Child support
    15%

  5. Marriage and prenuptials
    15%

  6. Child custody
    10%

  7. Mediation
    5%

I am Joanne Ratinoff, an experienced family law attorney and former partner at a major Century City boutique family law firm. (The firm is now defunct because the founding partners retired.) I went into private practice in October, 2014.  My clients have the advantage of my "big firm" experience and expertise combined with my very personal attention to their cases.  I have practiced family law exclusively since 1989.  I offer divorce consultations, mediation, litigation, and collaborative divorce services. I also prepare prenuptial, post-nuptial agreements and transmuation agreements.  I am "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell, the authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession. I have been rated as a "Southern California Super Lawyer" (Family Law) for the years 2009 to date by Los Angeles magazine.  I was also selected for inclusion as one of the "Ten Most Dependable" Family Law attorneys for 2008 by Forbes magazine.

I am Committed to Providing Quality Legal Services

I practice family law exclusively focusing on divorce, child custody, spousal support (alimony), child support, and other issues that commonly occur during divorce. My extensive experience within this specialized area of law has given me in-depth knowledge of the California laws and court procedures applicable to divorce cases.

I have the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to create a personalized strategy to help you with your family law mediation or through your divorce or legal separation litigation that is based on your needs, goals and concerns.  I am a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Assn Mediation Panel.

 

Contact me at or visit my website, to learn more.

Photos and videos

About the Ratinoff Law Group
Advantages of Mediation
Preparing for Divorce
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Contact Joanne

Similar lawyers nearby

The Ratinoff Law Group
10513 Santa Monica Blvd.
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Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  12 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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8%
Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joanne Ratinoff
Joanne was a great resource for me. She gave me a lot of clear, important information very concisely. She met me where I was at and discussed my concerns but never tried to inflate the situation. I highly recommend her.
Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joanne Ratinoff - great lawyer for prenuptial agreements
I worked with Joanne on a prenuptial agreement. This was my first time dealing with a lawyer so I had no idea what to expect. Joanne was extremely professional, responsive, and easy to work with. She explained the process to me very thoroughly and I truly feel like she had my best interests at heart. If it weren't for the the opposing counsel's side, the process would have wrapped up within a few weeks due to the quick speed at which Joanne is able to work. I would definitely work with Joanne again on any legal matter related to marriage/divorce, although I certainly hope I won't have to :)
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Posted by Paula | December 21, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank You Joanne!
Thank you greatly for the time you spent talking with me on the phone, I truly appreciate it. My spouse and I have made progress figuring out spousal support and splitting our estate since you and I talked. The threat of quitting collaboration and starting litigation opened his eyes. You deserve this review because you were very generosity with your time discussing my situation. Even though we didn't work together, I know you are an awesome attorney. Thanks again.
Read less
Response from Joanne Ratinoff December 21, 2020
You are most welcome. Joanne
Posted by Larry | August 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The right lawyer for me
Divorce is never something that gets one excited however I came to Joanne after a less than positive experience with my first attorney and had the polar opposite experience. She not only wonderfully guided me through procedural manners but also negotiated a settlement that met all expectations. I never once felt that Joanne was churning the bill or advising me to do something which could be harmful to myself or x-wife and our family in this unfortunate reality. Joanne was the perfect lawyer for me and my divorce and I cannot recommend her enough.
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Posted by Lisa | July 31, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
My experience working with Joanne was excellent. She attended to all of my legal and personal needs herself, both promptly and professionally. I was very impressed by her philosophy in that while she is fully prepared to litigate, she clearly and strongly believes that family law matters should be settled between the parties and not go to trial. She makes this an important goal from the outset because she holds sacred that her clients can and should retain as much control and autonomy over their own lives. She impressed this upon me throughout my contentious divorce. When my emotions would get the best of me, she remained was always refocusing me on our ultimate goal. She regularly and gently reminded to me that while legally sound, Family Law Judges sit as courts of both law and equity, thus holding wide discretion to make orders which may or may not be to the liking of the divorcing parties. I can not recommend Joanne any more highly than to say that if one must get a divorce, their is no more respectful and prepared, knowledge, resourceful, kind, professional, or better attorney than Joanne Ratinoff! I can not thank her enough for all that she was able to accomplish while sheparding me through such a difficult time.
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Posted by Karen | June 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Mediator
Joanne Ratinoff was invaluable in my post-divorce mediation. She has an amazing ability to offer kind and compassionate assistance, deliver it with a firm and professional hand and help people who are incapable of seeing a solution come to a fair and equitable agreement. She’s great.
Posted by Adi | June 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Lawyer You Want on Your Side!
Joanne Ratinoff is a New Yorker-like powerhouse of a lawyer with an unshakable moral compass. She is the divorce lawyer you want on your side. She is deeply honest and empathetic – qualities that are essential in her profession. Joanne guided me through my mediated divorce with a compassionate, guiding hand. Joanne understands what a difficult and sensitive process divorce is - especially when children are involved. She helps you navigate every step along the way. Her family values and her care and concern for the kids in this process is incredibly admirable.
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Posted by Lee | July 20, 2010
Family Focused Advocate
Joanne is fearless, honest and assertive while remaining a first rate professional. She is a fierce advocate for her clients yet does not fuel wasteful conflict but goes right to confronting what needs to be done to get things over with as quickly as possible and help you move on. Her negotiation skills and legal knowledge inspire respect in her community, which also helps speed the resolution process. She does not mess around.
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Posted by Buddy Enright | July 14, 2010
Excellent Legal Advisor and Advocate!
Joanne has an excellent grasp of Family Law legal issues. She is thoughtful, considerate and direct. My experience with Joanne was that she considered the case holistically, looked at the challenges and opportunities as a sphere and helped chart an effective course using legal knowledge, experience and common sense. Joanne helped me with child support modification and related issues. Though the case should have been straightforward, the opposing side made things very difficult. Joanne helped me stay focused and unexcited. She has a steady hand on the tiller... I would recommend Joanne highly and if required to do so again, would engage her without hesitation.
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Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2010
Git her done!
What I liked best about this attorney is that she is agressive on behalf of her clients. She is not afraid of the judges and will fight hard for the client. She is very aware of any little detail that will help to make the case. She does not waffle. She struck me as very intuitive about the laws and the courts.
Posted by Randy | July 13, 2010
Preofessional and Valuable
Joanne is the perfect attorney - smart, effective, and efficient. She provided straightforward advice. In my case, she recommended mediation, which cut my costs and my anxiety. I have recommended her to several friends and acquaintances.
Posted by Terry | November 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce attorney
I have to be very truthful about JoAnn Ratinoff. One of the worst attorneys I’ve ever hired. It took her 15 month to do a simple divorced for me, I had a prenup and every time he sent me paperwork it cost me I would not recommend her to anyone ???
Response from Joanne Ratinoff November 7, 2018
T: I cannot comment upon your feelings, but I have stated to you the facts in a private email between us which indicates that much of the delay in processing your judgment were due to matters beyond my control. Joanne
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder
  • The Ratinoff Law Group
  • 2014 - Present
  • Partner
  • Freid and Goldsman, APLC
  • 1989 - 2014

Education

  • Loyola Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1978
  • Univ of California Berkeley
  • undergraduate
  • 1974

Associations

  • ProVisors
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1989 - Present
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1989 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1989 - Present
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1989 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2020
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2019
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2018
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2017
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2016
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2015
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2014
  • Southen California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2013
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles magazine
  • 2012
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2011
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Los Angeles Magazine
  • 2010
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • The Ten Most Dependable Family Law Attorneys
  • Goldline Research
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • California Appellate Reports
  • In re Marriage of Spector (3d Dist., 2018) 25 Cal. App. 5th 201
  • 2018
  • California Appellate Reports
  • In re Marriage of Dagleish and Selvaggio (2nd Dist., Div. 1, 2017) 17 Cal. App. 5th 1172
  • 2017

Speaking Engagements

  • MCLE program
  • Three's A Crowd: Love, Marriage and Taxes
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (1)
Given (0)
Endorse Joanne
Family Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joanne's knowledge and experience of family law is unmatched. She aggressive, energetic and empathetic and will make sure you understand every step of the process. I fully endorse her for all of your family law needs."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Los Angeles Family Lawyer Joanne Deborah Ratinoff
Joanne Deborah Ratinoff
Family Attorney
Los Angeles, CA
Licensed for 44 years