Elyse Peck Margolin

Elyse Margolin represented me in a complex and emotionally intense DVRO and custody case in Santa Monica Family Court. The case stretched over 7 months and involved five hearings. Elyse’s legal skill, organization, and dedication stood out from the beginning. She understood the nuances of my situa...tion, communicated clearly at every stage, and worked tirelessly—often after hours and on holidays. Her legal assistant Nicole was also a vital part of the process, and together, they gave me steady, compassionate support while building a strong case. Elyse not only defended me with precision, but her efforts also led to a successful outcome in both the DVRO and custody aspects of the case. Her experience and team-based approach made all the difference. I couldn’t have asked for a better legal advocate, and I recommend her without hesitation.

In December 2021, I found myself in a dire situation. I was a trusting wife whose husband had sole control over our finances, investments, business, and estate.  After a 20-year marriage, where I believed that my spouse was a trustworthy, hard-working partner, I discovered that he had engaged in a pa...ttern of illegally siphoning money from our properties through deceptive means and had hidden these assets from me. Our marriage was ending, and I had little to no funds to pursue legal representation.   I found Elyse Margolin through a referral from a trusted friend. From the first consultation to the day I met with Elyse to sign my final divorce documents, she became my guardian angel, confidant and trusted friend. Elyse demonstrated such compassion, humanity and professionalism which saved me and my son during a frightening and traumatic period in our lives. This was not as easy divorce case. Assets had been concealed in such a devious and complex manner it required the assistance of a forensic accountant to uncover. Elyse and her staff were tenacious in tracking down every account, every hidden debt (including massive tax liabilities), and uncovering every deception. Her dedication to her clients and legal expertise ensured that I could remain in my home and provide for my own future and that of my son. Elyse is a crusader for her clients. She believes in justice and doing what is right. I was the underdog in a case that could have easily left me destitute and homeless. But for the dedication and support of Elyse and her amazing staff, I would have lost everything. What happened to me is a cautionary tale of what can happen in a marriage when a spouse is entrusted to have total control of all the marital finances without oversight. I made this mistake and Elyse was there to counsel me about the importance of taking control, finding my power, and becoming the master of my destiny. If you see yourself in anything I have shared, please call Elyse Margolin and know that she will be your counselor and savior just as she was mine.  

Not only did I feel like I entered another world when I first met Elyse Margolin - I did enter another world. This firm was radically different. Elyse was my 3rd attorney in a very complicated contentious divorce. She completely understood the issues immediately, had no problem grasping the twists an...d turns and contortions that had been going on. She was kind, warm and supportive, quick, smart, effective. She and her staff jumped in full steam and were personally invested, determined not to let any of the many balls drop. That was 12 years ago. I am forever grateful to have her as my attorney. My friends are always in awe when they hear how much she has done for me. Recently I contacted her to help me with defaulted support payments. Again, she quickly responded and worked tirelessly to find a solution to a very complex and unusual set of issues. As a client, I felt cared for, listened to, understood. I appreciated that she was very clear, straightforward and honest about what we had to deal with. She had an unique ability to handle many things thrown at her at once and also to meticulously focus on very complicated aspects of legal procedures. She researched, strategized and represented me with finesse and with a remarkable memory of the numerous details. She adjusted her fierce defense of my case according to different circumstances/people. She could calmly resolve issues, but when necessary, you never saw anyone fight harder. She kept an eye on the ball and was prepared to close down any red herrings opposing counsel threw our way. She also has connections to very competent, personable, outside professionals to assist when needed. Over the years, I witnessed her behave with respect and integrity toward many lawyers, judges, court staff, baristas, including the homeless who greeted her outside the courthouse. I was always proud to have her as my counsel. It was an enormous relief for me to receive the level of expertise along with genuine concern for me and my children during the most stressful time of my life. Elyse, along with Shana, Tess, NIcole and her dedicated staff truly kept my ship steady. If you are looking for traditional legal counsel, where every moment is calculated and you dare not send off yet another reminder email, for the cost of it— then I do not recommend this firm. This firm is radically different. Elyse is simply cut from a different cloth. You won’t be disappointed.

Ms. Margolin represented my sister and I on a TRO and it was amazing how well she defended us. She got the case dismissed as soon as she finished cross examining the claimants' witnesses. She was very professional and at the same time extremely caring for her clients always available to respond to al...l of our concerns. She was very well prepared for the hearing and destroyed the opposite counsel, accuser and their witnesses of their false claims, always with respect and professionally. She definitely studied our case in detail, knows the law and is very experience in court. I will strongly recommend her for any law issue. She also has an incredible supporting team, Nicole was also superb on everything

Elyse Margolin is simply amazing. I WILL NOT go to court without her by my side. She is worth every penny. This woman is a shark in the courtroom, but a sweetheart to her clients. She advises me truthfully, even if it's not going looking good for me. She'll tell me what I can TRULY expect as the... outcome. She comes up with strategies that blindside my ex and his attorney. I had a bad prior experience with another attorney and Elyse had to pick up the pieces and still won in court for me. This was 10 years ago. I've been out of the courtroom for many years now, but she still picked up the phone when I called her just recently for advice on something current. Trust me, you NEED Elyse Margolin in the courtroom on your side!!