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Cathleen Elisabeth Norton

Divorce and separation Attorney at Beverly Hills, CA

4.9   75 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 18 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Cathleen

Learn Cathleen’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    30%
    Divorces can be confusing and emotionally exhausting without an experienced family law attorney on your side. We have answers to your questions regarding child custody, visitation, spousal support, child support, and division of community property assets and debts. Call us to schedule a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.

    18 years

  2. Child custody
    20%
    We understand that nothing is more important in life than one's children. In CA, both parents have legal rights and responsibilities pertaining to their children. You have a right to frequent and continuing contact with your children absent extreme circumstances. Did you know that the amount of time you have with your children will impact the amount of child support you have to pay or will receive? You have questions and we have answers. Call us today for a free consultation at (310) 300-4021.

    18 years

  3. Family
    20%
    Family Law encompasses divorce, domestic partnership, and paternity cases involving custody and visitation, child support, spousal support or alimony, and division of assets and debts. Make the call that makes the difference. We will help guide you through the complexities of your family law matter. Our goal is to empower you with the legal information you need to make informed decisions about your family and your finances. We have the answers you seek. Free Consultations (310) 300-4021.

    18 years

  4. Alimony
    15%
    Alimony or Spousal Support as it is known in California is a tricky area of the law because it gives judges broad discretion in ways that child support, for example, does not. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of both temporary and permanent spousal support.

    18 years

  5. Child support
    15%
    Child Support and custody/visitation go hand-in-hand with each other. Let us help explain how child support is calculated in the State of California. Call us for answers to your questions.

    18 years

CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST! SUPER LAWYER 2013-2023! GRADUATE OF UCLA & UCLA LAW SCHOOL!

By developing a comprehensive case strategy tailored to client goals, we attempt to negotiate settlement from a position of leverage. The strength of our approach lies in educating our clients about their legal rights, and empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives.

Awards

Client's Choice 2023,2020,2018,2016,2015,2014,2012,2011
Client's Choice
2023 2020 2018 + 5 ...
Top Contributor 2013,2012
Top Contributor
2013 2012

Photos and videos

Contact Cathleen

Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900
Beverly Hills, CA, 90212
Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton
20720 Ventura Blvd., Suite 240
Woodland Hills, CA, 91364
Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton
31225 La Baya Drive, Suite 113
Westlake Village, CA, 91362
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Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  75 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
1%
Client's Choice 2023
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Erin | February 22, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
I came to Cathleen with a messy custody case and within a few weeks she was able to settle with opposing counsel and get a custody order that made both me, my ex, and our kids happy. She was totally fair and reasonable with her fees and was honest from the get go. She really thought out of the box and gave me advice no other attorney had, which ended up saving me money spent on fighting it out in court. I can not say enough great things about her and her staff. Thank you again Cathleen!
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Posted by kryshawn | January 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Saving grace
Cathleen is a super lawyer and very well respected in the family law community. She is practical and cost effective and doesn't just drive up your fees and costs to make a a profit. She has integrity and is direct and straight to the point. She will give you her professional opinion whether or not it's what you want to hear. She is kind, practical and realistic. I trust her legal judgment completely and that says a lot because I was dealilng with the most important of issues to me, child custody issues. Thank you Cathleen for looking out not for me but for my children too, no matter what. With no hesitation I would recommend Cathleen to my family and friends for any of their family law needs.
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Posted by David | January 14, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated, Professional and Astute - Highly Recommend
I hired Cathleen because I read a number of reviews where people praised her ability to skillfully navigate a difficult case to a positive conclusion for her clients. I found all those reviews to be accurate. If anything, they fall somewhat short. Cathleen and her staff are exceptional. Throughout my case, they demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, skill and dedication. My case was relatively straightforward, but my ex-wife was determined to create as much chaos as possible. Cathleen's legal acumen led to the best outcome possible for me. At one point, even the judge in this case commented that her adroitness at employing the law was noteworthy. As a client, I especially appreciated that, at each stage of the case, Cathleen took the time to explain her legal strategy and the relevant legal principles. I truly felt like she acted in my best interests at all times, and that she kept me in the loop. As a professional engineer myself, I appreciated her systematic approach to each element of the case. She is a tough negotiator, and I genuinely valued having her skills at work on my behalf. I highly recommend her.
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Posted by Dazmun | November 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely amazing no one is better!
Cathleen and her team are amazing! The best family law firm in Los Angeles. They were so accommodating and took the time to explain everything over the phone. They were always available to answer any questions that I had throughout my custody and divorce case. They were very patient with me throughout the entire process of my case. Cathleen was honest and upfront with me the whole time. Her firm is very professional, and I definitely would recommend her to anyone for any family law matters. I appreciate your time and expertise, thank you so much!
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Posted by Marco | March 31, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend! Look no further!
Ms. Norton and her staff were extremely helpful throughout my child custody dispute. They were responsive, compassionate, and understanding. I highly recommend her and her team to any family going through such a challenging time. She is assertive and empathic and her priority is the best interest of the child.
Posted by Charles | August 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Cathleen is the best for Child Custody disputes
I have been working with Cathleen for the past 18 months to resolve a child custody matter. Cathleen is very direct and has great communication, both with me and with opposing counsel. Cathleen delivered exactly what she said she would when we had our very first meeting. She and her team worked diligently and expeditiously while also minimizing costs by working with opposing counsel to resolve minor disagreements. Cathleen and her team were a pleasure to work with.
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Posted by Victoria Pham | October 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child custody/support case
Cathleen Norton has been one of the most amazing attorneys to have. She is very good at what she does and won’t fail you. God blessed us with this woman and truly felt I had an angel on my side. She knows her job like that back of her hand and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Posted by R.B. | April 11, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best divorce attorney in the area
From my initial consultation with Cathleen, I knew that she was the right person. She understood the family dynamic and central issues within a few minutes of me explaining the situation to her. The case was long and drawn out because the other party insisted on pursuing meaningless litigation. However, Cathleen and her team fought their frivolous claims and achieved the outcome I was looking for. There were several incidents that occurred outside of the court where the other party attempted to illegally withhold custody, Once again, Cathleen and her team were available immediately to enforce the custody agreement and coach me on next steps. I am very happy that I chose Cathleen to represent me and I appreciate her honesty and dedication in getting me and my children a favorable outcome. She is a wonderful person and will help you through your tough times.
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Posted by Katie | September 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
SUPERIOR doesn't even properly describe Ms. Norton!
Ms. Cathleen Norton has been a Godsend. After 2 years of litigation, more than 16 review hearings and a full 730 Child Custody Evaluation, I was desperate for a change - something or someone to change direction, strategy and the path to nowhere I was stuck on. I scoured the internet. I interviewed attorneys. I talked to other parents. I prayed. I cried. I was scared, exhausted and defeated. And I figured there was no attorney in the world who would understand me, protect me and my son, and ensure the damage done by prior counsel would be rehabbed (especially with the factual complexity of the case). And then...Ahhhhhhhhhh - I clicked on Ms. Norton's AVVO profile. <3 Thank you Jesus! From the moment her staff called re: my inquiry & request for consultation, I knew there was something different about this firm. After speaking with Ms. Norton on the phone, I knew, WITHOUT AN OUNCE OF DOUBT, she was going to get the job done. She is Amazing. Fantastic. Superb. Exceptional. Outstanding. Superior. And even those don't completely describe all that she is. Ms. Norton is a master negotiator. She was able to accomplish more in several months, than other attorneys could in two years. Her no nonsense, confident approach to negotiations is remarkably effective. And when she was unable to achieve the desired results because the opposing party was stonewalling, she upped her game & prepped for trial as if her life depended on it. She maintained her composure under pressure yet, kept me on my toes in questioning my intentions the way the Court might. Above all, she and her staff showed me an abundance of respect, grace & compassion - even when my OCD or emotions were getting the best of me. She is skilled beyond measure. With phenomenal memory retention, exquisite attention to detail and the ability to articulate in the most persuasive manner, I was unusually confident heading into a 4-day trial - that quickly turned into a 2 hour negotiation session resulting in a stipulated judgement with the parameters I was after all along. Not only did she save me thousands of dollars, she gave me 3 days of my life back and an enormous amount of relief. In the end, Ms. Norton and her amazing staff (Albertine, Heidi & Jordan) walked me, my son & my family down the tunnel, towards the light, to a new life of peace, and we are eternally grateful. I absolutely, 100% times infinity, endorse the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton - hands down, THE BEST family law attorney in California! *And NO, I was not paid for this review.
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Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Beyond grateful
Cathleen and her team work diligently on my divorce case providing me with the best guidance, options and solutions. Cathleen is tough, professional, smart and understands how to approach all situations. I am so grateful I hired and trusted her with my case.
Posted by Cen | February 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I can not recommend Cathleen highly enough!!!
I hired Cathleen E. Norton to represent me in my Divorce/Marriage Dissolution case and restraining order. Addition to those , I also had to face a Criminal case, financial difficulties and immigration consequences….. I had to make that very important decision once for all. I had no choice but getting the best legal representation ! My Godparents who live in Las Vegas NV made their research to help me. Avvo was only one of the places they have looked at. Cathleen’s reputation is above and beyond the state borders!! I am greatly appreciative of her guidance and support as I was dealing with these difficult and unexpected situations. English is not my first language, however it was very easy to communicate with Cathleen. Cathleen handled all of my questions and concerns promptly. She was very efficient! Cathleen made certain that I understand what my alternatives were and how my decisions could affect my case. Cathleen's professionalism, integrity and trust gave me the confidence to weather through my Divorce proceedings. She worked with my other attorneys to get the best results possible for me!! She has such a knowledge and experience which allows her to oversee the bigger picture. Because of her I was able to get the best outcome possible. Thank you Cathleen and her great team!!!
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Posted by Fidel | January 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Compassionate, Determined, and Precise (DVRO, Marriage Dissolution, and Child Custody Modification)
Cathleen has been more than just my attorney, she has been a great mentor and friend. In 2019, I filed a marriage dissolution and DVRO. This was just the beginning to an endless legal battle. After numerous court hearings and trials, I was able to make it to the other side. All thanks to Cathleen's ability to envision the finish line. Cathleen fought relentlessly to help me save my kids from the violence they were experiencing at home from their mother. It was an emotionally draining situation, that I am thankful to have done with Cathleen by my side. After three days of trial, Cathleen was able to request the Los Angeles Superior Court to grant a DVRO for three years. Cathleen saved me from having to file bankruptcy! She pressed opposing counsel to sell the family home and agree to settling the mutual debts from the home. Opposing counsel was clearly resistant, as he wanted the proceeds from the home to go to his trust account. Cathleen advised me on how to handle the situation and keep things as streamlined as possible. Once the family home was sold, the legal battle slowly came to an end. Thank you Cathleen!
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Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Experienced and sharp
I hired Cathleen to consult on a post-judgment modification issue related to support and custody. She saw angles in my case I hadn’t conceived of and helped guide my strategy on how to proceed. She is a very sharp legal mind and was generous with her time when our initial consult had to be pushed back. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
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Posted by Denise | March 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You will not regret hiring her!
Where do I begin. My divorce/custody battle was a very long one. I was scared, nervous and extremely emotional. I really loved the fact that Cathleen is very professional and honest. She truly kept me grounded and was very real with me in regards to all issues. She addressed every single concern, understood me, empathized, and made my process all easier. I really do love her honesty in it all, I was totally myself around her, no judgement. Everyone at the office too, they are on top of things, answer quickly and overall kind. When you go into a sensitive process that can also be lengthy, having someone kind definitely helps the journey. I'm so grateful I hired Cathleen.
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Posted by Angela | October 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional
She is very professional. Walks in tells you how it is and if you follow her advice she will get the job done! Highly recommend her.
Posted by Jordan | October 9, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Spot-on Consultation!
I am a single father with an extraordinary situation involving my six-month-old daughter and estranged spouse. Cathleen anticipated the opposing argument and gave spot on advice during the consultation on how to structure my legal position, resulting in court orders that I was more than satisfied with. 10/10 will consult & hire in the future.
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Posted by Christopher | September 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantasy divorce attorney!
Cathleen represented me in my divorce proceedings. My ex and her attorney tried to make every step difficult for me. Cathleen and her team successfully fought and negotiated a fair settlement for everyone concerned. She is a tenacious and thorough attorney who I am thankful for having as my attorney.
Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great choice!
I hired Cathleen after interviewing a few different attorneys. After meeting her, I felt her qualifications and personality were a perfect fit for me. I hired her to assist me in filing for divorce from a difficult spouse. She handled my divorce from start to finish, preparing a judgment, an income withholding order and referring me to QDRO counsel to ensure I receive what I am entitled to. Her paralegal, Albertine was also helpful and always returned phone calls. Highly recommend Cathleen Norton's office.
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Posted by Menty | February 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Truly amazing Lawyer and Woman
What did Cathleen not do for me is the question. I was in search of a lawyer as it was my first time going through a divorce with a minor child. I called many offices to set up a consultation and Cathleen’s office was one of the few that actually called me back, and I am soooo grateful that they did. Her entire office is great, very welcoming and there to help make this tough situation a little bit easier. I can honestly say Cathleen was always upfront and honest with me, taking the time to get to know me and my case. I don’t know how many times people have asked me how are things going, and one of the first things I always say is “I love my lawyer.” I never had a hard time getting in contact or getting responses from Cathleen and her office, Albertine and Heidi were great to work with as well. My case dragged on a lot longer than we expected and they always made me feel comfortable and at ease. Cathleen helped me make one of the biggest decisions regarding my case and will always be grateful for the time her and her office spent with me. If your looking for an honest, direct lawyer with your best interest at heart, you will get just that with her. She is a well known lawyer and honestly lives up to her reputation in and outside of the courtroom.
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Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
I am beyond grateful for Cathleen and her team. I had read several reviews on Aavo talking about how Cathleen was very good with Move-Away orders which are very difficult to obtain. Upon meeting her, I knew if anyone could do it, it would be Cathleen. Cathleen and Heidi took the time to gather ever bit of information to strengthen my case and wrote an incredibly strong Declaration. I got the move-away granted immediately. In an instant the course of my life was changed and I am forever grateful to Cathleen, Heidi, and Albertine who all worked so hard for me.I was set to begin trial preparation for custody a couple month after my move was granted. This process was dragged out and and very frustrating because of opposing counsel. Without going on about specifics I can simply say that because Cathleen is so dedicated, meticulous and intelligent, everything has worked out for me which I thought was near impossible. When I went to the courthouse with her I could see how well respected she is by everyone, people recognize her. She is so amazing in the courtroom I watched people ask for her card both times I was there. She is rational and strong, with a voice that makes people listen. Cathleen is also trustworthy, calm, and sharp as a tac. No matter how my case had turned out I was confident that I had the best shot with Cathleen by my side. Like I said before, because of her my life has changed and I can never thank her and her team enough. Also, they are very conscientious with your money and keep things short, sweet, and efficient all while making sure you know they care about your highly emotional situation. When we left court after things were settled Cathleen said- Your job now is to raise a good kid, a good person. Cathleen is quality through and through.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 395-450 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • LAW OFFICES OF CATHLEEN E. NORTON
  • 2005 - Present

Education

  • UCLA School of Law
  • JD
  • 2004
  • UCLA
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1999

Associations

  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • San Fernando Valley Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Southern California Family Law American Inn of Court
  • Executive Committee
  • 2009 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2023
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2022
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2021
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer - Rising Star 2015
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer - Rising Star 2014
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer - Rising Star 2013
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Top Contributor
  • Avvo
  • 2012
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2012
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Family Law Inns of Court
  • Liar, Liar Pants on Fire; Imputation of Income Using Discovery Tools
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (61)
Given (47)
Endorse Cathleen
Family Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Other
"Cathleen and I went to the UCLA School of Law together and I have always been thoroughly impressed with her intelligence and strong work ethic."
Family Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Norton is a highly motivated and talented attorney. Her knowledge of the law, creative ability to apply it and passion for legal advocacy make her an excellent choice for someone seeking zealous legal representation."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. She is highly respected in the family law community and is very knowledgeable. A great choice for anyone looking for representation in connection with family law issues."
Child custody Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Child custody Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
Family Attorney | May 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Cathleen has not only distinguished herself among her peers for her skills as a family law practitioner, but she is also a sweet and kind person who takes care to reach out to others, to help promote others, in caring ways. That is a character trait that is not always exhibited by lawyers, and her large heart is no doubt reflected in her high AVVO rating and the endorsements and reviews she has garnered. She has the kind of career that not many lawyers - even ones with ten figure verdicts - can hope to have. I will look for opportunities to promote her as she has promoted me!"
Child custody Attorney | May 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Norton is a wonderful lawyer and legal strategist. She is able to quickly and concisely map out case issues. She is also incredibly well versed in the court system and will provide clients top quality legal advice."
Family Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Domestic violence Attorney | Oct 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Based on her answers to avvo clients' questions that I have read and agreed, it is clear that she is a highly experienced and confident family law attorney. She advises based on competent in-depth analysis and her extensive knowledge in the complicated family laws. Great attorney."
Child custody Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Awesome attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.."
Family Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Aug 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Excellent attorney. Highly recommended."
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