Ruth Lynn Estep

Ruth Lynn Estep

4.5
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 46 years

Family Lawyer at Santa Monica, CA
Practice Areas: Family

233 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA

About Ruth

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 46 years

State: California

Acquired: 1979

Not Eligible to Practice Law (Not Entitled)

No misconduct found

Location

Ruth Lynn Estep

233 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA, 90401

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Ruth Lynn Estep's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Case Results

Posted by Sandra | June 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family

A class act. Professional, skilled and compassionate.

Ruth is the best attorney experience we have had. She is a true professional. She was completely prepared for our case. She truly cared about us and the children involved. Ruth is very honest and tells you what is real. She has so much experience and she doesn’t play games. I’ve (sadly) worked with s...everal family law attorneys and Ruth is the very best. We live in the Midwest and Ruth handled our case in California with compassion and expertise. She made sure not a moment of our time was wasted. She ended our case quickly and expertly which saved some of the children involved from have to endure the pain of testifying in court. Another attorney in the court that day said “Ruth did an outstanding job and handled the case gently but with a hugely forceful effect. “ We agree! Ruth has our eternal gratitude for helping us through this difficult experience.

Posted by Dad with kids | May 25, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

If You Are Dad Going Through A Divorce, You Need Ruth Estep!

Ruth was referred to me by a friend who had recently gone through a divorce. I am a Dad who is fully engaged in his children's lives and Ruth has helped me maintain that role and retain custody. Ms. Estep is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of family law. She was available 24 hours per day for... me and has been responsive with each crisis that has arisen throughout the process. Ms. Estep has looked out for my best interests and my children's as well. I highly recommend Ms. Estep for anyone going through a divorce or separation. Because of her expertise and efforts I have retained custody of my children and remain indebted to her. -An Appreciative Father

Posted by Fariba | August 09, 2013 | Child Custody

AVOID THIS ATTORNEY for the sake of your child...

R. Estep was appointed to our case by the court and we are more than disappointed. At first she seemed so light and personal, then I discovered what I can only call her dark-side: she seemed to have agenda that not only did not take into account the best interests of our child, but made the situatio...n worse for both parents. Oddly, Ms. Estep's incompetency brought me back together with my estranged husband so that we both could fight to protect our child from Ms. Estep!!! Though we could not get her dismissed my daughter refused to talk to her and she finally left by default. Please do your homework and check all the reviews out there before even thinking of hiring this person

Posted by cary | March 04, 2012 | Child Custody

The most brilliant, dedicated Family Lawyer in Southern California today

I'm a former client. When it comes to children, there isn't anyone I'd trust more. I was being slandered in court and online by my ex-wife. My ex described many lies, which to this day, still leave a scar. Ruth put a stop to the insanity. My ex and I had issues, yes, and Ruth created a compellin...g argument that although issues were there between my ex and I, I was a fit parent as I sincerely placed my children first, above divorce issues. Throughout the unjust and humiliating smokescreen of "abuse" my ex's lawyer attempted to create, Ruth was the light- and navigated the judge through the smoke screen back to truth and objective reality. I was able to keep WEEKLY custody of my children, whereas my ex wanted to make me an "every other weekend dad", to gain more money in child support and to ultimately "punish me" for pushing our divorce through. My ex's anger blinded her to the fact that this would ultimately hurt the children... and Ruth insured their emotional and psychological protection. Thank you Ruth. Today, 2 years later, my ex and I are friendly (yes, it can happen!), focused on our children and have rebuilt a strong, working relationship centered on caring for our two beautiful gifts from God. Our children are doing very well on every level- and enjoy time with both mom and dad. Ruth is passionate about her work and during her arguments in court, highly regarded among her colleagues and very well respected. There isn't any other lawyer I'd trust my children's future with.

Posted by anonymous | January 04, 2012 | Family

The most professional & compassionate attorney!

I had the most amazing experience with Ruth! Unfortunately, I'm not new to dealing with family law attorneys but I've NEVER experienced the honesty, compassion, and professionalism Ruth provided me with. She listened attentively to my needs and frustration and provided her expertise to find the be...st solution to make the situation better than I ever imagined!! After all these years, no other attorney provided the results she did!! I can't thank her enough. My former attorneys merely viewed me as a money making opportunity who took advantage but Ruth made it VERY clear from the beginning that that is NOT what she's about...her actions proved that. With her honesty (and yes, there were times it hurt!), it saved me a lot of time, heartache, and money. Ruth is a passionate lady and a passionate attorney. She was extremely professional and was attentive to my needs whether it was an e-mail or a phone call...she always responded in a timely fashion. I will not replace her for another attorney!! She was highly recommended to me and I see why. I HIGHLY recommend Ruth Estep to anyone interested in working with an attorney who is honest, compassionate, and professional.

See All Client Reviews

Ruth Lynn Estep's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ruth
Joy Wren Kraft Miles headshot
Joy Miles

Family lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Ruth. I have worked opposite her in a post-judgment family law dispute. She is a fighter for her client but a reasonable person too. She has the rare gift of being a listener and not just a talker, and works to get problems resolved."

Barbara Jane Youngman headshot
Barbara Youngman

Family lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Ms. Estep on several family law matters and found her to be professional, compassionate and very knowledgeable of the law. I endorse this lawyer."

Steven Paul Fernandez headshot
Steven Fernandez

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ruth is a very skilled and experienced family law lawyer. Ruth is a leader in the Santa Monica Family Law community."

Matthew Adam Breddan headshot
Matthew Breddan

Family lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Estep has been minor's counsel in one case I had years ago and we just finished another cash today. She is hard working and fights for her client while maintaining a professional and cordial working relationship with opposing counsel."

Alexandra Rachel Lavinsky headshot
Alexandra Lavinsky

Family lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Ruth Estep is an amazing attorney with experience in all aspects of family law. In addition to being a highly accomplished attorney, her work as minor's counsel gives her insight, experience and relationships with other attorneys and judicial officers that most attorneys will never have, nor even the opportunity to develop. I endorse Ms. Estep."

John Qumars Khosravi headshot
John Khosravi

Family lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Ruth Estep is a dedicated and knowledgeable advocate. I wholeheartedly recommend her."

David Thomas Pisarra headshot
David Pisarra

Family lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ruth is a pillar in the family law community. She is a hard working, knowledgeable attorney who puts her clients needs first and is a fierce advocate."

Debra A Opri headshot
Debra Opri

Family lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ruth Estep for over 7 years. We were on opposing sides re a family law matter; while we did not agree on the reasoning/approach to the various issues of this case, we did find common ground and did always respect each other, something other attys seemingly find difficult to do when there is 'litigation'. I endorse Ms. Estep as an atty who is competent and capable."

Jackie P Ferrari headshot
Jackie Ferrari

Family lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly recommend Ms. Estep. We worked together on a custody matter in Santa Monica and I greatly admire her commitment to her clients. She is a dedicated, caring, honest and hard-working attorney who represents her clients with zeal. I am confident that any client would be in good hands with Ms. Estep."

View All Endorsements
David Thomas Pisarra headshot
David Pisarra

Child custody lawyer

Debra A Opri headshot
Debra Opri

Family lawyer

Jackie P Ferrari headshot
Jackie Ferrari

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Associations

2012 - Present

Santa Monica Bar Association, Family Law Section

Treasurer

2012 - Present

Santa Monica Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair

2013 - 2013

Santa Monica Bar Association, Family Law Section

President-Elect

2013 - 2014

Santa Monica Bar Association

President

Education

N/A

Whittier College School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

BS - Bachelor of Science

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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