David Thomas Pisarra

David Thomas Pisarra

4.7
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 27 years

Child custody Lawyer at Santa Monica, CA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Alimony

1305 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA

About David

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Child Custody 60%

Parental Alienation (PA) is a reality that many parents combat. PA requires special handling – most lawyers don’t understand it, judges do not see it, and therapists don’t get it. I'm a member of the PA Study Group. Call Me NOW about PA issues.

28 years

60%
Divorce and Separation 35%

For 20+ years I've helped people get through the divorce process. I've handled hundreds of cases with money, children and pets all being fought over. I believe that the quickest breaks heal the fastest and work to get you to a final judgment ASAP.

28 years

35%
Alimony 5%

Alimony or as it's known today, Spousal Support, is an important part of a family breakup. When one parent has been home for years raising the children they need help getting re-established, but it DOES NEED TO END at some point.

28 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-795 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 27 years

State: California

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of David Thomas Pisarra

1305 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, 90405

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David Thomas Pisarra's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

13 Client Reviews

5 star (12)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Richard | November 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

"Life-Changing Attorney: Gained Precious Time with My Daughter"

I am beyond grateful for the outstanding work David Pisarra did on my case. I hired David to help me gain more time with my daughter, especially for holidays and vacations, as her mom was extremely unwilling to allow me any extra time. Thanks to David's expertise and dedication, I now have half of al...l holidays and every weekend with my daughter, from school pickup on Friday to school drop-off on Monday. This has transformed my relationship with my daughter, and I cannot thank David enough. He truly made a difference in my life, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled, compassionate family law attorney. Thank you, David!

Posted by Rand | January 8, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Don’t do it unless you want to get ripped off

I am very disappointed really about the whole Experience. I went to David due to his reviews and all of the things I have read that has wrote about high conflict divorce and fathers rights. I guess I should have gone with don’t judge a book by it’s cover cause the book was horrible! I was charged dif...ferent amounts for the same initial meeting twice. One charge was 400.00 the second one was 540.00. I was billed 3500.00 for never going to court. One extension for trial was faxed in and a couple phone calls that was it. I could never get him to answer my calls once he took my money. I had to call from my girls friend phone to get him to answer. Don’t waste your time. Those other reviews are fake I heard him joking about a couple of them the one time I did actually have something you might call a meeting(which was the initial meeting). If you want a Attorney that will let your ex spouse just leave with your kids out of state and do nothing this is your guy !!! Even know he promises that he will do his job and do the ex parte and then not answer his phone for days this is your guy!!! I hope you get the picture!!! Other than that nice guy somewhat clean cut, has no style and shouldn’t be a attorney or is just over the hill at this point !

Posted by Caleb | June 3, 2014

David Pisarra saved my life!

This review has been a long time coming. Over the years I've been struggling with a huge stolen identity issue that has caused a lot of problems and it was affecting my driver’s license status. Dealing with government agencies can be time consuming and draining and you find yourself getting nowhere i...n a hot second; I was at the end of my rope. A friend referred me to David. Found him to be knowledgeable, friendly, and over all a good attorney to work with. Unlike many other attorneys’ I have worked with he asked his questions, pulled the emotion out of the situation, and got the problem fixed. It wasn’t easy but he was relentless. Its rare to find an attorney that gets invested in his client and worries more about solving the problem than the amount of hours he can bill. David, you literally saved my life. Since then I’ve found him to be useful on many other little things in matters of the law and his guidance is something I know I can rely on. Anyone who needs an attorney and sits down with David will see that. Thank you!

Posted by elivh | October 27, 2013

I endorse this lawyer!

David is a zealous advocate for his clients. His passionate and aggressive approach lead to results. He is not opposed to resolve matters out of court that assuredly saves his client's money and will allow all parties to move on with their lives. I endorse this lawyer!

Posted by Brian | February 16, 2011

A breath of fresh air to the legal system

David is the first Attorney who actually listened to me when I told him about my case. I was stuck in a 3 year old case and going know were. I was told about Dave when my divorce started, I blew it and went with a (friend of the family). Needless to say $25,000 dollars later I was know were. I call...ed David and meet with him. David has keep me completely informed and was very fare priced. Since hiring David I know I will finish my case cause David knows how to fight for me plus after one appearance I am being treated like a father not a bank. So if you like instant gratification David is your guy.

See All Client Reviews

David Thomas Pisarra's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Rose Ceilia Kesten headshot
Rose Kesten

Family lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have had the good fortune of working with David on multiple projects and am continuously impressed by his intellectual agility and ability to interact with clients and attorneys alike. David provides excellent representation to each and every client and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney for their family law matters."

Robert Charles Moest headshot
Robert Moest

Family lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of consulting with David Pisarra on several family law matters, and have referred him a number of cases. I am a litigator and not a family law specialist, but when issues overlap David is my go-to guy for reliable information and good counsel. On those occasions I have referred clients to David, the feedback has been uniformly positive. Finding someone who takes a special interest in father's rights is an added bonus, but I would not hesitate to recommend David to anyone in need of assistance on Family Law related issues."

George Anthony Munoz headshot
George Munoz

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Irwin Baron Feinberg headshot
Irwin Feinberg

Unknown lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is a passionate advocate and a skilled trial lawyer. He understands the needs of his clients and has their best interests always in mind."

Crystal Michele Boultinghouse headshot
Crystal Boultinghouse

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. David knows the law and fights hard for his clients but he is always willing to work with opposing counsel in a congenial way."

Max Nathan Pickelsimer headshot
Max Pickelsimer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I met David several years ago during an intensive, week-long trial advocacy course, and we have remained in contact ever since. I enjoy reading the many informative articles he writes pertaining to family law. David is an exceptional attorney and zealous advocate. I highly recommend David."

Andrea Merrell Caster headshot
Andrea Caster

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is knowledgeable about all aspects of family law, and a zealous advocate for his clients. It was a pleasure being opposing counsel on a contentious case, where he was reasonable and highly professional. I wholeheartedly recommend him."

Eric Jay Feig headshot
Eric Feig

Family lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David Pisarra for years as a colleague. He's always been extremely professional and very caring about the issues his clients face. I endorse this lawyer and would recommend him to anyone seeking a great family attorney."

Ruth Lynn Estep headshot
Ruth Estep

Child custody lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have observed David to be a skilled, highly-effective litigator. David is prepared, knowledgeable and comfortable in his own shoes in the Courtroom. I referred a matter to David that I could not handle because of a conflict and my referral advised me that David got him excellent results!!!"

Majid Hashemi headshot
Majid Hashemi

Family lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Pisarra is an excellent Family Law Lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable in the area of Family Law and is well known in the community for his expertise. I would definitely recommend clients to Mr. Pisarra for his experience and compassionate approach to his clients."

James Patrick Reape headshot
James Reape

Unknown lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sandra Dee Munoz headshot
Sandra Munoz

Domestic violence lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"It's always a challenge to work on a matter with counsel that you have never met before, as you don't know what to expect from the other side; Mr. Pisarra was hard-working and gracious, and a pleasure to meet. While we of course did not meet eye to eye on every issue, we nonetheless were able to advocate for our clients with professionalism. That will go a long way in the area of good will should we ever cross paths again."

Kelly Chang Rickert headshot
Kelly Rickert

Family lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had the fantastic fortune of having David on the other side of a divorce case. He was easy to work with and an all-around good guy. Highly recommended!"

Ilene Evans Trabolsi headshot
Ilene Trabolsi

Family lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is a fantastic attorney and person. He represents his clients zealously and brings all of his experience and professionalism to each case."

Travis Scott Eller headshot
Travis Eller

Family lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met David in Boulder, CO at a National Institute for Trial Advocacy seminar. His willingness to invest the time and expense to travel to Boulder for an advanced seminar in trial skills says a lot. We took turns in front of the group practicing trial skills. David Pisarra seemed poised, confident, and experienced and knowledgeable in his field. I would not hesitate to refer a client to David."

View All Endorsements
Joan Tamir Daniels headshot
Joan Daniels

Family lawyer

Max Nathan Pickelsimer headshot
Max Pickelsimer

Child custody lawyer

Eric Jay Feig headshot
Eric Feig

Entertainment lawyer

James Patrick Reape headshot
James Reape

Family lawyer

Erin Leigh Grey headshot
Erin Grey

Family lawyer

Seth Daniel Kramer headshot
Seth Kramer

Family lawyer

Andrea Goldsmith Heyn headshot
Andrea Heyn

Family lawyer

Ruth Lynn Estep headshot
Ruth Estep

Family lawyer

Barbara Kay Hammers headshot
Barbara Hammers

Family lawyer

Joseph John Shepherd headshot
Joseph Shepherd

Immigration lawyer

Eli Veil Hammond headshot
Eli Hammond

Family lawyer

Sandra Dee Munoz headshot
Sandra Munoz

Domestic violence lawyer

Kelly Chang Rickert headshot
Kelly Rickert

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrea Merrell Caster headshot
Andrea Caster

Family lawyer

Matthew Adam Breddan headshot
Matthew Breddan

Family lawyer

Eve Lopez headshot
Eve Lopez

Family lawyer

Janine Marie Frisco headshot
Janine Frisco

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Majid Hashemi headshot
Majid Hashemi

Family lawyer

Brian D McMahon headshot
Brian McMahon

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

1994

PRESIDENT'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE, HERBALIFE

Work Experience

1995 - 1997

Cosmetic Product Licensing Manager, Herbalife International

Associations

2019 - Present

Men's Family Law Foundations

Executive Director

2010 - Present

San Fernando Valley Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Regional Standing Committee

2004 - Present

Beverly Hills Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

1999 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Officer

1999 - Present

Santa Monica Bar Association, Family Law Section

Volunteer Panel Arbitration

1999 - Present

California Men's Gathering

Planning Committee Member

1998 - Present

Beverly Hills Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

1998 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Lying ex-wife loses her Alimony

Win- Saved my client $140,000 in Alimony

Post Partum Parental Kidnapping Case

Father wins custody of 18 month old baby

Turning the Tables - Man-imony

Man wins Spousal Support from ex-wfie!

Big Daddy wins in court over Psycho Mama

Father Wins!

Dad won Custody of his daughters

Win for Father's Rights

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

National Institute For Trial Advocacy

Family Law Trial Advocacy

1998

University of West Los Angeles School of Law - West Los Angeles

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

St. John's College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Webinar - A Man's Guide To Child Custody Child Custody

2013

Webinar - What is International Child Custody - A Patchwork of Laws International Child Custody

2013

Webinar - A Man's Guide To Family Law Men's Family law

2013

Webinar - A Man's Guide to Domestic Violence Domestic Violence

2012

LACBA - MINOR'S COUNSEL TRAINING

Diversity in Family Law

2010

City of Santa Monica

The High Costs of Child Support

Publications

2012

2011

2011

EzineArticles.com How NOT to pay child support

2011

InternationalChildCustody.com Child Abductions and Wrongful Withholding

2011

InternationalChildCustody.com What is Home State Jurisdiction?

2011

2011

HuffingtonPost.com THE BIGGEST MISTAKE MEN MAKE

2010

2010

2010

Human Resource Executives Online Fathers in the Workplace

2010

2009

2008

2008

2008

2008

Santa Monica Daily Press What's The Point?

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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