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Tara McGuinness

Divorce and separation Attorney at Torrance, CA

5.0   13 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 41 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1981
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Tara

Learn Tara’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    40%
    Family Law matters include asset valuation, characterization and division, business valuation, reimbursements, income analysis, child custody and move-away cases, child support, spousal support

    41 years

  2. Family
    35%
    Family Law matters include asset valuation, characterization and division, business valuation, reimbursements, income analysis, child custody and move-away cases, child support, spousal support

    41 years

  3. Estate planning
    15%
    There are many reasons one must have an estate plan, some of which include providing a smooth transfer of one’s assets at death, the desire to avoid the time

    41 years

  4. Marriage and prenuptials
    10%
    Premarital agreements are desirable for many couples planning to marry though the subject can difficult and potentially hurtful, if not handled thoughtfully.

    41 years

EXPERIENCED & DEDICATED DIVORCE ATTORNEY - LET US HELP YOU THROUGH THIS TOUGH TIME

Tara was born in Los Angeles and raised in the South Bay. Her practice is located in the heart of Torrance. She graduated from Santa Clara University in 1978 and from Southwestern University School of Law in 1981. She was awarded a Master of Laws in Taxation in 1983 from the University of Denver.

Tara was certified as a specialist in family law by the California State Bar in 1993 and she has worked as a arbitrator with the Alternate Dispute Resolutions Services through the Los Angeles County Bar Association since 1988 and as a mediator and Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court since 1994. In additional to her private practice, she has served as an expert in family law malpractice cases.

Awards

Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice
2020

Contact Tara

Tara McGuinness, Attorney & Mediator
City National Bank Building
3424 Carson Street, Ste. 570
Torrance, CA, 90503

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  13 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2020
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 anonymous | July 3, 2013
The bulldog!
Tara is amazing!! She tells you up front the weaknesses and strong points of your case, and she works with a staff that's on the ball! (Jennifer is awesome) I had a child custody case that wasn't an attorneys cakewalk, since I'd made some seriously bad decisions in the past. But she looked past that, noticing instead the close relationship I have with my son. She fought like crazy to help the judge see that I was fit, and I went from having no custodial rights to having primary rights...legal AND custodial! Thank you Tara!
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Posted by Denise | June 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She gets it done!
Tara McGuinness handled my estate planning and I am so pleased with the results. She was supportive and patient when I asked her to explain something more than once. The process could have been overwhelming but she made it easy and made me feel comfortable.
Posted by Robert | July 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Integrity, Knowledge and Experience
I have known Tara since 2000. She did my Estate Planning and Trust. My home and finances are now protected from the government getting their hands in it and missing things up. Thanks Tara.
Posted by Rich | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rich C
Handled my divorce with very little hassle. I’ve referred others to Tara and they were equally pleased.
Posted by Mary Ann | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Brilliant attorney
Tara has been a god send to me. She helped with making our wills and Trust. She helped me navigate through my father's estate and division of property with my contentious brother. She was a huge support when my husband died and assisted me through all the paperwork that was needed in regard to my family Trust and purchase of a new property. I trust her high ethical standard and appreciate all she has done for my family and myself.
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Posted by CRISTINA | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing extremely efficient Lawyer
Tara help me in my divorce, was a lot of monetary issues and she has a solid knowledge how to protect her clients. Her fees are extremely according with the quality of service that she giving to you. A pleasure to have her as my lawyer. Highly recommend Tara.
Posted by Fudong | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional and an outstanding lawyer!
I am very happy to have had the good fortune of finding Ms. Tara McGuinness! She is by far the best attorney I’ve ever dealt with. I was faced with a very difficult and stressful family law and child custody case as the other side was antagonistic. I am very impressed by her kindness, integrity, and professional knowledge concerning family law. She is incredibly resourceful. Tara not only helped me during my difficult time with custody, but she also did an extraordinary job that went above and beyond my expectations. She stood up for me and defended me aggressively. She is always professional, diligent, and prepared for whatever unexpected situations were being thrown from the other side. Tara helped me realize what truly matters in life and by doing so, I am now able to have a working co-parenting relationship with the mother of my son which is a long-term benefit for all of us. Tara and her team deserve a 5-star rating! I highly recommend her to anyone that needs a family law attorney. You will not regret working with her.
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Posted by Anthony | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top South Bay Family Law Attorney
I have been fortunate to retain Tara's services on a couple of Family Law matters spanning a period of two decades and was very satisfied with her work and outcome. She brings both personal and compassionate touches to otherwise difficult situations. Her knowledge base is superior and her expertise invaluable. For me, her best and unforgettable moments are in the court house during oral arguments and presentations before the judge. From prior observations, I can state without fear of contradictions that she's and outstanding orator who can present cases from vantage views that are not readily apparent to most of her colleagues. Further, my brother retained Tara and also attained an excellent outcome and I have referred other colleagues to Tara for consultations services. I do not believe that I will personally need her legal help again but I will not hesitate to continue to refer to her, family and friends who might need such assistance.
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Posted by Val | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable, Wise & Caring
Tara McGuinness handled the sea of intricacies while making information available through discussions. There were meetings, both with me and with everyone present, to discuss proceedings and provide answers to questions. Her expertise comes from a love of people.
Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A truely undeviating, Talanted, Professional and courteous Family Law Attorney
I went to Tara with 2 clear goals, keep my immigration status safe while navigating through the legal system with the aim to get my daughter back, within 8 weeks Tara used her passion and experience to have my daughter back in my arms and also had the opposition voluntarily dismiss their case. I went into Tara's office as a defendant and left as a petitioner with a deal favourable to my daughter and I. Tara even came in on a Saturday to prepare a lawsuit against the opposition, this timing later proved to be critical. you'll struggle to get another lawyer to do this. Tara definitely give the best bang for the Money, and id highly recommend her to anyone. Through this process I've seen how damaging and expensive the legal process can be when you don't select the right attorney. it was when I seen this that I truly respected the hard work and good ethics of Tara.
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Posted by Eunice | May 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Eunice Flores
Having to deal with the inevitable, my divorce I felt really lost , confused and not to mention scared , i was referred to Tara McGuinness , I assumed my consultation would go like with my previous 2 divorce attorneys (those guys didn’t hear me thru or sound empathetic to my situation) she listened and gave me advice and explained how my situation and case would go down. Not to mention she was also the MOST reasonably price for the Quality of expertise I was receiving. I can’t thank her enough for making one of my scariest situations in my life seem quite quick and effortless.
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Posted by Bennett Rheingold | February 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
THE BEST FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY.
I hired Tara McGuinness to defend me in a lawsuit which was in her area of specialty, family law. I have been practicing law for 37 years, and I know dozens of family law attorneys, any one of whom would have been happy to handle my defense. I chose Tara because she is smart, efficient, honest, trustworthy and gives the biggest bang for the buck of any family law attorney that I know. Because of her astute representation, the litigation was settled to everyone's satisfaction. My bill for Tara's legal services was ridiculously low. I could not recommend an attorney any more highly. I have referred many clients to her because of her expertise in family law matters, and every one of them has been overwhelmingly satisfied.
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Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing
Tara represented me a couple of times on child custody and divorce matter both of which were favorably resolved. The second case was complicated but Tara used her experience and brilliance to steer it in the right direction. She was diligent, thorough, and meticulous in preparing the case from Discovery to Trial. She is experienced and crafty enough to know which expert witnesses to retain and to retain them early enough before the other side got to them. Aside from being well respected in the Community, Tara is a great orator and if your case ever comes to Trial, you are going to be extremely delighted that she's your attorney and if she's the opposing counsel, you will wish that wasn't so. Further, her assistant Jennifer is always calm and very good at what she does. Jennifer is always available to assist. She has that calming voice on the phone and comforting presence in person. I will not hesitate to engage this Firm should the occasion arise. I have the highest regards for Tara and recommend her without reservations.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Judge
  • Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • 1994 - Present

Education

  • University of Denver
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 1983
  • Southwestern University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1981
  • Santa Clara University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1978

Associations

  • South Bay Bar Association (LA)
  • President
  • 1994 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • N/A
  • South Bay Women's Lawyers Association
  • Director
  • 1996 - 1996
  • South Bay Women's Lawyers Association
  • President
  • 1995 - 1995
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2020
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 1993

Speaking Engagements

  • South Bay Bar Association
  • Civility in the Practice of Law
  • 2014
  • South Bay Bar Association
  • Substance Abuse
  • 2008

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (5)
Endorse Tara
Family Attorney | Jun 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known Tara for many years. We have opposed each other on cases. We have collaborated on bar association events and we have belonged to the same collaborative practice group for almost 20 years. Tara is an excellent lawyer. I find her to be intelligent, thoughtful and a great advocate for her clients. I highly endorse Tara."
Family Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known and worked with Tara McGuinness for decades. I'm very impressed both by her depth of knowledge of family law and by her breadth of experience with all types of family law matters, from heavily contested litigation to out-of-court cases resolved through mediation or collaboration. She has a practical, compassionate approach. She is smart and honest. I trust and respect her."
Estate planning Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tara is an excellent attorney. She is hardworking, ethical, and has a wide knowledge base in a number of areas. She is a well-respected member of our legal community, and for good reason."
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known and worked with Tara for years. As a mediator she helped settle a very difficult case in our practice. She's great."
Family Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tara is a strong and fantastic attorney. She is someone you can count on to fight for you. I endorse this lawyer!"
Family Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She gets amazing results for her clients! She knows the law and can consistently apply it to help her clients. Tara is well known and respected in the legal community. If you want someone who can get the job done, you call Tara."
Family Attorney | Jun 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. We have worked together in our community for many years."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Tara for over 20 years. She is highly skilled in both mediation and litigation. I endorse her wholeheartedly."
Family Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
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Torrance Divorce and separation Lawyer Tara McGuinness
Tara McGuinness
Divorce and separation Attorney
Torrance, CA
Licensed for 41 years
Virtual consultation available