Kristen M Howard

PRO

Kristen M Howard

4.8
13 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 23 years

Child custody Lawyer at Pasadena, CA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Family, Divorce & Separation

301 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 610, Pasadena, CA

About Kristen

Biography

Your problems are our problems - real solutions in divorce and family law.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Child Custody 34%

34%
Divorce and Separation 33%

33%
Family 33%

33%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 23 years

State: California

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Makupson & Howard

301 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 610, Pasadena, CA, 91101

pasadenafamilylawfirm.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Kristen online.

Kristen M Howard's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (12) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Compassionate and Tough

I had a horribly contentious divorce that had me on an emotional rollercoaster for years. I had begun my divorce with another lawyer, but that attorney was very old-school and I felt he was very dispassionate and disconnected from my case and I looked for another lawyer. The first time I met Kristen ...she greeted me with open arms stating "We give hugs here", to which I simply fell apart crying on her shoulder. She was keenly aware of my emotional disposition and was always very kind and patient with me during this most painful period, and I don't know of many lawyers that afford the amount of compassion she does to her clients. For 2 years, Kristen walked me through the intimidating steps of divorce law and clarified the legal processess for me as many times as I asked (and I asked alot!). I always felt treated like a priority , and Kristen and her team fought tirelessly for me. Im so glad this ordeal is over and I'm so glad I picked Kristen to advocate for me. Look no further and call her office today!

Posted by Brandyn | May 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

An Absolutely Amazing Family Law Attorney

Kristen Howard is an incredibly knowledgable, honest, hardworking, diligent, and professional family law attorney. I interviewed and consulted with two other attorneys/law offices, prior to hiring her, and from the moment I sat down in the conference room with Kristen, I knew I had found my attorney.... Over the past seven months, Kristen has advised and helped me through one of the most challenging situations of my life - a move away, custody case with my daughter. This custody case was so emotional and stressful and I am beyond grateful and appreciative for Kristen's legal expertise and guidance during this challenging time. Kristen was always accessible and/or available to speak via phone or to meet face to face. Kristen left no stone unturned, as she thought of everything in regards to the legal aspects of my custody case! She filed all paperwork in a timely manner and met and conferred with the opposing party, when necessary. Kristen responded to all emails immediately and with clear, concise responses. Kristen is one the most organized, thorough, and detailed individuals I have ever met, and her vast knowledge and understanding of family law is nothing short of amazing! What impressed me the most, however, was Kristen's professionalism, demeanor, and presence in court. During my two day trial, I was so confident and calm in the courtroom with Kristen by my side, as my legal representation. Please do not hesitate to hire Kristen and this law firm, as you will be so incredibly thankful you did! Lastly, on a clerical note, the monthly billing statements are always accurate, clear, and easy to understand. It was reassuring to know exactly where my legal fees were going each and every month.

See All Client Reviews

Kristen M Howard's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kristen
Robert K D'Andrea headshot
Robert D'Andrea

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Kristen is exceptionally competent and very responsive in all aspects of family law matters."

Andrea Marcy Tytell headshot
Andrea Tytell

Family lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Kristin is a very special practitioner who is intelligent, wise and thoughtful. Her legal acumen is on par with the best, seasoned practitioners that I know. Kristin is always accessible and professional in all of her dealings. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her."

Sarvey Askarieh headshot
Sarvey Askarieh

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Ryan Monarch headshot
David Monarch

Family lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Heather Lorraine Poole headshot
Heather Poole

Family lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kristen has handled complicated divorce cases for my clients with great outcomes. She is especially known for her child custody work. She is a down to earth, friendly, and tells it to you straight. She is one of few family lawyers I know who travels all over So Ca to represent clients in court. Highly recommend."

Patrick Baghdaserians headshot
Patrick Baghdaserians

Family lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. Easy to work with and very passionate about what she does. Ms. Howard is a true asset tot he Family Law community."

Fernando M Luna headshot
Fernando Luna

Family lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Howard is an excellent attorney. She seamlessly blends her legal knowledge, litigation skills, civility and professionalism in such a manner which all attorneys should strive to emulate. I have known Ms. Howard for over 10 years and I unequivocally endorse this lawyer."

Carolyn Annette Makupson headshot
Carolyn Makupson

Family lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Kristen is a dedicated family attorney. I highly recommend her for your family law needs."

View All Endorsements
Kelly Chang Rickert headshot
Kelly Rickert

Mediation lawyer

Andrea Marcy Tytell headshot
Andrea Tytell

Family lawyer

Sarvey Askarieh headshot
Sarvey Askarieh

Business lawyer

David Ryan Monarch headshot
David Monarch

Family lawyer

Heather Lorraine Poole headshot
Heather Poole

Immigration lawyer

Fernando M Luna headshot
Fernando Luna

Family lawyer

Erika Rae Scheideman headshot
Erika Scheideman

Family lawyer

Carolyn Annette Makupson headshot
Carolyn Makupson

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top Attorneys, Pasadena Magazine

2015

Top Attorneys, Pasadena Magazine

2014

Top Attorneys, Pasadena Magazine

2013

Top Attorneys, Pasadena Magazine

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Partner, Law Offices of Makupson & Howard

2002 - 2005

Attorney, Law Offices of Carolyn A. Makupson

1996 - 2002

Law Clerk, Law Offices of Carolyn A. Makupson

1996 - 1997

Legal Intern, District Attorney's Office Los Angeles

Associations

2002 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Pasadena Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2008 - 2009

Los Angeles County Bar Pro Bono Domestic Violence Project

Volunteer

2006 - 2009

Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law Pro Bono Attorney Panel

Volunteer

2002 - 2004

Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law Annual Gospel Brunch fundraiser

Committee Member

Education

2000

American College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

San Diego State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution