Joseph Wallace Howington

Joseph Wallace Howington

4.7
Rating: 6.0

Licensed for 46 years

Family Lawyer at Ontario, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation

3281 East Guasti Road, Suite 175, Ontario, CA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
See Details

About Joseph

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Family 50%

Provides a full range of legal services from our offices in Ontario, practicing in the courts of San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

48 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 46 years

State: California

Acquired: 1979

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021

Location

Howington & Associates, APLC

3281 East Guasti Road, Suite 175, Ontario, CA, 91761

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Joseph Wallace Howington's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

46 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 46 reviews

Posted by Joe R | April 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Mr. Howington and his Team are the Best at Family Law

This review is entirely the result of my personal experience and client relationship with Mr. Joseph Howington and his Staff. I retained the service of Howington and Associates on the stellar recommendation from a close family friend for whom Mr. Howington had most successfully litigated both divorc...e and child custody for. Both he an an additional close family member had phenomenal success in cases that were to say the least, messy. I was advised by this person, with whom I share implicit trust; that in the matters of family law there is simply no one else to call on for assistance. I have since come to understand that this advice was in no way exaggerated. Mr. Howington is in my humble opinion, a great man. His knowledge of the law is at the very top of his industry. Not only is he a great litigator; He is passionate about his clients. I can feel that whenever I am in his presence. In the courtroom he commands great respect and admiration from all in attendance. I feel it is not too far to say that even opposing counsel while not happy with the outcomes he achieves are still grounded in a great respect for his skill set. He is a man of great compassion also. I have never felt marginalized in any way by him or any of his staff. This is keeping in mind the incredible schedule and client list of which I have seen him bare enormous responsibility. He has always taken the time to speak with me, never rushed and explain to me options, his opinion, and possible outcomes in a way that I can only describe as a true mentor. I do not feel that I am simply his client and look up to him with much admiration. His staff is in a word incredible. Heather Morgan Soriano; Thank you. Heather is one of the kindest people I have ever met, in any arena. From day one she has not only been a great assistance in my case, but also a guide, and person with whom I have a great fondness for and trust with. Along with Heather; Mr. Howington successfully brought me through one of the toughest events in my life. Together they have worked to defeat a false Domestic Violence case that was taken to trial and was not let up on in any way by the opposing side. It was through the knowledge, guidance, and adherence to Mr. Howington’s counsel in my opinion that a just outcome was delivered in my favor. My custody case continues to this day. Mr. Howington has so far been able to keep my children with me for most of the time under a temporary custody order, lobby to promote constant contact between all parties; and successfully keep my children in their respective schools and communities, which was at the root of my case and concerns from day one. He has never wavered from a direct course to achieve the outcome that I feel is fair for my family. A word on fees. To be very real about this subject and speak to some comments I have seen online. Attorneys are expensive! As in most aspect of life, few things that are cheap are ever good. Having said that I am by no means rich. Mr. Howington has never let my case suffer over fees. From the outset he has never charged an excessive rate or fee. Quite the contrary. He is reasonable, just and generous with his pricing. His focus has always been keeping my children in my life, never money. I know, for a fact that, he has given up personal time and income opportunities to remain true to me and my case. Every single dollar paid to his firm is well spent and well earned. He is one of the most honorable men I have ever met. That is the truth. I will continue down the road with Mr. Howington towards a hopefully favorable custody ruling and have no intention of wavering. If you find yourself in a situation where you require the service of a family law attorney, I strongly urge you to seek out Mr. Joseph Howington and his staff. The worst thing I could imagine is if the opposing side had retained his services first. I have complete faith and trust in him. I feel strongly that in these matters there are no better hands.

Posted by Sonia E | May 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best Divorce Lawyer

Howington and Associates, APLC deserve a 5 diamonds rating. Mr. Joseph Howington and his team of associates are so professional, helpful and VERY knowledgeable. I don’t think I could have gotten sole legal and physical custody of my child if I had not hired this firm to help me with my divorce. Mr. J...oseph Howington has 30 plus years of experience and his knowledge and usage of legal language is superb. Divorce can be a very stressful experience but having Howington and associates representating me has made this difficult experience bearable. Know divorces are expensive but hiring an inexperienced lawyer will cost you more than you think. God sent me to Mr. Joseph Howington and my faith and the experience of this firm has helped me through this very difficult experience.

Posted by Diane | April 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Mr Howington referral

I was surprised after asking friends and co-workers to recommend a good divorce attorney. and no one could give a positive referral. After much research I met with Mr. Howington for a consultaion and knew I had found the right person. Mr. Howington is an expert in family law and cares about his clien...ts. He always had time for my questions and he was forthright with his answers. He never sugarcoated the outcome nor did he give promises that could not be foreseen. He was compassionate in his work and my case and I was glad to have him represent me in court. He is ethical, extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

Posted by Daddy | April 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Promise You!!!

Mr. Howington is the absolute BEST, especially considering all the unethical attorneys around. I had to go through 2 very unprofessional attorneys for 1 & 1/2 years, who were only money driven/ego driven attorneys, before I found Mr. Howington. I owe this man, and his staff, everything. I woul...d do absolutely anything to help this fantastic man if he asked me for my help—no questions asked. I can promise you, you can finally rest if you hire him, and if you try to find a way to work with your ex. My ex and her mother are clinically ..., and once I let my ex and her mother be who they always were, kept doing everything to be an amazing father/ Human being to them no matter how horrible they acted or tried to defame me, all eventually subsided once Howington stepped in to slow them down through their unethical Attorney. If you work on you, stay out of your ex’s life no matter how foul their actions get, and just do as “Joe” (Howington) asks, he will get your child(ren) and life as a caring parent back for you. And I should know, my divorce took almost 2 1/2 years. Joe finished mine in less than a year, and it was ridiculous because the courts side with women almost automatically, regardless of any proof of their preposterous accusations against you, or regardless how sound your character is in society. Howington can slow that down, and eventually get it back to what it should be: “a level playing field, one for your child’s best interest.” I cannot express enough to Mr. Howington, “If you ever need ME for anything, you better call me. I got your back, as you had mine!!! My Daughter gets to be with her Dad forever now, and no blind, bent judge can take her away anymore. I thank the Lord for you!” Warmest of Blessings! God Bless!!” Love, Luna and Her Daddy

Posted by Mike Benstead | September 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Child Support litigation

Mr.howington and his personal did a outstanding job representing me regarding my child support case.

See All Client Reviews

Joseph Wallace Howington's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Ariel D. Carter headshot
Ariel Carter

Family lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Being able to learn from such an experienced family law attorney such as Mr. Howington has been amazing!"

Maria De Jesus Spear headshot
Maria Spear

Family lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is a tremendous opportunity to work and learn from such an experienced lawyer and have Mr, Howington as my mentor throughout my legal career."

Christopher Robert Abernathy headshot
Christopher Abernathy

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Howington. He is an exceptional attorney. He is always prepared and is extremely knowledgeable."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Steven Brajkovich headshot
Steven Brajkovich

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer.Joe has a wealth of experience as a lawyer, as well as in litigating very complex cases. He will zealously represent his client's interestes. He believes in his clients. He is honorable, smart, trustworthy, well-respected by the bar and bench and works tirelessly for his clients. You could not ask for a better attorney."

William Paul Bratton headshot
William Bratton

Family lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Joe is extremely competent. He has great understanding of the nuances that go into being a very successful family law attorney. He can be subtle when he needs to be or he can be very aggressive when the situation calls for it. I fully and completely endorse Joe Howington's family law skills."

James D. Madden headshot
James Madden

Family lawyer | Nov 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. One of the best complex family law litigation attorneys around. Extremely personable and runs an incredibly professional and ethical practice."

Candice Andrea Garcia headshot
Candice Garcia

Family lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joseph Howington has the experience and knowledge to competently litigate even the most contentious divorce case."

Vincent Barney Garcia headshot
Vincent Garcia

Child custody lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer as he has exemplary powers as a litigator. He maintains the highest morals and integrity. His reputation in the legal community is impeccable."

View All Endorsements
Vincent Barney Garcia headshot
Vincent Garcia

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  6.0 (Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2021

updated on 09/10/2021

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Honors

2014

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2013

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2012

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2011

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

2010

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2004

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney Owner, Howington & Associates

2010 - 2011

Partner, Abernathy & Howington

2008 - 2010

Partner, Pittullo Howington Barker & Abernathy

2007 - 2008

Owner, Law Offices of Joseph Howington

2006 - 2007

Attorney, Minyard Morris, LLP

1997 - 2006

Partner, Tuckerman Thompson & Howington

1989 - 1996

Owner, Joseph Howington, APLC

1986 - 1989

Partner, Mallery Stern & Howington

1982 - 1986

Attorney, Wilson Wilson & Perrizo

Associations

The Association of Certified Family Law Specialists for California

The East West Family Law Council

(President from 2008-2009)

The Orange County Bar Association Family Law Section

San Bernardino County Bar Association

State Bar of California

Sample of Legal Cases

Marriage of Smith (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 529

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

State Bar of California

Certified Family Law Specialist

1978

Western State Univ

JD - Juris Doctor

1975

Chapman University

Elementary Teaching Credential

1974

California St Univ Fullerton

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1974

California State University, Fullerton

Secondary Teaching Credential

Speaking Engagements

2012

Private Seminar

Competent and Admissible Evidence in a Domestic Violence Trial

2009

Bar Meeting

Use of Expert under Evidence Code Section 733

2009

Bar Meeting

Child Custody and Support

Publications

2007

Family Law News (California State Bar Family Law Section) Strategic and Practical Applications of Evidence Code Section 733 in Child Custody Evaluations

Languages

English

Spanish

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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
    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
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