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 10 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by Yvette | January 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Wonderful attorney

I am eternally grateful for Mr. Howington. He helped me in my custody and child support case. This was the worst time in my life and I couldn't have had a better attorney by my side. My ex-husband was sneaky and horrible and attempted to get a false restraining order against me, falsely reported me w...ith the police for harassment, filed a fake CPS report against me, reported my vehicle stolen and did so many other awful things. All of his lies were uncovered in the courtroom. I could have been in a really bad mess but Mr. Howington had it all handled and none of my ex-husband’s false claims went anywhere. Heather was the paralegal assigned to my case and she was truly amazing as well. Mr. Howington and his team are very compassionate and take the time to understand their client’s needs. He is overall a standup man and is well respected in the court room by both other attorneys and judges as well. Definitely the man you want on your side. In the end, I believe the outcome truly was in the best interest of my daughter. I was awarded 70% custody of my daughter. I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Posted by Danielle | March 24, 2015 | Child Custody

Represented me for my divorce/custody

Mr. Howington was by far the best attorney I could have ever asked for, he helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. My ex husband was trying to gain full custody of my (2) yr old while he left me during my pregnancy with our 2nd daughter. My ex put me through so much and Mr. Howi...ngton was there to fight for me every step of the way. There was a time when I hadn't even been served to appear in court, due to my ex doing things illegally, Mr. Howington happened to be in court on another case, thankfully and was able to run interference and represent me without my even being there. Throughout the long battle, in the end I wound up with 100% physical and legal custody and a very fair amount of child support, my ex was ordered to pay all attorney fees (not that I've ever seen the $$) that's beside the point! Mr. Howington knows the law, he knows how things will go and he gives excellent advice, he actually comforted me which was next to impossible. I would refer anyone to him without hesitation, he is by far the best attorney!!!

Posted by Lillian | January 29, 2014 | Child Custody

Look No Further!!

If you are reading this review then I must assume you are entering or are already going through a divorce or custody battle. I am so sorry. You will need a great deal of support and an extraordinary legal team to help you handle the countless requests, emails, opposing council crap, court dates and... the overall aggravation that undoubtedly will be caused by your ex. This process will most likely push you to your breaking point and evoke so many emotions but through it all, it is crucial you stay focus on all you need to do. You will need someone who will advise you and direct you from doing something that can potentially be devastating to your case. Number one advice I can give you is that you must have the utmost confident in the person who is representing you. To that I say, "LOOK NO FURTHER!" Mr. Howington is the embodiment of everything you will need and want on yours side to help you fight for what you think is right. He will never sugar-coat anything and he will always give you the benefit of his 34 years of experience. His staff is awesome (Shout out to Heather)! They all are extremely professional, expedient and very friendly. They seem to work tirelessly for you and make you feel like you are the most important case they are working on. I am so grateful I was referred to Mr. Howington from a former client of his. Although the outcome of my situation has not been resolved I am more than confident Mr. Howington and his staff are doing all in their power to get me a favorable outcome. As much as it can be, given that my divorce/custody battle is the most detestable situation I have ever gone through, I can still say it has been a pleasurable experience working with Mr. Howington and his staff.

Posted by Bernie | October 25, 2013 | Child Custody

Very Few Lawyers Like Joe

I was referred to Joe by a friend of mine who knew of Joe's reputation and expertise. I had been involved in a protracted high conflict custody dispute for five years and had already been through two attorneys. As a father, I was determined to do the best I possibly could for my young son and mad...e the lengthy driving trip to see Joe. By that time, my case was voluminous with motions, declarations, evaluations, and hearings. Joe immediately took charge, analyzed my case, outlined a strategy and proceeded forward with conviction, commitment and a masterful knowledge of the law. He showed himself to be an experienced, effective litigator and trial attorney when I needed one. Joe was straightforward and tough but also understanding. He took time to educate me about the issues in my case and how they applied to the law. He fought hard for me and galvanized my case forward guiding me with a firm hand through the maze of the family law system. He was responsive to me despite his busy schedule. He answered all my questions whenever I asked them and his staff, especially Heather, was equally supportive. I have Joe to thank, in no small measure, for his part in bringing me full circle from that of weekend father to that of sole custodial parent of my son. There are lots of lawyers but very few like Joe. It's been my privilege to know him and I will always be grateful for his help. Faced with the circumstances I was, the best thing you could do is have Joe on your side.

Posted by Brian | October 29, 2010 | Child Custody

The Best Lawyer

I have recieved the services of Mr. Joe Howington over the period of years, he has always been the most responsible careing lawyer I am a father who went from every other weekend and a nightmare to Mr. Howington assisting me full circle to full custody. He is the best and knows how to work with his c...lients on an idividual basis. Thank you Joe for all your help.

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
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