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 - 9 of 9 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Brandi | September 10, 2013 | Family

So glad to have Joe on my side!!!

I am in the midst of a divorce and was referred to Joe by several other family law specialists. I find Joe to be very up front, open and honest about my situation. He has told me from the beginning that clients sometimes have unreasonable expectations but that he will do everything he can for me. Af...ter meeting with him the first time, I completely trusted that he truly would do absolutely everything within his power to get the best settlement possible for my children and me. In fact when we went to court recently that is exactly what he did. I was so proud to have him by my side arguing for me while the opposing side fumbled. He was well prepared and provided the judge with everything necessary to make a fair decision on an issue that was a little obscure. Prior to the hearing he completely prepared me on what to expect in court, when to meet, where to wait, what to wear, etc. The fact that he took the time to explain this process to me really helped my nerves on the day of our hearing. Aside from preparing me for the hearing he has talked me through and prepared me for every step of this process from the original filing to mediation and now the hearing. As we continue, I know that he will continue take care of the needs of my case. One of the most incredible things about Joe is his ability to recall the smallest tidbit of information that I shared with him months ago and apply it to the case today. Being so busy and working on so many cases at any given time, I feel like this is an amazing ability. Joe's office staff is great and I especially enjoy seeing Charlie Brown (to me he is a calming presence in the office at a time of great stress). Any time I have a question or concern I feel that I can email or call the office and get an answer. They are all very knowledgeable and if they are unsure about something they are upfront about that and will let you know that they need to check into it and get back to me. I appreciate that no one in the office will mislead or give bogus information. Joe makes himself very accessible. I was provided with his cell phone number which I felt was very generous and caring. I did have to use it once and he got right back to me, answered my question, calmed my nerves and found me a solution to my issue. He is very patient with his clients, after all these cases are very emotional and at times can be overwhelming and scary. I could go on and on about Joe's great attributes . . . If you are looking for a strong, caring, knowledgeable and overall great family law attorney please give him a call. You absolutely will not regret it!

Posted by Ruby | July 25, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

UnHappy Didnt finish My case

My case was dropped after I paid Joe (Lawyer) after he told me he wouuld help me and finish my case. Now there is only one matter pending he wants to charge me more. The case doesnt even require to go to court now. Just to make sure my last court order is completed. He is very knowledgeable but its... all about the money then your forgotten! Very disappointed.

Joseph Howington

Replied last July 26, 2013

What this client failed to state is that she received close to $2,000 in legal services that were not charged or discounted. When a new matter arose she wanted us to continue to represent her for free. When we informed her this was not possible, she wrote a very rude email to us. We never promised that we would work on her case for free, she is mistaken in that regard. We were very attentive to her needs throughout the case and she expressed satisfaction throughout. Not only until we told her we could no longer work for free did she make this complaint.

Posted by Michael | July 17, 2013 | Litigation

A True "Trial" Attorney -- Rare Breed

Joe was my attorney, though I am also a attorney. My background is as a litigator, and trust me, there is a huge difference between being a litigator who resolves matters prior to trial, and, a true trial attorney that has his second home in front of a jury and judge cross-examining witnesses and kn...owing trial tactics and strategy. Joe doesn't mess around in the usual minutia most attorneys do with opposing counsel, which only increases the bill. He focuses on the items that matter, and, is one of the best around. Any client would be in the best of hands with Joe, and I am so glad I personally found him.

Posted by mrssimnot | March 08, 2012 | Family

So Glad He's On My Side!

This is the second time I've used Mr. Howington, and I still find him to be one of the best family law attorneys in the area. He is highly respected by the judges and his peers, which is why I am skeptical of the negative review below, (it was probably posted by the disgruntled "opposing" party). My ...experience with Mr. Howington was entirely positive. He and his staff treated me with such compassion. He always gave me all of my options and explained costs up front. It is hard to find an attorney these days who has integrity, but this guy truly does. He is very honest (and doesn't just tell you what you want to hear, like so many others do!). What I especially liked about Howington was the fact that he always showed up himself, instead of sub-ing in another attorney who wouldn't know as much about my case. Mr. Howington's quick wit, knowledge and experience have always given me the upper-hand. He is far too ethical to ever resort to under-handed activities (like ALL 3 of my ex-husband's attorneys did!). But his knowledge and experience are all you will need to win your case. I've recommended family and friends to his office, and they have all thanked me for helping them find such a great attorney! My case was complicated, but it was complicated by my ex's attorneys. I feel I was well-represented, and Mr. Howington was worth EVERY penny!

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

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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.
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