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 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by anonymous | March 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Excellent strategy, bad follow through

Mr. Howington advised me on how to handle coparenting communication and safety issues with the opposing party regarding our children, but never stood behind me and filed motions that would protect my kids when the other party continuously violated custody orders. He seemed more concerned about sellin...g my home and retaining the proceeds in his client fund than in addressing the issues that were important to me: my children.

Posted by Alex | December 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Not only a capable and experienced attorney but also an amazing person!

What can I say about Dr. Howington and his staff? Only that they are some of the most helpful and caring professionals that I've come across. From day one, he made us feel that we could do something about the problem at hand. A problem that I never in my life thought there was anything that could b...e done about it. Yet, with his professional experience and his caring mannerism, plus without trying to sell me anything he couldn't deliver, we went forward on this journey to try to reverse a situation that because of my ignorance and lack of people around me that could've given me some guidance at the time of my divorce, now it seemed to be something irreversible. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Dr. Howington and everyone at his office. They not only look out for their clients but they also personally care for them as if one knew them forever. In regards to his professional experience, one only has to step into his offices and see all the awards and recognitions that he has earned throughout his career. Year after year, Top Ten Attorneys in California, Most Ethical Attorneys in the State, etc., Just to name a few. And I know that those awards are not just plaques on a wall, for him they're a bagde of honor, because that's the kind of person he is. Definitely would recommend him because I know they do the same for all their clients. I have already personally recommended him to all our family and friends. He not only did a great job for us but on top of only charging me about one third of what opposing counsel charged the other party in the case, I'm getting a balance returned to me from his fees. What attorney does that? Hope this heartfelt review helps someone make the right decision as I did. Thank you all at Huntington & Associates!

Posted by Cathy | November 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

An Exceptional Lawyer

I was referred to Mr. Howington after going through significant depression and anxiety from a divorce case, and an attorney that neglected my case causing it to be drawn out, and almost forcing me into bankruptcy. I met with Mr. Howington, and he replaced my previous attorney. This is the moment my c...ase started to turn around. I can not say enough about this attorney, and his staff. They were kind, efficient, responsive, aggressive and caring. My experience with Mr. Howington's office was like night and day, compared to my previous attorney. His fees were fair, and exactly what he told me they would be, exactly opposite from my previous attorney. He is professional, and gives thought and consideration to your case. He looks at multiple paths and discusses them with you. He gives you the pro's and con's and helps guide you through the process. Most importantly, he keeps his word and you can trust him. He never once tried to take advantage of my vulnerable financial situation, and in contrast, he did all he could to help. I can not end this review without mentioning his Paralegal, Kristina Politano. She is amazing. She works tirelessly, and responds immediately, while making you feel that your situation is important to her. Most of all I appreciate her ability to be an effective conduit between you and Mr. Howington. We don't always communicate in ways we need to with attorneys. She is that connection makes sure that total understanding exists between you and your attorney. Finding Mr. Howington was an answer to my prayers. I highly recommend this Attorney and his team. They are like a family and they will take your case seriously. I will always be grateful to them.

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 David | July 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Experience the best

Making the choice to trust Mr. Howington and his team was the best decision I could have done for this difficult time in my life. The trust and confidence that I have in this team has been earned with hours of diligent work and years of experience and it showed in my trial. Having the knowledge of wh...at to do next in any case will same time, money and anguish. This is what younwill get with the Howington team. There will always be curve balls so expecting the unexpected is not always possible, preparing for the many variables and discussing your options is why I have recommended Joe Howington to several friends coworkers and colleges. You don't want to see someone You know suffer or be taken advantage of. If you pick Joe Howington they will not promise you the world, be weary of that from others, the no promise approach is more realistic. Instead investing in securing a foundation of evidence based on supporting documentation and methods that would only be dirived from walking through the process many times is what you will get from this office. I have and will continue to recommend their services to my friends and family in this unfortunate type of situation.

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.
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