Paula J. Goforth

Family Attorney at Carlsbad, CA

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Trustworthy, honest, and extremely skilled

Paula helped me through a very difficult, high conflict divorce, and an equally difficult and high-conflict custody situation. With her help I was able to avoid court litigation over divorce issues. While she did need to help me through court hearings on the custody issues, she was thorough, compassionate, and tenacious. She recommended reputable experts who gave us great advice and as a team enabled us to create a plan that would be healthy, safe, and provide adequate protection to my child. She was honest about what was and wasn't reasonable and feasible, and always kept the very best interest of my child as her highest objective.

Professional and Knowledgable

About Paula

Learn Paula’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Divorce and separation

25%

I am an attorney who specializes in complex family law issues which include divorce and separation. I am also certified by the California Board of Legal Specialists as a Specialist in Family Law.
... Read more
Family

25%

I am certified by the California Board of Legal Specialists as a Specialist in Family Law. I am highly experienced with complex family law issues. I find unique solutions to unique cases.
Marriage and prenuptials

25%

I am a Family Law Specialist and also one of few San Diego Attorneys with experience in drafting and advising client's regarding Prenuptial and Post Marital Agreements in San Diego County.
Mediation

25%

Mediation is a far more effective method for couples to part ways. Working as a family law mediator, I facilitate both parties to keep control over the essential decisions impacting their lives, and the lives of their children without going court.
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I AM A FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST EXPERIENCED IN COMPLEX FAMILY LAW ISSUES AND FINDING UNIQUE SOLUTIONS.

It was my divorce and my need to support my two children that led me to a job in a family law office. After working as a legal secretary and a paralegal for a number of years I decided to become a family law attorney. I put myself through lawschool working as a legal secretary while raising my then teenagers. I understand family law from both a personal and professional perspective. I understand the emmotional difficulty the decision to leave your marriage brings and its effect on you and your children. My client's tell me that I bring a compassionate personal component to my practice that helps them to get through a difficult part of their lives and to more easily move on to a better life. I will work hard to get your case settled in the most amicable way possible, but will not shy away from litigation if it becomes necessary. Call for a consultation.

Awards

Top Contributor

2020 2019 2017 + 1 ...

Client's Choice

2016

Photos and videos

Licensed for 20 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 2002

Updated 11/30/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Paula

Family Law and Mediation Offices of Paula J. Goforth

(760) 477-4359 Office

(760) 477-5899 Fax

2131 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 200/215

Carlsbad, CA, 92011

goforthfamilylaw.com/

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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0

11 customer reviews

5 Star

91%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Paula received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2016

Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2016

Trustworthy, honest, and extremely skilled

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Posted by Stacy | May 5, 2016

Professional and Knowledgable

Paula listened to me from the get go and let me know what my options were. She was extremely thorough and always kept in contact with me during the process whether by email or phone. She is compassionate and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.

Posted by Steve T. | December 16, 2020

Great Attorney

I hired Paula through the advise of a family member. Let me just say this, if you are looking for the right person to handle your divorce, custody, and support issues effectively. Look no further, Paula and her team ( Matt ) will get the job done right for you with experience, knowledge, compassion, and trust. My now ex wife was so problematic and full of unnecessary bullying and threating tactics of litigation over a pin drop. I was emotionally exhausted and unsure of the unsettled waters that were on the horizon for me. I handed the reigns over to Paula and she delivered not only in silencing my ex wife, and negotiations with opposing council, but in the court room as well. She will fight for you're rights as an individual as well as what best for your children. Paula is the right Attorney to have in your corner.

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Posted by Monique | October 20, 2017

Awesome attorney

Paula is very good at what she does. She’s all about her client. She will do her best to get you the best. I highly recommend her services.

Posted by anonymous | October 10, 2017

Very helpful!

I asked a general question regarding a complex question that my lawyer is unable to assist me with. Paula provided the answer that made the most sense. I followed up with her to get additional information. She emailed me back promptly with the information about the form I requested and suggested that I consider hiring a service to complete the necessary paperwork for the order. She was honest and told me she was unable to recommend a specific service because AVVO is a referral service. I appreciated her providing me with a direction for completion of this order without having to hire an additional attorney to help me. Thank you Paula for being so helpful!

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Posted by Zahi | May 11, 2017

Good Job Paula Goforth

Paula J. Goforth did a very professional job on my behalf and got the other party to acknowledge facts with documentation and finally come to settlement which was achieved successfully.

Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2017

Excellent Advice

Paula was extremely professional and honest. She was quick to respond to emails and I felt comfortable talking with her over the phone. I received expert advice concerning my relationship and felt that her feedback was fantastic. I absolutely would recommend her!

Posted by anonymous | December 20, 2016

Excellent and Thorough.

Paula helped me in the past and did a wonderful job. When, unfortunately , I needed an attorney again I didn't hesitate to call Paula. She took me through the process with a clear goal. The whole process was handled quickly and with care. I think both my ex-wife and I were as happy with the outcome as we could be under the circumstances. Divorce, no matter what is extremely difficult and painful. Paula does a great job keeping it as civil as possible. But will do what it takes to finish the process. I highly recommend.

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Posted by Heather | December 20, 2016

Paula Goforth best divorce lawyer around

I would like to recommend Paula to anyone that needs a great divorce attorney. She makes sure you understand the whole process and is amazing at getting everything done and filed thoroughly and in a great timely manner. I was referred to her by a friend and she was exactly what I heard she would be. Please have a consultation with her and you will instantly know how great she is.

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Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2016

Dedicated and grateful

Paula has been with me since my difficult divorce in 2006. Not realizing at the time, the saga would continue. Having been served with papers to appear in court 3 more times to battle out financial support, Paula was there having the background and history to guide me through. I couldn't do it alone. Her knowledge and continuity of my cases helped. I didn't have to recreate the wheel. She had a clear understanding of my goals and what needed to be done. Thank you Paula. I'm forever grateful.

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Posted by Arnaud | February 1, 2019

Did not work out

I hired Paula at the beginning of my divorce and then found another attorney. I was not happy with her turn around time / ability to multi-task. She would tell me she needs a week to get back because she is busy with one case. Also I believe I could have avoided a Sapeena if she had submitted my pay stubs to OPC earlier. The other aspect that did not work out for me is accuracy in communication, granted I am a bit of a detail-oriented control freak. I had provided specific text to change and she did not merge it, more than once. At the time she worked for me (2017) her rates were the cheapest I had seen. The best part being the minimum billable is 1/10 of hour, not 2/10. I have no doubt others may be satisfied with her services.

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Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Associate Attorney
Law Offices of Richard V. Hyatt
2003 - 2014

Associate Attorney
Law Offiices of Mele & Ros
2002 - 2003

Education

Western Sierra School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000

Associations

North County Bar Association
Board Member
2019 - Present

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Member
2018 - Present

North County Certified Family Law Specialists
Secretary
2014 - Present

North County Certified Family Law Specialsts
Member
2012 - Present

North County Bar Association
Member
2003 - Present

San Diego Family Law Bar Association
Member
2002 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association
Member
2002 - Present

San Diego Chamber of Commerce
Member
2016 - 2017

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Certified Specialist - Family Law
State Bar of California
2012

Publications

Monthly Newsletter
Law Offices of Goforth & Nelson Monthly Newsletter
2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)

Given (11)

Endorse Paula

Yuliya Pashkova

Marriage and prenuptials Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Paula is a very conscientious and experienced lawyer. I would trust her judgment in all circumstances."

Harris Brumer

Family Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Paula is a very calm, rational, and competent professional. We had a family law case against each other and our two clients were in high conflict with one another. With Paula's help, we were able to reach a full settlement on all issues, saving our client's both time and money. What is perhaps most impressive about Paula is that she is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the CA State Bar. She definitely knows her stuff! Her knowledge combined with her demeanor, make Paula both a formidable opponent and one who can also readily settle a case. Excellent attorney."

Michael Doland

Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I just reviewed a superb answer of Ms. Goforth, so good that I referred the Avvo asker to her answer. Accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker - precisely the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Kathryn Anderson

Family Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Paula is a zealous advocate for her clients. I respect her."

Edward Rose

Family Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Paula since she was admitted to the California Bar. She is an attorney that places the client's needs first all the time. She is a brillant family law attorney and I would strongly recommend her to anyone who has a family law matter ranging from simple to complex."

Frann Setzer

Family Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Paula is not only very knowledgable but provides clients with practical advice to help them get the best outcome in their family law matter"

Kenneth Hamilton

Family Attorney | Apr 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Paula Goforth is a highly capable family law attorney. She is very empathetic to her clients' needs, and knows how to get the results her clients deserve. She is a terrific lawyer to have to help get through a very difficult situation. I endorse this lawyer."

Deborah Bayus

Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms Goforth is a very professional and skilled family law attorney. She responds to correspondence and telephone calls promptly and works diligently to resolve issues without high conflict. I highly endorse this attorney."

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