Skip to main content

Paula J. Goforth

  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • Licensed for 18 years
Paula J. Goforth
Paula J. Goforth
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Paula

Certified Family Law Specialist. Experienced in complex family law issues and finding 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.

Practice areas

Marriage and prenuptialsDivorce and separationMediationFamily
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

261228 1460759564

261228 1460764842

261228 1468992570

Contact

2131 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 200/215
address map

Family Law and Mediation Offices of Paula J. Goforth

2131 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 200/215
Carlsbad, CA, 92011

Fax (760) 477-5899
Website
http://goforthfamilylaw.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200210/27/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers708
Legal guides3
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Certified Specialist - Family LawState Bar of California2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Associate AttorneyLaw Offices of Richard V. Hyatt2003 - 2014
Associate AttorneyLaw Offiices of Mele & Ros2002 - 2003
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
North County Bar AssociationBoard Member2019 - Present
Carlsbad Chamber of CommerceMember2018 - Present
North County Certified Family Law SpecialistsSecretary2014 - Present
North County Certified Family Law SpecialstsMember2012 - Present
North County Bar AssociationMember2003 - Present
San Diego Family Law Bar AssociationMember2002 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember2002 - Present
San Diego Chamber of CommerceMember2016 - 2017
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Monthly NewsletterLaw Offices of Goforth & Nelson Monthly Newsletter2015
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Western Sierra School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2000

Reviews

(11)
5 Star
91%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Paula Goforth

Trustworthy, honest, and extremely skilled

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional and Knowledgable

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Attorney

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Awesome attorney

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very helpful!

Posted by

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!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Good Job Paula Goforth

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Advice

Posted by

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!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Excellent and Thorough.

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Paula Goforth best divorce lawyer around

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Dedicated and grateful

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(8)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Yuliya Pashkova, Marriage and prenuptials Attorney on Aug 10, 2017
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 on Apr 25, 2017
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 on Jul 24, 2016
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 on Jul 3, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Edward Rose, Family Attorney on Jun 30, 2016
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 on Jun 29, 2016
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 on Apr 19, 2016
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 on Aug 20, 2013
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.