Matthew Eric Palmer

PRO

Matthew Eric Palmer

4.8
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 27 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Oceanside, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Litigation, Estate Planning ... +3 more

301 Mission Ave, Suite 205, Oceanside, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Matthew

Biography

Certified Family Law Specialist and Pro Tem Judge, Serving San Diego County for over 18 years.

The Lawyers People Trust When facing a Divorce or Family Law Crisis

We help clients through the probate process to move forward with their lives

Avoid Probate and Estate Taxes

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 60%

Whether it is a family in Encinitas, or a military service member at Camp Pendleton, our San Diego County lawyers help clients make difficult decisions regarding divorce and family law involving Military divorce, Child custody, Complex property division. Choosing a lawyer in a contentious case is an important decision. To obtain the outcome you desire, the lawyer you select should be knowledgeable, experienced and confident.

27 years

60%
Estate Planning 10%

10%
Guardianship 10%

10%
Litigation 10%

10%
Probate 5%

We offer a full range of estate planning, probate administration and probate litigation services for estates of all sizes. Our personal approach helps us to identify the wishes of clients regarding the disposition of their assets through wills, trusts and more. Experienced in complex and simple probate and estate matters, we have the ability to achieve results in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

27 years

5%
Trusts 5%

Wills and Trusts - living wills, Inter Vivo trusts, AB trusts, and challenges to a will or trust. Guardianships and Conservatorships - establishing guardianship for a child who has lost their parents, or creating a conservatorship to protect disabled adults and their assets. Power of Attorney - living will, advance health care directives and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. Probate Administration - including estate administration of non-probate assets. Probate litigation

27 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 7

Licenses

Licensed in California for 27 years

State: California

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Palmer Rodak & Associates

301 Mission Ave, Suite 205, Oceanside, CA, 92054

oceansidedivorcelawyer.com

Palmer Rodak & Associates

445 Marine Ave, Suite 300, Del Mar, CA, 92014

oceansidedivorcelawyer.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Matthew online.

Matthew Eric Palmer's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

111 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 25 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | December 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Simply Amazing!

Palmer Rodak & Associates defended me in a case vs. Riverside County DCSS. The DCSS was dragging me over the coals for child support for a child that was not mine. This case dragged on for years and was emptying my savings account. Matthew Palmer defended my case in person each time the court delaye...d the process, which was approximately 8-10 times. He could have easily charged me for his time each time he showed up to court on my behalf. He knew what the courts were trying to do to me and knew it was unfair. Mr. Palmer waived all fees for the last several court appearances, saving me thousands of dollars. Eventually, he was able to get the courts to dismiss my case. Palmer Rodak & Associates communication during this process was unbelievable. A+ professional team! At no time during this process did I not know what was going on. God forbid, I ever find myself in this situation again, without hesitation, I will be calling Palmer Rodak & Associates. And so should you.

Posted by Jane | May 03, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Matthew Palmer

I wanted to leave this amazing review for Matthew Palmer , He has been my attorney for nearly four years and he got me through it all and always had my best Interest in mind. My divorce was not an easy one and he took the time to hear my point of view and always had an advice to give me to make sure ...everything turned out fair. I cannot Thank him enough for the random calls to the office and the way his staff handled the case as well. Everyone there was a pleasure to work with and put my mind at ease when it came down to it. I appreciate the care and effort you guys all did to help me get my life back on track. You guys rock and I hope I never have to go through another divorce again bc I will be back lol. Thank you , Jane F

Posted by Denice | August 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Long and painful divorce and custody case

First of all, I don't even know where to begin because my entire divorce and custody process was long and painful. I am very grateful for Matthew and Layla for helping me through this difficult time in my life, which felt like would never come to an end. It finally has, and the outcome is what was ex...pected. Full of regret and self-destruction, my ex-husband has resorted to his old ways, past addictions and is thankfully, now getting the help that he always needed to get better. This all after being ripped apart and putting me on a witch stand trial by his attorneys. Karma is indeed a B**th. Things are exactly how I want them to be. I cannot begin to tell you how professional and calm Palmer Rodak & Associates were with the opposing side. The opposing side were pit bulls with a high price tag. They were extremely unprofessional, and had a tacky approach. They poked and taunted me all the time even down to their staff. Rest assured that Matthew and Layla did everything in their power to help. At trial, they were quick thinking and sharp. They defended me to the very bitter end. Kept me calm through the entire process. I now have full custody of my children again. You never think that these sort of things could happen to you and when it does, you do not know how to react and what to do. It is very hard. I am very pleased with how professional and ethical they were handling my case. I know judges appreciate such professionalism as well. It serves one well to have attorneys like Matthew and Layla who you can confide in, tell everything to (literally), know that they listen to you and give you the correct advice. You can trust them with your life! Thank you guys so much for all your hard work on my case. I am very grateful. Also, FYI, trust that they will not overcharge you. Their billing rates are reasonable as compared to other places that take full advantage of billing for everything. I don't think I paid enough. All the emails and phone calls of me venting, frustrated and crying through the entire process, and just things that would inadvertently come up with the ex and the children. I wasn't charged for that stuff. Keep in mind that they are extremely busy attorneys. While they usually won't respond to the "lists" of emails, know that they will always find the time to read your emails and have staff respond accordingly. Their staff are welcoming, patient and responsive. And know whether the attorneys respond to your emails, or not, trust that they read ALL of them. They know everything that is going on with you and your case when you communicate with them. They meet with you and talk to you when they can. They let you know that you are not alone. Matthew and Layla, can't tell you how much it means to me all the positive affirmations and advice.

Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

#1 Family Law Attorney in San Diego and Riverside

I began my journey with Matthew Palmer/Layla Zad in 2019. I researched more than 15 lawyers in SD and Murrieta and found Matthew Palmer to be the most competent. I am separated and am in a high conflict custody case in Riverside County but have since moved to San Diego. Matthew made me feel at ease ...and has handled my case with the utmost professional and caring manner. He is not rushed off the phone when speaking with me and listens to the pertinent details regarding my ongoing case for a favorable outcome. I trust Matthew Palmer and Layla Zad wholeheartedly. They have to deal with a burdensome opposing counsel and they do not back down! I am 100% satisfied with their representation of my family case. Anyone who is looking for an experienced, compassionate, knowledgeable, and communicative attorney who is committed to helping you yield a successful outcome should DEFINITELY CALL MATTHEW. Thank you Matthew and Layla you have restored peace in my heart.

Posted by Patricia M. | May 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

The BEST family law attorney in the area

The past year of my life was essentially a nightmare fighting for custody of my eldest son, but it all came to an end thanks to the entire staff at Palmer Rodak & Associates. Mr Palmer, Ms Zad, Aniyah, and the staff at Palmer Rodak & Associates worked day and night on my case for over 9 months. There... was never a time throughout the entire process that I was out of the loop with what to expect next, what our plan was, and how best to protect my son despite less than cordial actions from the opposing party. The communication alone between my representation and myself was outstanding, they often checked in on me to see how my son and other children were coping and immediately provided me with any updates throughout my case. They are truly an amazing team of people to have in your corner, and words cannot express how thankful I am to Palmer Rodak & Associates for permanently reuniting my family. You simply cannot put a price on keeping your family together, and in the end that is exactly what Mr Palmer helped to achieve - bringing my son back home where he belonged with his siblings. My family will be forever grateful, and we highly suggest their office to anyone who may need assistance in navigating family law. Thank you Mr Palmer, Ms Zad, Aniyah, and the office staff for all you have done to get us through this difficult time.

See All Client Reviews

Matthew Eric Palmer's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Dimitry F. Erudaitius headshot
Dimitry Erudaitius

Family lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Matthew is an excellent attorney, and it was a privilege working with him. He taught me an immense amount, and you will be well taken care of with Matthew. There is no doubt he is respected as one of the best. I endorse this lawyer."

Layla Zad headshot
Layla Zad

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"Matthew is an excellent trial attorney and has mentored me since the beginning of my law career. I endorse Matthew."

Susan Renee Rodak headshot
Susan Rodak

Real estate lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gabriel Pene headshot
Gabriel Pene

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Working closely with Matthew on a daily basis, I can unreservedly offer my endorsement as he provides a level of experience, dedication, and compassion that is difficult to find."

Colleen Marie Dillon headshot
Colleen Dillon

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I currently work with Matthew. I have learned so much since I started working at Palmer Rodak & Associates. Unlike a lot of individuals I have met in this field, Matthew genuinely cares about his clients and will endeavor to achieve their desired results in the time and cost efficient way. Matthew recently completed a 23 day trial and I was impressed that he was able to not only present ALL the material but to do it in a manner that was concise and straight to the point. I would trust Matthew with any family law case whole-heartedly."

Gary L. Nell headshot
Gary Nell

Litigation lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is an excellent trial lawyer and litigator. He is personable, knowledgeable and persuasive."

Ryan Hugh Sargent headshot
Ryan Sargent

Family lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Palmer is one of the most skilled family law attorneys in San Diego. He is honest and trustworthy."

View All Endorsements
Colleen Marie Dillon headshot
Colleen Dillon

Family lawyer

Carolyn M Kirner headshot
Carolyn Kirner

Divorce and separation lawyer

Gary L. Nell headshot
Gary Nell

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, San Diego Superior Court

2014

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, San Diego Superior Court

2014

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2013

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, San Diego Superior Court

2012

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, San Diego Superior Court

2011

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, San Diego Superior Court

2010

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, San Diego Superior Court

2009

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2008

Certificate of Appreciaton as a Temporary Judge, Superior Court of San Diego

2006

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

1999

Certicate of Appreciation, The Bar Association of Northern San Diego Couty

1999

Attorney Admission, United States District Court

1998

American Jurisprudence award, American Jurisprudence Society

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Superior Court

1998 - Present

Lead Attorney at Law, Palmer Rodak & Associates

Associations

2004 - Present

Certified Family Law Specialist Association

Member

1998 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

North County Bar Association

Member

Education

1996

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

University of Connecticut in Storrs

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

University of Phoenix

MBA - Master of Business Administration

Languages

English

Spanish

French

Farsi

American Sign Language

Avvo Rating

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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