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 21 reviews | General Knowledge

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 Michele | March 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

Very complicated post judgement representation

My Familty Law matter is unfortunately extremely complicated. There is a history of abuse, children with developmental diagnoses, and a significant disparity of income which my ex has used to perpetuate abuse through the Family Court system. In the 3 years since our divorce was finalized, I've retain...ed multiple attorneys and had to represent myself at times when it came down to choosing between feeding our kids and paying for an attorney. My previous counsel was not fighting very hard for my case or for the kids and after a really poor representation at a hearing, I sought new counsel. I have been in Court a few dozen times and seen firsthand how the attorneys at Palmer Rodak & Associates zealously fight for their clients. I wish I didn't need an attorney, but given the propensity for abuse through the legal system, I need someone strong and knowledgeable on my side. For the first time in 3 years, I've finally gotten an award for attorney fees thanks to Matthew and his team. (Enforcement of Orders is another issue, but it's progress.) The way these matters affect our kids is significant. My case is unique and not an easy one, partly due to opposing counsel and the way my ex is directing his side of the case. He has no issue lying under Oath, filing false allegations, and neglecting to follow Court Orders. Having Matthew on my side, I can confidently stand in the Courtroom and know that I have a voice. I've seen the respect he and his attorneys command among the Judge and the other attorneys in the room. My case isn't over yet, but we are hopeful it will come to a close here in the next few months and I'm thankful for the work being done each step of the way. My case file is several thousand pages at this point. Matthew knows the details inside and out. He has diligently argued on issues that happened in the case prior to him coming on my case with the same accuracy as if he'd been my attorney all along. That's not a skill that I've seen many other attorneys master.

Posted by Michael | December 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Palmer Rodak & Associates

I felt through the entire journey that I was in good hands as we navigated my divorce. It was a very difficult time for me, but Matthew and his team were a glimmer of hope, a little oasis that gave me comfort. He is smart and when the moments presented themselves, his responses were always right on t...arget. I am grateful to Palmer Rodak & Associates for their experience, expertise, and support through a time in my life filled with many trepidations and challenges... Michael Raye

Posted by Tara | May 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great Attorney!

I am very grateful for the help and representation I receive from Matthew, Layla, and the rest of their wonderful team. I thank God for their knowledge, patients, and brilliant work. I have had to deal with, what has to be one of the worst divorce and custody cases that the courts have ever seen (I’m... not exaggerating). My ex-husband has ill intentions for me, and he couldn’t stop bringing me into court. This situation has been terribly stressful to say the least. Matthew and his team will carefully analyze your case, they will focus on what is relevant, and create a plan of action, as he did with my case. Thank you, Matthew for helping me through a very difficult time, and getting me through a successful trial. I would also like to thank you for ensuring the best possible outcome on the behalf of me and my four children. If you’re looking for a powerful and competent attorney that is an expert in their field, one who truly cares, and one that will help you get through the struggle of a difficult time, then Matthew is your guy. So do yourself a favor – Let this be the last review that you read, pick up the phone and call Matthew Palmer. Thank you for your help, Matthew!

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.

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
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