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 11 - 15 of 36 reviews | Practice Area 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 Carlos | September 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Child custody case

I would recommend Mr. Palmer to anyone This man help me with my child, custody and divorce. Opposing counsel was attacking me left and right I didn’t know what to say. I contacted Mr. Palmer the first conversation I had with him. I felt that he had a great vibe. His team his staff was amazing helpe...d out with everything. They made me feel that I wasn’t just a client. They made me feel like they care about my case, and many occasions, Mr. Palmer told me he wanted me to spend more time with my son and he was gonna do whatever it takes to get that for me. I am so grateful to this man.

Posted by Alfredo | November 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great firm

Perfect for military! located right near Camp Pendleton the attorney and staff are very knowledgeable when it comes to military divorces and custody I’m happy I choose this office.

Posted by Jessica | November 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

My Village

Divorce, Child Custody, Abuse, finally finding the courage to speak out and stand up for myself this year has been one of the hardest, traumatizing, life changing decisions I've been through. Knowing who my ex is I knew I couldn't do it alone so I started the process of trying to find a lawyer that w...ould not only help me but care enough to truly listen to my concerns and needs for both me and my child. Palmer Rodak & Associates from the first call has turned out to be just that. Matthew and his whole team not just the lawyers, Sasha with her warm welcomes and genuine support, Mary with her sincere approach to every matter, and Sidney who's been my rock in more ways than she'll ever know. This is a team that you can tell not only supports their clients but each other. You feel the family environment. To some that may not mean much, but for me being in a state away from all of my family and friends it ended up being exactly what I needed. Matthew, Sidney and everyone at this office stepped in ready to fight for me as if it were their own lives they were fighting for. I've lost so much too much to type out but the one thing I haven't lost is my hope. I've watched Matthew and his team fight this battle for me even when I felt like I couldn't . I've watched them become my Village and couldn't begin to thank them enough for keeping my lifted in what felt like my lowest days. Their help has helped me slowly get my life, my peace, and myself back. So I gladly write this review and hope anyone reading this understands you're not just hiring a lawyer... you'll be hiring a Village ; all ready to help do their part to help every way that they possibly can. Thank you All for making my case... yours.

Posted by Scott | July 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

High Conflict Divorce Expert

Matthew Palmer, along with Layla and Dillan, did a great job of getting me through a very high conflict divorce. They each are very knowledgeable and professional with family law. I would highly recommend them.

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