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 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Punctuality

Posted by Christopher | October 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Palmer Rodak & Associates — A Team That Fights for the Truth

Palmer Rodak & Associates — A Team That Fights for the Truth I cannot thank Matthew Palmer, Matthew Coderre, Autumn Osborn, and the entire team at Palmer Rodak & Associates enough for what they’ve accomplished on my behalf. My case involved extremely serious and false allegations in a Domestic Vio...lence Restraining Order (DVRO) proceeding — allegations that, if believed, could have permanently damaged my reputation, my parental rights, and my relationship with my children. From the moment I retained them, Matthew Palmer and his team treated me with respect, empathy, and absolute professionalism. They understood not only the legal complexities of my case, but also the human toll that false accusations take. Mr. Palmer led with both strength and composure, never losing sight of the facts or the bigger picture. His courtroom strategy was precise and intelligent — not reactionary or emotional — and it showed. Matthew Coderre, the associate attorney on my case, was meticulous in his preparation, organization, and knowledge of the law. His calm confidence and eye for detail were invaluable in building a defense that dismantled the opposing party’s claims one by one. Autumn Osborn, my paralegal, was the glue that held everything together. She was organized, responsive, compassionate, and tireless in ensuring that every document, exhibit, and court filing was perfectly prepared and submitted on time. Her communication was excellent and helped keep the process as stress-free as possible. When the day finally came, their preparation and professionalism were undeniable — and the truth prevailed. The court dismissed the TRO after seeing through the inconsistencies and lack of evidence in the false allegations. It was a vindication not only legally, but personally. In a legal system that too often rushes to judgment, Palmer Rodak & Associates stood firm for due process and truth. They restored my faith that fairness and integrity can still exist in family court. If you’re facing false allegations, a restraining order, or any family law battle that threatens your rights or reputation, there is no team I would trust more than Palmer Rodak & Associates. They don’t just represent you — they fight for you, believe in you, and stand by you every step of the way. — Christopher Wyatt

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 David O. | February 26, 2015 | Estate Planning

Outstanding and Trusted Estate Planning Attorney

Not only Matthew, but his entire firm have been in one word "Outstanding". I came to Matthew Palmer for a Trust, they by far exceeded my expectations. In a timely manner, they provided me with an Estate Planning Portfolio that had all my bases covered. I feel relieved knowing my wishes will be carrie...d out just as I would like them to.

Posted by Larry | March 27, 2014 | Trusts

Trust Review and Opinion Letter

Nine years ago Mr. Palmer prepared a family trust for me. In the intervening time I have added and removed items from it, some in other states, without any problem. We recently left California and moved to Florida where we are building a new house. Four days before scheduled closing we were inform...ed that the Lender required an Attorney Opinion Letter on the trust to answer a number of specific questions. I called Mr. Palmer's office late on a Tuesday afternoon and explained my problem to one of his staff. The following day, even though Mr. Palmer was completely occupied with depositions and court he found time to review my documentation. He then prepared, signed and faxed the required letter to my lender's representative. His extremely prompt and thorough response to my request assured that the closing on our new home will complete as scheduled.

Posted by anonymous | February 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

All about money

They will rip you off with money. They took paperwork and did not return it. I paid $5,000 and did dot get anything out of it. The lawyer was rude and had no care for anything that was happening in the case. The person I had the consult promised all these things and DID NOT DO ANY. The person I ...have a I and a friend had a consult with I never spoke to again. When I went to court the layered didn’t know anything and I didn’t know who he was. The office does not return calls much and when they do it’s late and the say they will call back. I’m a single mother with 3 young kids and the lawyers said it doesn’t matter if you have kids or not the father doesn’t really have to pay. WTH? He told me to file but the judge doesn’t care. I am in more debt not then I have ever been. DO NOT WASTED YOUR TIME AND MONEY. It’s a heartache and you with be paying debt the rest of your life probably. They are all about money and are heartless.

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