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William C. Halsey

Family Attorney at Oceanside, CA

4.7   9 reviews

also known as Bill Halsey

  • Licensed for 47 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1976
    Status
    Active Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2010

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010. See details

About William

Learn William’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Family
    30%
    Divorce, High-Asset Divorce, Property Division (including business holdings, retirement), Spousal Support, Child Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Domestic Abuse and Restraining Orders, Paternity, Guardianship, Prenup and Postnup Agreements.

    48 years

  2. Divorce and separation
    25%
    See above "Family" section. Also applicable: Military divorces and separation of assets, military retirements, 10/10/10 Rule, 20/20/20 Rule, Military Support Garnishments

    48 years

  3. Child custody
    20%
    Child Custody, Visitation, Child Support, Paternity, DCSS cases, Domestic Abuse, Guardianship, Step-Parent Adoptions

    48 years

  4. Personal injury
    15%
    Motor Vehicle Accidents, Wrongful Death, Commercial Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Animal Attacks/Dog Bites, Premises Liability, Defective Products, Property Owner Negligence, Inadequate Security.

    48 years

  5. Criminal defense
    10%
    DUI, Fraud and Theft, Conspiracy, Theft, Burglary, Possession of Drugs, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Insurance Fraud, Assault, Battery

    48 years

William C. Halsey is a former JAG officer with the U.S. Marine Corps. While on active duty, Mr. Halsey skillfully handled many criminal and civil cases while developing an in-depth knowledge of military law and practice. Few attorneys in California have this level of experience and can offer the skills that Mr. Halsey has gained in his tenure.

Areas of Practice

  • Personal Injury
  • Criminal Law
  • Family Law
Bar Admissions
  • California, 1976
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1976
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 1983
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1986
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1987
Education
  • California Western School of Law, San Diego, California
    • J.D. - 1975
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, California
  • Cerritos Junior College
    • Associates of Arts Degree - 1967
  • University of California Los Angeles
    • Bachelor of Arts - 1969
    • Major: History
  • Officers' Basic School, Quantico, Virginia - 1969
  • Naval Justice School - 1976
Classes/Seminars
  • Association of Trial Lawyers - University of Nevada Reno (Advanced Course) - 1979
  • Association of Trial Lawyers University of Nevada - Reno (Advanced Course) - 1980
  • University of Houston Career Prosecution Course - 1981
Professional Associations and Memberships
  • North County Bar Association
  • San Diego County Bar Association
Past Employment Positions
  • United States Marine Corps, Marine Officer, Physical Fitness Coordinator, Wrestling Coach, 1969 - 1972
  • Marine Corps Base, Trial Counsel, 1976 - 1977
  • 1st FSSG Marine, Chief Defense Counsel, 1977 - 1981
Pro Bono Activities
  • Coach of National Champion Marine Corps Wrestling Team - 1972 and 1981

Photos and videos

Contact William

Similar lawyers nearby

William C. Halsey, Attorney at Law
2424 Vista Way
Suite 320
Oceanside, CA, 92054

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  9 customer reviews
5 Star
 
89%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
11%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Danniella | January 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommended
Mr. Halsey and his entire staff are exceptional in their work and in communication and understanding. I have been using Mr. Halsey for over a year and he has most certainly succeeded and helped me with every case and matter presented to him. I have referred many friends to him that have also had successful cases. He has worked with me on payments and made it very easy for me to continue using him and his staff. I highly recommend him!
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Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and straightforward
From start to finish, Mr. Halsey and his legal staff treated me with respect and a sincere sense of personability. Whenever I had a question regarding my case, I was able to reach him or his staff by telephone, email, or in person. I never felt mislead, misinformed, or taken advantage of. My overall experience with Mr. Halsey and his staff met all my expectations. Thank you.
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Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One Of A Kind!
Bill is a one of a kind man. Unlike other attorneys, Bill will shoot straight from the hip and let you know if he can help you or not. He keeps Everything in perspective and is passionate about helping his clients. Since I've hired Bill, I have referred 3-4 others who have retained his services as well. If anyone is ever in need of an attorney for any reason, Bill should be your first call!
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Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you
Mr. Halsey represented me in my divorce case a couple of years ago and it was a blessing to know that Mr. Halsey was also a former Marine Corps Jag Officer. He is upfront and straight forward with his advice as I expected. He has an excellent knowledge of the law and make me feel like he always had my best interest in mind. It was a blessing to know that he was in my corner to help me through the legal process and ensure that I receive a fair settlement. In my case he did exactly that. Thank you Mr.Halsey and your staff, I greatly appreciated all your hard work and would highly recommend Mr. Halsey law office to anyone seeking legal counsel.
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Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I Only Regret Not Hiring Him Sooner
I was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of my wife. After some time, I began the process of going through a complicated divorce and custody battle. Before I found out about Mr. Halsey, I attained very poor legal represententation. This was my first time dealing with the court system in any capacity, so I did not know how to properly vet an attorney before retaining their services. Unfortunately, my ignorance cost me dearly in the beginning. Despite having all the evidence and witnesses, my previous counsel's lack of ability to PRESENT the preponderance of evidence I had, ultimately led to the Temporary Restraining Order, (TRO), to be dismissed. This made the outlook of my case very bleak. Mr. Halsey and his outstanding team were professional and always accessible via phone and email. He gave me expert, timely advice. Thanks to Mr. Halsey and his legal assistant's tireless efforts, the judge reversed the recommendation of an unfavorable mediation report, which resulted in me gaining primary physical custody of my daughter. After many discouraging previous visits to court, including preparing for an emergency ex-parte hearing over a holiday weekend, and a stressful mediation, Mr. Halsey graciously accepted my case. He came to the rescue and was willing to fight what seemed like a previous 'lost cause' case. I can't thank him and his assistant enough for their wisdom, guidance, and hard work.
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Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer In Town
Hiring Attorney Halsey was the best choice I made for handling three different cases that I had. He is patient, compassionate, and will listen to what you need. He is very knowledgeable and gets you results. I highly recommend him!
Posted by Michael | January 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
Thanks for everything always gave his 100%
Posted by Samantha | September 3, 2012
William C Halsey
If your looking for a reliable, honest, helpful and diligent lawyer, I highly recommend the Office of William Halsey. Mr. Halsey and his staff became my lawyer in Feb 2010. Since then, Mr. Halsey has represented me in many Family Law/ Divorce cases, and never once have I regretted having him represent me. Mr. Halsey is extremely professional and knowledgeable not only in Law matters, but extremely helpful for individuals in the military or spouses in the military. Mr.Halsey's staff has always been respectful and helpful. I think so highly or Mr.Halsey that I have recommended him to many of my friends in divorces or court proceedings. If your seeking lawyer representation, I highly recommend Mr.Halsey. Mr. Halsey represented me in many areas of law, and many times during my cases and proceedings I realized he was the perfect lawyer for the job.
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Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2014
Go elsewhere
I had his paralegal wife handle what I thought was going to be an easy divorce. Everything went very well until I hired Mr Halsey to file a motion to deal with the one thing we didn't deal with in the divorce, my house. I went in and talked with Mr Halsey, he assured me it was an easy deal, I paid the retainer on the spot and left the office feeling confident. As time went on it became glaringly apparent Mr Halsey has better things to do. First (not his fault) the divorce was totally botched. I got the court papers and threw them in a drawer thinking everything was done. The things I paid his wife for were mostly incorrectly done. On Mr Halseys side the very first motion he filed was filed incorrectly (as pointed out in open court by the judge) He never returned a phone call nor an email. I would send lengthy emails detailing what my goals were (settling not fighting) and he never once drafted any type of settlement letter to opposing counsel. His incompetence has dug me a deeper hole with the court that I'm still working on getting out of. His retainer and rates are cheap for a reason. Go elsewhere
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-300 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.1 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2010
updated on 10/28/2022

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Work Experience

  • Founding Attorney
  • Law Offices of William C. Halsey
  • 1982 - Present
  • JAG
  • United States Marine Corps
  • 1976 - 1981

Education

  • Naval Justice School
  • 1976
  • California Western School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1975
  • University of California - Los Angeles
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1969
  • Officers' Basic School
  • 1969
  • Cerritos Junior College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1967
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Duffy v. City of Oceanside
  • Reversed Decision

Associations

  • San Diego North County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1976 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1976 - Present
  • United States Court of Military Appeals
  • Member
  • 1976 - Present
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • 1976 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Honorable Discharge
  • Armed Forces of the United States of America
  • 1981
View all awards

Publications

  • The Update - San Diego Defense Lawyers Assocation
  • The Bottom Line
  • 2001

Speaking Engagements

  • n/a
  • n/a
  • N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (10)
Endorse William
Unknown Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 06
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mr. Halsey is a very knowledgeable and reasonable attorney."
Family Attorney | Dec 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Halsey is very knowledgeable and always professional."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Halsey is a very knowledgeable attorney with a lot of experience. I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Bill always advocates for his client while avoiding unnecessary litigation and cost. Always very candid and honest."
Family Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I don't really use Avvo very much but I appreciate the endorsement and am happy to offer my endorsement as well. I, too, appreciate the candor and integrity you demonstrate in your practice."
Family Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse Attorney Halsey as an extremely knowledgeable family law attorney. He is very professional and personable as well."
View more endorsements