Kristen Meredith Gates

Kristen Meredith Gates

5.0
Rating: 7.9

Licensed for 17 years

Family Lawyer at Vista, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +2 more

380 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 348, Vista, CA

About Kristen

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 20%

Divorce, legal separation, child custody, child visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, property division, adoption

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 17 years

State: California

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Kristen M. Gates

380 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 348, Vista, CA, 92081

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Kristen Meredith Gates's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

5 star (14)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by NP | August 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Lawyer!

After a failed mediation due to an uncooperative ex, I was referred to Kristen. I'm so grateful for her outstanding service! Kristen consistently provided guidance and explained things in simple terms. She's honest and follows through. She consistently addressed my questions, gave me time to consid...er things and most of all, I always felt comfortable and advocated for. She's professional and kind, I never felt overwhelmed working with her. It was great to have excellent legal knowledge and friendly support through it. I highly recommend Kristen!

Posted by Grant | December 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Legal Expertise and Compassionate Advocacy

As a client of Kristen's legal practice for 3 years, I had the profound experience of witnessing her exceptional legal expertise and unwavering dedication firsthand. Kristen was instrumental in successfully navigating my complex and emotional legal journey. If you're looking for a family law lawye...r, look no further. Kristen checks all the boxes: Professionalism and Expertise: Kristen's in-depth knowledge of family law is evident in every aspect of her practice. She approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Her ability to strategize and anticipate potential challenges is remarkable, providing a sense of security and confidence. Empathy and Compassion: What truly sets Kristen apart is her genuine empathy and compassion. She understands the emotional nuances of family law cases and provides support that goes beyond legal advice. Her reassuring presence and kind words have been a source of comfort in times of uncertainty. Advocacy and Determination: Kristen is a fierce advocate for her clients. She fought relentlessly to ensure that my daughter's best interests were at the forefront of every decision. Her determination and advocacy skills are exemplary, making her a formidable presence in any legal setting. Communication and Support: Throughout the process, Kristen maintained clear and consistent communication, keeping me informed and involved. Her ability to explain complex legal concepts in understandable terms was incredibly helpful. She was always available to address my concerns and offer guidance. Cost and Value: One of the most remarkable aspects of Kristen's practice is her commitment to providing exceptional legal services at a very reasonable cost. Her pricing structure is transparent and fair, making top-quality legal representation accessible. This aspect of her service is especially commendable, reflecting her dedication to justice and client well-being without imposing excessive financial burdens. Thanks to Kristen's efforts my family is happier than ever. The outcome of our case has had a life-changing impact, and I attribute this success largely to Kristen's legal prowess and dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend Kristen's legal services to anyone facing family law challenges. Her blend of professional excellence, empathetic approach, and unwavering commitment to her client's well-being sets her apart as an outstanding attorney.

Posted by Weston | March 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

You won’t regret hiring Kristen

I can’t recommend Kristen enough. She is the perfect combination of empathetic and professionally assertive. She is knowledgeable, reliable and very communicative. My case (which we won) required a ton of work from Kristen...this was the toughest year of my life and words can’t explain how much Krist...en has helped me and my family. I highly highly recommend her.

Posted by Brooke | March 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Untouchable Attorney!!

So when it shows “practice areas” for which area of law Kristen practices, it should state 100% in each area. She puts 100% in every case and into every detail! Kristen is a 2nd generation attorney and actively utilizes that knowledge and experience to help her clients get what is in their family’s b...est interest. This woman is highly intelligent, uncommonly ethical, diligent and above all she practices with a huge heart-in Family Law that is essential! In my particular case I have gone through 3 prior attorney’s that had no ability to handle the horribly unethical (and when it comes down to it, completely bizarre) practices of my ex-husband’s attorney. (Hewitt vs Boyer out of the Vista Court if you’d like to access the public information on who he is represented by). Kristen came in cold to a high high high-conflict case TWO YEARS in the making. Totally under the radar she took my case by storm, totally shut down my ex’s attorney (oh how satisfying that has been to watch!) and skillfully gaines our judge’s respect and therefore, ear. Don’t mistake Kristen’s soft demeanor for a weakness, I’ve seen her in action and she is no joke in court!! Kristen continues to fight hard for my girls and I every day in this case and there is NO way we would have gotten this far without her! My daughters and I owe the well-being of our family to Kristen! If you need someone who will genuinely HEAR you, go above and beyond to gain the best outcome for your family, CALL KRISTEN!! She is not looking to “win” for her ego (unlike my ex’s attorney) but she fights hard for what’s best for your family! THANK YOU KRISTEN M GATES!!!

Posted by anonymous | December 1, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very passionate and professional about family law!!!

Ms. Gates represented me on a temporary restraining order she was prepared and passionate about my case She takes her job incredibly serious and understands how sensitive these situations can be that involve children. My parents showed up and both thought she was amazing. Ms. Gates is a straight shoo...ter and gives you her honest opinion. She is also incredible in the courtroom I recommend her to anyone looking for an experienced honest family law attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Kristen Meredith Gates's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kristen
Angelina Zelaya Bradley headshot
Angelina Bradley

Domestic violence lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Kristen is a true professional. She was my opposing counsel in a couple cases, and I found her to be a zealous advocate for her client; well-prepared, well-organized, and solid arguments. This, and she was a pleasure to work with -- no small feat when litigating domestic violence cases. I have no doubt she is that same calm, cool, collected expert with her clients. I not only endorse this attorney, I actively refer clients to her. She is fantastic."

Connie Alison Broussard headshot
Connie Broussard

Family lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kristen truly cares about her clients. She will go above and beyond for you. She understands what people are going through when they are dealing with Family Law issues and she will fight to get you what you are entitled to."

Kathleen M. Phillips headshot
Kathleen Phillips

Family lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kristen is straightforward and will not mislead you. She is an amazingly intelligent attorney who is quick witted and knowledgeable."

Rebecca Margaret Medina headshot
Rebecca Medina

Unknown lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with Ms. Gates for many years and her passion for helping other shines through her work. She is honest and always has the client's best interest in mind."

Jonathan Eaton Rooker headshot
Jonathan Rooker

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Hard work and dedication. Miss Gates is a very good attorney."

Benjamin Prescott Tryk headshot
Benjamin Tryk

Family lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Monrae Leanna English headshot
Monrae English

Family lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer!"

View All Endorsements
Angelina Zelaya Bradley headshot
Angelina Bradley

Domestic violence lawyer

Kathleen M. Phillips headshot
Kathleen Phillips

Litigation lawyer

Rebecca Margaret Medina headshot
Rebecca Medina

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.9 (Very Good)

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of Kristen M. Gates

2010 - 2015

Staff Attorney, Office of the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee

2008 - 2010

Attorney, Gates Law Office

Associations

2017 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Present

San Diego North County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2017 - Present

Lawyers Club of San Diego

Member

2009 - 2009

National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Trial Skills

2009 - 2016

Central California Bankruptcy Association

Member

2008 - 2018

Fresno County Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2017

Fresno County Young Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - 2017

Fresno County Women Lawyers

Member

Education

2008

San Joaquin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

San Joaquin College of Law

Paralegal Certification

2003

California St Univ Fresno

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2013

Central California Bankruptcy Association Fundamentals Program

Key Ingredients for a Successful Consumer Case

2011

Central California Bankruptcy Institute

What Consumer Attorneys Need to Know About Business Cases

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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