Paula Ann Phinney

Paula Ann Phinney

4.2
Rating: 7.6

Licensed for 29 years

Family Lawyer at Vista, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support

911 Hacienda Drive Suite C, Vista, CA

About Paula

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 29 years

State: California

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Fischer & Phinney LLP

911 Hacienda Drive Suite C, Vista, CA, 92081

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Paula Ann Phinney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by rich | December 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

family law guru

In the deepest despair of my divorce, the shining light of legal reason was Paula Phinney and her legal assistant Raquel. They never told me what I wanted to hear, they told me what the law was. If you want competent legal advice and a legal lion in court representing you, I recommend Paula Phinney a...nd her team.

Posted by J. W. | July 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Reliable and strong Attorney

Paula took my case in an early time when it was very difficult with lots of chaotic disputes. Litigation was made unnecessarily tough and the opposing party makes issues on tiny or irrelevant things, which is typical in high conflict cases. Paula provided strong defense yet still opens the door for c...ooperation. She fought effectively against those unreasonable demands, protected client's core legitimate interests, while providing paths for the case to resolve with reasonable outcomes. This is what the court really likes to see. There are attorneys who encourage clients to worsen the conflicts or even lie to the court. Paula fights for clients with courage and honesty, and the judge can clear identify that. There are also attorneys who appear strong in court but lack true interest in knowing the client's needs. Paula understands the case to every detail and is extraordinary in being accessible.

Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Process stamper not a litigator

Attorney took on my complicated case with previous knowledge of my case, after being loaded with information with case and prepared trail brief, stumbled in preparing tenacious defense and questions to the opposing party. unable to handle objections or to propose consistent and valid objections to o...pposing party. She can look "novice" in front of judge and wont command control in trial situation against strong experienced attorney, easy target for opposing counsel. It may work good for Amicable situations. Wont recommend for litigation.

Posted by Harold | June 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Best lawyer for the job

I hired Paula to modify the visitation and custody orders for my three children. She not only got everything I wanted, but was able to negotiate more time with the kids for me and my new wife. Now that the kids are getting older, the new arrangement is certainly in their best interest. Thanks Paul...a.

Posted by Leon | May 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Reliable, reasonable, taking matters personally

I know Paula for almost 10 years, she has been reliable and very reasonable knowing my financial hardship. She has helped me in several matters, divorce and collections that came with it. I have recommended friends who also were happy they met Paula. Paula took extra time and effort. She reliably r...epresented me in different country which took travel, and she is the first person I would ask for legal help or advise, hopefully will not need one :)

See All Client Reviews

Paula Ann Phinney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Paula
Melissa Hillary Lum headshot
Melissa Lum

Family lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Paula for about 6 years. She is professional, astute, and experienced in family law matters. I have referred and will continue to refer friends to Paula because I trust that she will do a great job advising and handling their matters."

Stephen Vincent Smith headshot
Stephen Smith

Family lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Paula for almost 8 years and we have worked as co counsel on many cases. Paula can handle the most difficult custody or divorce situation against the most difficult attorney in town. She will immediately resolve a contentious case if the opportunity arises. But if not she is a relentless bull dog in court. I not only would recommend her, I do recommend her all the time."

Caroline A. Plemmons headshot
Caroline Plemmons

Family lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Phinney is an exceptional attorney. She is a hard worker and really knows her stuff, both in and outside the courtroom. Ms. Phinney makes sure her clients are well-informed about their case and promptly communicates all important and relevant information, whether good or bad. She is also a fierce advocate who carefully listens to her clients, the opposition, and the bench, and is thus able to impart impeccable incite as to possible motivations and outcomes for each issue. I highly endorse this attorney."

WILL MATTHEW SMITH headshot
WILL SMITH

Family lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Paula is a knowledgable Family law practitioner, her reasonableness makes it a pleasure to work with her as a fellow attorney."

Maria Estela DeOrduña headshot
Maria DeOrduña

Family lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I met Paula a few years ago when we were opposing counsels in a family law matter. She was very professional courteous and experienced. She was always prompt to return calls and was very easy to talk to. We've remained friends since then."

View All Endorsements
Melissa Hillary Lum headshot
Melissa Lum

Litigation lawyer

Stephen Vincent Smith headshot
Stephen Smith

Family lawyer

WILL MATTHEW SMITH headshot
WILL SMITH

Probate lawyer

Maria Estela DeOrduña headshot
Maria DeOrduña

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.6 (Very Good)

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Owner, Paula Phinney - Attorney at Law

2014 - 2016

Associate, Jenkins PC

Education

1996

Santa Clara University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

University of San Francisco

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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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