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Vera Ann Livingstone
also known as LIVINGSTONE LAW, APC, Livingstone & Associates
About Vera
Biography
Attorney Vera A. Livingstone has litigated, mediated, and settled family law cases for 29 years. She acts as Special Master for the Courts, private attorneys, and litigants and is listed with the California State Bar as a Special Master. She is also appointed by the court to act as a Settlement Conference Judge "Pro Tem" and Minor's Counsel.
For the past 29 years, Vera has focused primarily on Family Law matters, where she has successfully litigated difficult custody issues, asset division, spousal and child support cases, move-away trials, post-judgment issues, enforcement of judgment. She has handled more than 100 evidentiary hearings and trials. Her strengths include good, close client relationships, cross-examination, and depositions. She handles many high-conflict cases and cases of first impression. At all times, she works toward case resolution with an eye on efficiency and client satisfaction.
Attorney Vera A. Livingstone graduated from SDSU in 1982 with a degree in Public Administration by working during the day and attending night school. She completed 3 years of law school in 2 years and passed the California Bar Exam on the first attempt.
From 2002 through 2008, Vera worked at the YWCA Legal Clinic where she was mentored by a well-known family law specialist. She represented more than 100 male and female domestic violence victims in restraining order, family law, custody and visitation, and divorce cases. While at the YWCA, Vera tackled difficult and unusual cases such as refugee and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases and gained a significant amount of experience doing trial work and evidentiary hearings at the YWCA.
Vera continued her pursuit of unusual cases by winning cases for spousal support under the Immigration and Nationality Act in Civil Court. She also brought a tree-cutting case to a jury trial and mediated several other cases where an individual trespassed and cut down a neighbor’s trees.
Vera enjoys Formula 1 Racing, making jam, Yoga, historical fiction novels, dog training, suffering through bootcamp, concerts and performance art, happy hour, Rock & Roll, cheering on the Padres, and generally being active with her husband and adult children.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
45%
28 years | 848 cases
Child Custody
35%
28 years | 609 cases
Domestic Violence
20%
28 years | 344 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 400-425 per hour
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 29 years
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
LIVINGSTONE LAW, APC
2635 Camino del Rio South, Suite 208, San Diego, CA, 92108
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Vera Ann Livingstone's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
71 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (71)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Katie | July 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Hard-Working, Thoughtful and Supportive
Vera is an incredible attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients. She taught me so much during my proceedings and did so with care and concern. As with many divorces, my experience was painful and emotional. Vera knew just how to calm me and to keep my case on track. Her knowledge of cust...
Vera Livingstone
Replied last July 15, 2020It was a pleasure working with Katie. I'm very grateful for my client and her kind words about my work.
Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Trusts
Knowledgeable, professional and caring
After my Mother passed, and I needed legal guidance as Trustee for my Family Trust. I met and hired Vera to assist me after being referred to her by my best friend, Roger. Vera was available for me when needed; her advice was spot on and kept me on track. I highly recommend Vera for people lo...
Posted by Dan | April 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Always there for you
In a time of personal crisis and confusion, I was referred to Vera by someone who had experienced her professionalism and abilities first hand. My story was quite frankly unbelievable but to Vera's credit she listened patiently and took the time to understand the complexity of the case, then quickly...
Posted by Bruce | October 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Vera Livingstone -- An Exceptional Attorney
When our attorney was going to be on vacation during a hearing regarding the well-being of my granddaughter, she assured me that Ms. Livingstone would be the perfect back up. I must say Ms. Livingstone did not miss a step -- she was thorough, professional, caring and exceptional. We won our day in c...
Vera Livingstone
Replied last October 27, 2016This family and their attorney, Laura Miller, CFLS, were a pleasure to work with. I am very grateful they were happy with my services.
Posted by Luna keller | January 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Angel send from above
Meeting Vera for the first time I couldn't wait to retain her. I had interviewed many attorneys prior only to leave feeling overwhelmed! None came close to her knowledge and expertise. Vera is upfront and knows the legal system, never giving you false hope, just to represent you for her self interest...
Vera Ann Livingstone's Lawyer Endorsements
"I can only speak of Vera's knowledge and professionalism in superlatives. She is a fierce advocate for her clients, cares deeply, and is highly respected in the legal community."
"Vera is an amazing lawyer. You will not be let down by her."
"A wonderful and caring Child Custody attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Vera is an exceptional attorney with matters of Divorce and Separation. I endorse this lawyer."
"An excellent Child Custody attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Vera is an experienced attorney with Divorce matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for Divorce and Separation matters."
"Vera expresses a remarkable prowess with all Family Law matters, including Divorce and Separation. I endorse this lawyer."
"An experienced attorney with Divorce, and various Family Law matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"A wonderful attorney with Child Custody matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"Ms. Livingstone is a brilliant attorney with a good heart. I would trust her on any family law matter!"
"I am pleased to endorse this lawyer. Ms. Livingstone does not lose sight of her client’s long term goals. She remembers that each case is not a series of her personal battles to be won, but, effects the lives of these families forever. You are in very good hands."
"Child custody is one of the most high stakes areas in the law and Vera is the most knowledgeable and caring child custody attorney I know; I would trust no one more. I am just glad she practices other areas of law with as much tenacity and care."
Eric Cowdery
Family lawyer
Teresa Trucchi
Family lawyer
Koryn Sheppard
Family lawyer
Jillian Minter
Family lawyer
Jasmin Dimson
Family lawyer
Dimitry Erudaitius
Family lawyer
Sondra Gemmill
Family lawyer
Abby Ertz
Family lawyer
Taylor Holstrom
Estate planning lawyer
Melannie Suba
Child custody lawyer
Natalie Hollis
Family lawyer
Samantha Pruett
Family lawyer
Alex Ruiz
Family lawyer
Richard Abdallah
Divorce and separation lawyer
Jeremy Roark
Family lawyer
Sherrie Munson
Family lawyer
Mohamad Hadwan
Real estate lawyer
Robert Daniels
Family lawyer
David Owens
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Richard Feuerstein
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Client's Choice, Avvo
2021
Client's Choice, Avvo
2020
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2015
Client's Choice, Avvo
2012
Special Master, California State Bar
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Minor's counsel, Livingstone Law, APC
2023 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Livingstone Law, APC
2012 - Present
Special Master, San Diego County Court
1996 - Present
Attorney, Livingstone Law, APC
2021 - 2021
Of Counsel, Godkin & Brengle, LLP
2002 - 2008
Attorney, YWCA Legal Center
Associations
2023 - Present
San Diego Mission de AlcalaFestival Finds Committee
2016 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2023 - 2024
Obedience Club of San Diego County Dog ClubSecretary
2013 - 2018
St. Josephs' CathedralSocial Committee and Welcome Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Behrou
Husband Divorced. No Spousal Support in Long Term Marriage.
White v. Himmbelberger
Child allowed to move with client.
J.B v. M.B.
Support was increased and sanctions imposed.
Holmes
Prevailed on behalf of Client.
Daniels
Prevailed 5 year restraining order and Prevailing Party Fees
Porras
Father has legal custody over education, primary physical custody, and Mother's Income was Imputed
Petina
Prevailed. No DVRO issued
Kelvin
Mother's Request for MoveAway. Custody to my client.
Education
1996
California Western SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
San Diego State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My husband wants a divorce and I left our home does this mean I started legal separation?
27 Nov 2023
Q&A
Is a court required to produce a minute order after a hearing?
11 Apr 2023
Q&A
How can I fire my lawyer after mediation meeting?
11 Apr 2023