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Val, as she prefers to be called, has been a family law attorney in San Diego since graduating from California Western School of Law. She vigorously advocates for her clients in Court, but her preference is to negotiate issues, reducing costs to her clients. A seasoned negotiator with extensive experience in conflict resolution, Val has been recognized by the Superior Court of California, and in 2013, she was appointed as a Judge Pro Tempore with the San Diego Superior Court. Since her appointment, she has accepted assignments to act as a mediator both for the Court and thereafter in private practice. Using those skills in conjunction with her passion for Discovery Law, she has also served as a Discovery Referee to resolve discovery conflicts. In 2016, Val became a certified golf professional becasue of her desire to learn the intracacies and nuances of the sports. She rescues dogs and is often seen with at least one of them. Val is a member of the State Bar of California, the San Diego County Bar Association, and the North County Bar Association.
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2003
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12348 High Bluff Dr., Ste 220, San Diego, CA, 92130
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Chris | July 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I retained the WRF law firm, and was assigned Val to handle my custody update case. Val was very professional and easy to work with, and kept in constant contact with me despite her full case load. I never felt as though I was "just another case" - she took the time to explain things thoroughly, an...
Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Val represented me through my divorce. I was married 30 years with my ex husband being the main breadwinner for years and the only breadwinner through most of my now adult children’s lives. Val was very efficient at getting me alimony and back alimony ASAP. She helped me navigate through all the fina...
Posted by Steve | June 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Val has great attention to detail and wasn't afraid to stand up for me and my son. I highly recommend her. She knows what works and really cares. A+
Posted by Hugh Stewart | June 8, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Divorce is the worst thing you're going to go through. 99% of the time you dislike your ex. If you're going to get a divorce lawyer who really represents your interest look no further than Michele Vallat. Michele understood the misery I had been going through for four long years. I had been accuse...
Posted by Jen | July 4, 2014
I had an extremely lengthy and difficult family law case. I started the journey with high powered, expensive lawyers from Los Angeles and changed to a different San Diego law firm. Neither of them accomplished one thing for me and caused me huge financial losses and emotional distress. Off the referr...
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Val is a strong advocate and reasonable attorney; a great combination to have as both your attorney and your opposing counsel."
"Ms. Vallat is an excellent attorney. She is knowledgeable, ethical, and diligent. She's easy to work with, but always a fierce advocate for her clients. I endorse her without reservation."
""Val" is very knowledgeable and well-versed in family law. She is an excellent research attorney. She is tenacious, but easy going. She is equally skilled at litigation and negotiation."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
2022
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Court, Superior Court of California
2021
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Court, Superior Court of California
2020
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Court, Superior Court of California
2019
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Court, Superior Court of California
2018
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Court, Superior Court of California
2017
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Law, Superior Court of California
2016
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Law, Superior Court of California
2015
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Law, Superior Court of California
2014
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Law, Superior Court of California
2013
Judge Pro Tempore - Family Law, Superior Court of California
2025 - Present
Senior Associate, Andrew J. Botros, APC
2003 - Present
Owner - Sole Practioner, Vallat Law Offices
2022 - 2025
Senior Associate, Bickford, Blado & Botros
2019 - 2022
Partner, Law Office of William R. Fuhrman
2006 - 2019
Associate Attorney, Law Office of William R. Fuhrman
$0 Support to Wife; $7,500 sanctions against W for failing to disclose important financial information.
Mom's obligation to pay child sup. reduced from $824 to $39; Father ordered to pay 1/2 of orthodontia; to pay approx. 1/3 of expert fees; $250 in attorney's fees.
Fam Ct: Spousal Sup. order vacated b/c Wife failed to properly serve. Wife sanctioned $500 & her request for support denied; in FSD: Wife ordered to pay child support, reimburse Husband for orthodontia costs; and to contribute $1,500 toward attorney fees.
Father ordered to pay all arrears owing and to pay $15,000 in attorney's fees.
Successfully reduced spousal support in 2014 & 2016; Terminated in 2019; Husband originally paid $2,100 then $1,000, now $0.
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
BA - Bachelor of Arts
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
What is the alcohol bac on a random testing for a parent that the judge rules for a father ? Can I have a glass of wine ?
14 Dec 2017
Regarding cohabitation agreements, can they keep assets separate for the next 10 years?
14 Dec 2017
How do I get my rightful share of proceeds from the sale of our family home from my ex's attorney who's holding it in a trust?
13 Nov 2017