Licensed for 44 years

State CA

Acquired 1978

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Richard Paul Sullivan

Divorce and separation Attorney at Irvine, CA

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The best family law attorney.

The Best of the Best Family Law Attorney...Period!

About Richard

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WE DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR OUR CLIENTS. ACHIEVING THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS ON THEIR BEHALF

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Regarded as one of the top Family Lawyers in Orange County, Richard has tried more than 10,000 family law cases over the past 36 years involving issues such as dissolution of marriage, child custody, child visitation, child support, spousal support, division of property, paternity, legal separation, prenuptial agreements, adoptions, guardianships, domestic violence, modifications of spousal support or child support, contempt proceedings relating to non-payment of child support and spousal support in post judgment matters, inter-country jurisdiction issues and termination of parental rights.

Honing his court room skills as a criminal defense litigator beginning in 1978, and sitting as a judge pro tem in 1985, '86, '87, '89, and '96. Richard has focused solely on family law since 1996. Among his clients Richard is appreciated for both his compassionate disposition, as well as the results he delivers. Among court officers and colleagues, Richard is respected for his tenacity, legal knowledge and trial skills.

Awards

Client's Choice

2012

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Contact Richard

Sullivan Law & Associates

(949) 565-4624 Office

1920 Main Street

Suite 250

Irvine, CA, 92614

sullivan-law.com/attorneys/richard-sullivan/

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Reviews

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4.0 / 5.0

12 customer reviews

5 Star

75%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

25%

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Mason | August 19, 2016

The best family law attorney.

I was falsely accused of domestic violence and several other accusations. Mr. Sullivan was able to prove my ex was lying about everything at family court trial. My custody rights were restored and I was able to use the family court testimony and get my crimal case dismissed. Thank you for saving my sons life! I have 50/50 custody.

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Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2014

The Best of the Best Family Law Attorney...Period!

I don't know what to say about Richard Sullivan, except he is the best of the best. Richard defended me in a false allegation of domestic violence. He also handled my divorce, and child custody matters. I went from no time with my son to over 70% parenting time with my son. Yes, Richard Sullivan is not cheap, but he delivers results. Thank you Richard Sullivan!

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Posted by anonymous | February 8, 2017

Professional & Kind

Rick is a professional, and a former boss. He is kind, yet assertive, and he cares about his clients. He takes his cases seriously, and he is helpful, and empathetic. He is an excellent choice during difficult times.

Posted by Eric | March 7, 2014

The best family law attorney

Richard Sullivan very much cares about fighting for your custody rights. He understands how stressful divorce and custody battles can be and puts you at ease. I was able to sleep at night knowing Mr. Sullivan was representing me.

Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2011

The One who really cares about you and your Child.

Mr. Sullivan the Great!! I have had Mr. Sullivan represent me in the past & His work has been outstanding. He has never been reprimanded by the judge. His fees have always been reasonable & fair. Not to mention, he has always been understanding. I even got custody of my son. What more can you ask for? Thank you Mr. Sullivan

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Posted by Shelly | December 7, 2011

Child support

Richard represented me in obtaining child support for my three children. I had a rather unique cash for kids deal and haven't received support for the past 9 years. Support is usually derived from a formula based upon declared income. In my case, my ex is a con man and provided meager support to back up his stated paltry income. Richard was able to lead the judge with inquiries causing the defendant to look ridiculous. As a result, the judge ruled outside of the norm and based his support amount not upon income but expenses. Subsequent to the ruling, my ex has refused to pay and Richard is proactively obtaining a writ to freeze monies declared in the court proceeding. Richard has been there every step of the way. He truly is compassionate.

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Posted by anonymous | December 7, 2011

Dana Kislig

I was a young and impressionable father who had just turned twenty-four. I had been wrongfully accused of domestic violence against our just six-week-old son so his mother could get a leg-up on custody. It was Richard then and it is Richard now that has allowed our son to receive more than he could have gotten from any other attorney. The reasons are endless and compounded on Richardâ€™s intellect, ability, and legal expertise. Richard also has a general good nature and presence that all should aspire to. For six years now I have been entrenched in family court and for the last three of those years as a law school student. I have yet to met anyone inside these institutions that have anything but profound respect and continual admiration for likely the best family law attorney in Orange County.

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Posted by anonymous | December 5, 2011

Amazing and the Best

Richard has that unique combination of an attorney who both cares for his clients and fights hard for them. Richard represented me in my divorce. My husband made all kinds of false accusations about me and got a restraining order that kept me from my child. I then hired Richard Sullivan. After speaking with him, I knew that RIchard felt my pain about being separated from my child. In court Richard's skill was amazing and, as an aside, he seemed to know everyone in the courthouse in Orange County. I now have custody of my child because of Richard. He gives the legal profession a good name.

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Posted by Bettina Layland | October 18, 2010

worth the $

Wish I would have known him before I went threw 5 bad attorneys. He does his job beautifully! Worth the hiring price, but he does get pricey. Keep track of what your paying for.

Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2019

not a good lawyer or person.

Mr. Sullivan took a 7,000 restrainer from me and then doesn’t know who I am when I call. I have had to repeat facts of my case to him multiple times and it seems as though each time he is hearing these facts for the first time. His receptionist, Briley is unprofessional and rude over the phone and hard to deal in person because she dresses so innapropriately and has an angry demeanor. I blame myself for not looking into this attorney further before hiring this office for such an important matter. My only hope is that someone else will see this know better before hiring Mr. Sullivan.

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Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2014

A very unethical lawyer

Richard Sullivan took my 10000 retainer knowing full well he had represented my ex husband. He is the most conniving, deceitful lawyer that I have ever met. He promises, does not deliver and is known to cater to the wealthy. I called his office and Lisa Marie would not schedule an appointment with me to discuss my case with him. Please do not be deceived by this firm-he is charming and promises everything then will pass you off to an associate who will call you and call you to just bill. Richard assures you he will show up in court just to litigate but he yields zero results because he does not truly know your case. Take your hard earned money elsewhere.

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Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2011

Cruelty

This man cares nothing for the family unit. He took all of my money and left my family in shambles. He has been repremanded by all the family court judges in Orange Ca. He is no longer with Hughes and Sullivan. It is now Hughes and Hughes. Lol

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.7 (Excellent)

Work Experience

Principal
Sullivan Law & Associates
2017 - Present

Partner
Hughes & Sullivan
2001 - 2011

Owner
The Law Offices of Richard P. Sullivan
1978 - 2001

Education

Western State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1978

Southeast Missouri State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1973

Associations

Orange County Community Service Program-CSP Victim Assitance
Board Member
2012 - Present

Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Executive Committee Member
2010 - Present

Orange County Bar Association
Member
1990 - Present

U.S Tax Court
Member
1981 - Present

U.S Central District Court
Member
1980 - Present

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Most Outstanding Moot Court Participant
Western State College of Law
1978

Speaking Engagements

Western State School of Law
Trial Practice Instruction
N/A

State Bar of California CLE
Continuing Education
N/A

Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Child Custody/Visitation
N/A

Chapman School of Law
Trial Practice Instruction
N/A

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Attorney endorsements

Received (6)

Given (16)

Endorse Richard

Kevin Qualls

Family Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had many trials or hearings with Mr. Sullivan,he is always very well prepared,extremely ethical and excellent! I would refer anyone ,anytime to him"

Wendy Fountain

Family Attorney | Aug 26
Relationship: Co-worker

"Mr. Sullivan is one of the most dynamic lawyers I know. With over 30+ years of experience in both criminal and family law he has the skills to assist his clients navigate and successful resolve their family law legal matters. I have enjoyed having cases against him, with him and serving on the OC Family Law Executive Board."

Andrew Klausner

Family Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Co-worker

"Mr. Sullivan is an attorney worth emulating - ethical, intelligent, and patient. Handles high conflict cases with professionalism, respect for the client's needs/wants, and over 35 years of experience and wisdom in his corner. The kind of attorney that other attorneys hire to represent them."

Carrie Foglesong

Family Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Co-worker

"Mr. Sullivan is one of the most well respected litigators in the Orange County area. Over the last 38+ years he has honed and perfected his craft in the courtroom to produce an outstanding product for his clients."