$ 275-575 per hour
Paul Jan Nelson
About Paul
Biography
Firm founder Paul J. Nelson is a Certified Specialist in Family Law, and a highly experienced trial attorney who has tried hundreds of family law matters in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County. Mr. Nelson's courtroom experience, knowledge of California family law, and familiarity with local judicial officers and opposing counsel has helped him build a track record of successful outcomes for a wide range of clients.
Mr. Nelson is a member of the Family Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association. He also belongs to the Family Law Section of the State Bar of California and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and a member of many legal organizations whose primary purpose is to better serve the community in which we all live.
When he is not practicing law, Mr. Nelson enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters. He is also an avid cyclist, alpine skier, world traveler, and a licensed private pilot, which allows him to handle cases throughout the state. Mr. Nelson speaks Thai fluently.
I am an avid sportman. My hobbies include cycling, golf, crossfit and travel. I have been a private pilot for 5 years. This allows me the ability to handle cases throughout California.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 27 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
NELSON | KIRKMAN
4100 Newport Place, Suite 250, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
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Paul Jan Nelson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
22 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Lenore | January 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Outstanding Divorce Attorney
Paul is a wonderful attorney. He, and his amazing staff, handled my divorce with great attention and care. Having never gone through a divorce before, I had MANY questions, concerns and fears. Paul, and his staff, were very patient and thoroughly explained everything to me. They walked me though e...
Posted by Allison | January 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Thorough, knowledgeable and kind.
After paying way too much money to another attorney for post-divorce nonsense I finally found Paul. Upon interview, I decided that he was the right choice and hired him. During our work together, I found him to be personable, compassionate and confident - all attributes I needed after working wit...
Posted by Ann | May 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family
Wonderful Law Firm - My ex wrote the anonymous post just below.
Paul and his firm have been so very helpful during these past months where my ex has filed unnecessary motion after motion running up attorneys fees for both of us. Paul has prevailed on each one so my ex decided to pretend to be a current client and leave a fake review. I just could not sit back and...
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2015 | Family
A Dad's Point of View
Paul is extremely caring and wants the best for me and my children, After working in OC for years Paul knows the procedures the court's staff and most all the Judges and attorney's.. This is especially helpful when preparing for his appearances. He is especially knowledgeable with Family Law and does...
Paul Jan Nelson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Not only do I emphatically endorse Paul J. Nelson, Esq. but I've referred several potential new clients to him. I first met Paul when I was an associate attorney at an O.C. firm and he was the opposing counsel. We have remained good friends ever since. Paul has been litigating complex family law matters for over two decades."
"Paul Nelson is a superb family lawyer and litigator. As a fellow litigator, although in a different field, I can recognize which lawyers get pushed around in court and which ones do the pushing - and Paul is definitely the latter. He's a formidable opponent and anyone who hires him will be lucky to have his courtroom skills on their side. The great thing about Paul though is not only is toughness in court, but also his demeanor with his clients. One of my friends met with Paul to consult on her divorce and I was present, so I personally know that Paul is a caring and sensitive lawyer who patiently walks his clients through a difficult time in their lives. I highly recommend Paul for any family law litigation. P.S. - he has a great sense of humor too :)"
"Paul Nelson is a rare Jewel in the legal community. As a seasoned, reputable attorney, Mr. Nelson is extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy. When working with Mr. Nelson, I know that I will receive excellence, a wealth of knowledge, and something to learn. As a colleague, I can rely on his sound advice. As an attorney, I know he will always produce excellent work, a great game plan and guidance, while setting realistic expectations. Overall, Mr. Nelson is a good person, who is pleasant to be around :) I highly recommend Mr. Nelson and his team."
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is a worthy opponent in every way. He is very smart and a very good trial lawyer. He is a gifted speaker. He knows his stuff. Good cross examiner. Will also settle a case fairly."
"Paul Nelson is an incredible advocate for his clients. He is willing to go to battle for them and truly keeps their best interest at heart."
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is a highly respected attorney with a reputation for excellence in advocacy."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top notch lawyer in this field and one of the best lawyers in the state. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend this lawyer he is a true professional"
"I endorse this lawyer. He has excellent family law skills and knowledge."
"I endorse Paul. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked against Paul on several matters and found him to be a tough negotiator and experienced trial lawyer."
"Paul Nelson is an outstanding family law attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced. His clients are fortunate to have him representing their interests in court."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Super Lawyer Honoree, California Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Peer Review Rated AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Honarary Chairman, Business Advisory Council
2008
O.C's Most Talked-About Lawyers, Orange Coast Magazine
2008
Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law, State Bar of California, Board of Specialization
2008
Honorary Chairman, Business Advisory Council
2008
Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law, State Bar of California - Certified Specialist
2007
Premier Attorney's of Orange County, Orange Coast Magai
2006
National Leadership Award, The National Republican Congressional Committee
2006
The Best Lawyers of 2006, Orange Coast Magazine
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Managing Partner, Nelson Kirkman
2010 - Present
Managing Partner, Nelson Hittelman, LLP
1998 - Present
Founding Partner, Paul J. Nelson & Associates
2010 - 2013
Judge pro tem, Superior Courts of Orange County
Associations
2009 - Present
Orange County Bar FoundationFellow
2009 - Present
ProvisorsMember
2007 - Present
Association of Certified Family Law SpecialistsMember
2003 - Present
J. Reuben Clark Law SocietyMember
1999 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
American Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
1998 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
S v. S.
Resolved for an equalization payment of approx $20 Million
Business Valuation / Spousal Support
Our client was awarded nearly $3 Million
Education
2008
State Bar of California, Board of Specialization
Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law
1998
Supreme Court of the State of California
Attorney and Counselor at Law
1997
Univ of West Los Angeles
J.D.
1991
Univ of Utah
Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2012
Introduction to Family Law
Family Law 101
2011
Straight Talk Money Radio Show
Financial Pitfalls to avoid during a Divorce
2010
Pacific Club
Legal Developments in Family Law
2010
Newport Irvine Provisors
New Developments in Family Law
Publications
2010
2008
Orange Coast Magazine
O. C's Most Talked-About Lawyers
2007
Orange Coast Magazine
Premier Attorneys of Orange County
2006
Orange Coast Magazine
The Best Lawyers of 2006
Languages
Thai
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I enter a gated community to pick up my son?
05 May 2020
Q&A
Do I have a right to know my child's father's address?
05 May 2020
Q&A
EXH rejecting my Vacation at home request during COVID19 shelter in place uncertainty
05 May 2020
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
DIVORCE ON THE O.C.- THE FIRST FOUR CRITICAL STEPS
23 Feb 2019
Legal Guide
Case management is the key to your case.
08 Sep 2010
Legal Guide
Community Property in California
08 Sep 2010