Paul Jan Nelson

I do not recommend working with Paul Nelson. I retained his firm based on a referral and unfortunately did not conduct deeper due diligence beforehand. During the approximately four months I was represented by Mr. Nelson, I experienced what I felt was a lack of preparation and communication regarding... important matters in my case, particularly my domestic violence hearing. I attempted to begin preparing for this hearing roughly two months in advance, but meaningful preparation never occurred. Given the seriousness of these proceedings, I expected a much higher level of diligence and strategic preparation. Ultimately, I requested a continuance of my domestic violence hearing so that I would have time to interview and retain another attorney to properly handle my case. The continuance was granted, and I made the decision to change counsel because I was not willing to risk jeopardizing my case due to what I perceived as a lack of preparation. I also experienced billing and communication concerns during my time as a client. In December I was double charged, which was later acknowledged and credited back to my account after I repeatedly raised the issue. During that same period, when I was requesting updates and assistance preparing for the hearing, I was told that no additional work would be performed unless payment was made, despite the fact that my invoices had been paid on time each month. Over the four months I retained the firm, Mr. Nelson spoke with me directly only once; most communication came through brief responses on firm letterhead, which made the experience feel impersonal and dismissive during a very sensitive time. Additionally, I later discovered that responses on my Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (PDD) had been modified without my prior approval or a discussion with me. During the time I was represented, discovery was also not pursued with opposing counsel despite multiple requests on my part, even while I believed serious ATRO violations were occurring that warranted closer attention. As a working professional in the service industry myself, I value communication, transparency, and accountability when serving clients. I have worked with attorneys in the past and received excellent representation, so I understand the level of professionalism that is possible. Unfortunately, this experience did not meet those standards, and for those reasons I cannot recommend Mr. Nelson.

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...ach step of the divorce process and made sure I was well-informed and prepared. I can't say enough wonderful things about them all. Their integrity, professionalism and genuine care for their clients is superb! They're truly an asset to their profession!!!

Paul was really great! He took the time to understand my divorce case and explain things clearly during our call, learning what my main concerns were and how to mitigate those. He knew his stuff and had a very common sense approach, he didn't unnecessarily dramatize thing's like many attorneys tend t...o (as our case is relatively simple). I would highly recommend. Thanks Paul!

I had a top quality consultation with Paul Nelson about my domestic violence custody case. He is very knowledgable and helpful explaining clearly the steps to take. I would highly recommend him for your family case. I couldn't have received better advice and grateful to have connected to him through ...Avvo.

In 2008 I filed for divorce after 20 years of marriage. I only wished I had been referred to Paul Nelson back then, instead of any one of the four attorneys I left over the next 3 years. Not one of them cared about my case, or responed to any information I gave them. Within three days of my Judg...ment, my Ex stopped paying me. I turned to a friend who I met just before my divorce was final, and asked her to please give me the name of her lawyer. She had been quite happy with him and she got a good result. I met Paul Nelson. Paul has been nothing but a God send for my post-divorce work for the past four years, which is quite often. My Ex continues to stop paying support routinely, whick is challenging since I have a brain tumor, and don't need the additional stress. Paul had to help with everything that the "other lawyer" forgot to put in the Divorce Judgment, that I wouldn't even know to ask for, such as being taken off the mortgage on the house that I Quit Claimed to my Ex. Paul has exceeded my expectations at all times compared to any of the other lawyers I had. Paul has been nothing but kind, compassionate, and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that I will get what I am entitled to now. I am always amazed that, at last, I like and ADMIRE a GREAT LAWYER. He is the most ethical and honest lawyer I have met in Orange County. Paul has been supportive and gone the extra mile many times for myself and for my friend that referred me to Paul. Please do yourselves a favor and read the reviews of divorced people. Don't hire a lawyer or law firm by name, or from a neighbor that "heard about someone". Divorce is very emotional and stressful and you should go through it with someone who cares about your life after your divorce and well being. You need a lawyer who will be there for you for the long haul, not pass you off to a "lawyer in learning". Hire someone who will care about You, be compassionate, understanding, and intelligent. Hire the lawyer who will get you everything you deserve and are entitled to. Hire the lawyer who will communicate with you personally. That lawyer in Orange County is Paul Nelson. I can count on Paul always, and I know he is there for me no matter what work I'll need in the future.