Steven Gary Hittelman
About Steven
Biography
Experience is the key. After twenty-five years serving the Southern California Family Law community (first as a Deputy District Attorney, then in private practice as a Senior Associate and as a Partner) I am now the Managing Partner at the Newport Beach Family Law firm of the Hittelman Family Law Group, APC. We offer the unique combination of expertise and dedication that our clients expect when going through one of the worst time in their lives. We are able to keep our clients up-to-date on their matters and get their cases resolved so that they spend time with their families, not in the courts. Krystle Lilly-White is CAMS Certified to provide our clients the option of pursuing Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce. Our Of Counsel, Wayne Jones, provides the insights of a forty-year practitioner with a depth of legal and life experience.
I started my legal career as the first Deputy District Attorney hired by the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Family Support Division. My duties included handling paternity cases, child support, and enforcement of support obligations. I then went into private practice, where I was able to draw from my first career - as a teacher - to work to raise the level of family law practice in Orange County. My presentations included educating other attorneys about Domestic Violence, complex child support issues, psychological issues impacting child custody decisions, and general Family Law issues. I am a Certified Specialist in Family, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization, since 2002.
Our variety of experienced attorneys and teamwork approach provides unique opportunities for clients to have the strategy and wisdom of a variety of viewpoints. We look forward to helping you along the next path of your life.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
28 years
32 years
28 years
31 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
HITTELMAN FAMILY LAW GROUP, APC
20101 SW Birch Street, Suite 220, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
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Steven Gary Hittelman's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by s | April 29, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
If you want to be ignored. Hire this attorney
Worst attorney ever. Took my $10K retainer and I basically never heard from Steve again. He accomplished absolutely "NOTHING " in my Divorce. Numerous emails. With NO response. Complained his email was down (more then once) Complained he never got a message. The minute my EX hired a better attor...
Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
"Here' why people hate lawyers"
I also retained steven hittleman which consumed way too much time & money. Divorce process is stressful enough without having the confidence you're best intetests & end results were dictated based on profit. I believe steven is a kind human being on a personal level. Not so much on the professional...
Posted by anonymous | March 12, 2013 | Family
Unprofessional and arrogant
I am flabberghasted after reading the reviews on Mr. Hittelman. It's as if I am reading about another attorney. He charged me over $15,000 in a restraining order matter. That is major money. When I tell other attorneys this amount, I watch as their jaw hits the floor. No restraining order case shoul...
Steven Hittelman
Replied last July 11, 2013After representing dozens of victims of domestic violence it is difficult to try to recall who this may be, but given that most Domestic Violence actions can take at least three court appearances of several hours each the fees incurred can be unpredictable. Our office sends bills every month so that the services rendered can be assessed on an ongoing basis. As for the comments about any personality conflicts I will let the other reviews speak to that.
Posted by Jacqueline | February 20, 2013 | Family
Wow! Words will never express my gratitude for your ourstanding representation!
While I have what should be a "simple" family law case addressing custody, visitation and support issues, my ex has a different perspective. Steve and his amazing team have been a protective barrier for all the harassment and nonsense. They keep me informed and act swiftly on my behalf. Sometimes ...
Steven Gary Hittelman's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve has always been professional and a mentor to me and many other young lawyers. He is a wealth of knowledge and very giving of his time and experience."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend this lawyer a true professional"
"Steve Hittelman is an excellent example of a great Divorce and Family Law Attorney. He is always extremely professional, yet easy to talk to and work with, a true gentleman. If I weren't a divorce attorney myself, I would refer clients to Steve."
"I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"While I have not worked directly with Steve, he and his staff are responsive to their clients and compassionate about the law and those they represent. Steve is a huge support of local bar associations and is very involved in the local legal community. Someone I would turn to if I needed representation in a family law matter."
"very good lawyer - I am comfortable referring any clients to Steve."
"I've seen Mr. Hittelman in action and he's a very good attorney."
"Attorney Hittelman is a formidable opponent in the courtroom. I admire his ability to be respectful and honorable to the court, counsel and all parties while protecting his client's interests."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Steve at Minyard and Morris a number of years ago. I also have had a number of cases with him or his firm as opposing counsel. I can say without hesitation that Steve is one of the most creative family law attorneys I know. Steve is ethical, professional and a highly respected member of the Orange County Bar. He is a worthy advocate that I always enjoy having representing the other side."
"Steve is, by far, one of the most knowledgeable, ethical and competent family law attorneys in Orange County. His level of expertise and experience is well known within the family law community. I highly endorse Steve!"
"Steven Hittleman has demonstrated for years a dedication to the bar and the community at large. His reputation in the community is that of a very skilled, aggressive, effective and wise counsel. The evidence of my confidence in his abilities is that when I am asked by my clients and friends who they should retain for a family law matter, Steve Hittleman is the name I give them."
"Steven is the type of attorney I aspire to be like. His knowlede of the law and trial experience are superior. He is always giving his time and talents to good causes. Truly one of the best lawyers I have ever seen. Simply stated, we could use more like him. To say that I endorse this lawyer would be an understatement."
"Mr. Hittelman was already well-regarded by the legal community when I first met him. Once I got to know him, it became obvious why his peers and clients highly recommend him--he is passionate about the law and dedicated to his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Hittelman is not only one of the best prepared attorneys in our area of law but also one of the most knowledgable Family Law attorney in Orange County."
"I've known Steve for more than a decade, and have presented several State Bar sponsored continuing education presentations with him. He knows his stuff."
"I know Steve through the work he has done with the Public Law Center (PLC). Steve has a longstanding relationship with PLC and has taken on numerous pro bono cases to assist low income individuals with family law matters. He has represented victims of domestic violence and other individuals in crisis, and he does so with sensitivity and the utmost professionalism. He is a well respected member of the OCBA, a mentor, and, above all, an excellent family law attorney."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
2012
The Region's Top Lawyers, OC Metro Magazine
2012
2012 Attorney of the Year, Orange County Women Lawyers Association
2011
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2011
The Region's Top Attorneys, OC Metro Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2010
The Region's Top Attorneys, OC Metro Magazine
2009
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2006
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
2005
Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Managing Partner, Hittelman Strunk Law Group, LLP
2011 - Present
Partner, HITTELMAN LAW GROUP
2010 - 2011
Partner, Nelson Hittelman LLP
1997 - 2010
Senior Associate, Minyard Morris LLP
1993 - 1997
Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney
Associations
2014 - Present
South Orange County Bar AssociationPresident
2014 - Present
Association of Certified Family Law SpecialistsOrange County Chapter Board of Directors
2012 - Present
Kids FirstLegal Program Directory
2011 - Present
Association of Certified Family Law SpecialistsFounding Member - Orange County Chapter
2010 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2006 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationCo-Chair of Bridging the Gap Committee
2004 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember, Blue Ribbon Panel on the Administration of Justice
Chair of Family Law Section Financial Issues Committee (South)
Member
Member
Member
2004 - 2005
Orange County Bar Association, Family Law SectionPast President
Sample of Legal Cases
Writ issued
Education
1994
Juris Doctorate
1987
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2015
Family Law for Non-Family Lawyers
2015
Family Law/Do What You Love, Love What You Do
2012
Domestic Violence Issues
2012
Child Support Representation
2012
2011
Domestic Violence Training
2011
Whose Home Is It Anyway
2011
Family Law
2011
Family Violence Risk Assessment
2010
Family Law for the Non-Family Law Attorney
2010
Domestic Violence
2010
Family Law
2009
Pro Bono legal assistance for Domestic Violence victims
2009
Family Law Program
2008
Pro bono legal assistance for Domestic Violence victims
2008
Family Law Program
Publications
2009
1999
1998
1997
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Do I need to split inheritance in a divorce?
09 Feb 2021
Does rebuttal evidence need to be submitted to the petitioner of a domestic violence restraining order before the hearing ?
30 Apr 2019
Statute of limitations for Restraining order
26 Sep 2012