Edna Carroll Straus
also known as Carroll Straus
About Edna
Biography
I know what people think of lawyers. Those stereotypes have some truth-- but there two sides to every "story" and almost always a lot of emotion. And guess what? With EVERY court case SOMEONE WILL LOSE!! Whereupon somebody is gonna cry foul. Many will just cry--especially the children.
Real “divorce "smarts" = "don't start a fight." As Danny DiVito told Hubby in "War of the Roses; "There is no winning... there's just degrees of losing." Ditto probate, but with less damage to youg children. But boy, will your family turn on you.
Law is not like Wal-Mart. Nordstom's provides a different product and a different service than Walmart. So, too, with lawyers. Cheap or free is NOT the same as "full freight" --representation with real experience, real dedication and real expertise. BUT-- you can get a customized, tailored amount of work. This is called "limited scope representation". It's MUCH cheaper then "full freight".
But if any lawyer tells you ONLY what you want to hear... beware. And if I tell you something you didn't want to hear? Guess what? It is because IT IS TRUE! I am not on Avvo trolling for clients. I am just the (no longer quite "lone") voice telling it like it is. Feel free to ignore me. People do. But I am still right about... almost everything. (And quite a few non-lawish things too- like the value of expertise, mastery of communication, and what works-- such as that.) Google me if you want the full picture. (Carroll, not Edna.)
Nowadays, expert lawyers will do the chunk of work you need done-- for a REASONABLE cost. I do that. But----WARNING!! I personally will not work with whiners. Just saying...
Choose your poison, my friends! But choose carefully. And no, I do not offer free telephone consults. I actually like helping people-- a lot--but I also actually have bills to pay, just like you do. Emails, OK. Calls? Not unless you are seriously thinking of engaging me. Thanks in advance.
Oh. And, AGAIN... I'm Carroll, which Avvo refuses to acknowledge. And yes. I will piss you off, if the truth hurts. I'm not trolling for clients here, silly me. I believe the truth is what serves people. I'm looking to be of service, to people who are willing to listen. (And I can pick up your attitude by how you post. So sue me.) But guess what? if something is your "fault" then you CAN change it. If it is 100% someone else.. you cannot. Sad but true.
P.S. Yes, there is one bad review. There were two--one utterly bogus. He took that one down, because he realized it was wrong, and he's not such a bad guy, after all. But NOTA BENE--if I answer you and you dont lilke it, don't take it out on me. I'm just the messemger. And. I am doing this for free. You gets what you pays for.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
43 years | 15 cases
37 years | 200 cases
34 years | 200 cases
42 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 42 years
State: California
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Edna Carroll Straus
24000 Alicia Pkwy Pmb 17-305, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691
Law Offices of E. Carroll Straus
2903 W. 140th St, Gardena, CA, 90249
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Edna Carroll Straus's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 70 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Zuhra | August 9, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Unprofessional Lawyer Who Ignored a Serious Issue — Human Remains Left Behind
I sought legal advice on Avvo and was expecting professionalism. Instead, I received a rude and low-class response from this lawyer. I was shocked by the lack of a professional reply. I recently purchased a home where the sellers took everything but left behind a box of cremated human remains. Th...
Edna Straus
Replied last December 24, 2025Sigh. Theserev enge reviews are NEVER by people whi \o hired me. (Hint: "rude" means "spoke truth--ni sugat coating.)
Posted by Vince | July 23, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Simple answer for a lengthy question.
Edna answered a question consistently and to the point. I had spent 8 months researching LLC's for a CA rental property and asset protection. Thank you!
Posted by Robert B | June 3, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
"Enough Said"
She always gives a couple minutes to "tell you like it is" Very knowledgeable and informative..
Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Clueless
Hired this attorney only to be disappointed to find out she had no clue what she was doing. Ended up costing me a lot of money only to discover this after it was already too late. Many of the legal documents filed and sent in my case were riddled with typos including having the wrong names on impor...
Edna Straus
Replied last December 24, 2025This n ever happened.NO one shas paid me "a lot of money" --EVER. I don't "abandon" cases. The State Bar has NEVER taken a valid complaint abiyt n]me. NEVER, (BTW--Avvo doesn't even notify me when somepne posts of these any nore--because I don't pay them...)
Posted by Jes | April 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Best family law attorney
Edna is the best. She assisted me with a complicated family law case and everything was smooth from start to finish. I highly recommend Edna for any matters related to legal separation.
Edna Straus
Replied last April 3, 2025Not a legit review. Anyone I actually worked with would know I don't answer to Edna.
Edna Carroll Straus's Lawyer Endorsements
"Edna Carroll Straus provides clear, detailed, and compassionate guidance in Avvo’s Probate and Estate Planning Q&A forum. Her answers show an exceptional understanding of California probate law and a genuine dedication to helping families in and around Mission Viejo handle estate matters with confidence and care. She explains complex legal issues in straightforward terms and offers practical, trustworthy advice. I’m pleased to endorse Ms. Straus as a knowledgeable and highly respected California probate attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Edna has a broad knowledge of the law and will give you an answer that is just on point. I endorse Edna."
"I endorse Ms. Straus. She tells it like it is! Her knowledge and experience will get you the results you need."
"I endorse and highly recommend Attorney Straus."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is very knowledgeable. She has very articulate, clear, and concise answers to AVVO questions."
"I endorse this lawyer, because of the level of knowledge and professionalism she displays on this forum."
"I endorse this lawyer. Having seen many answers on AVVO it is clear she has her client's best interests at heart."
"I have read many of Ms. Straus' answers to probate questions on Avvo. I have found her advice to be sound and practical. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She’s a seasoned family law practitioner who often seeks the best and most efficient solution to any situation."
"I endorse Carroll Straus (as she prefers to be called). She is highly skilled with an analytic mind and has a strong work ethic based on my conversations with her and agreeing with many of her responses on Avvo. More to the point, she genuinely cares about her clients and the outcome of their case...which is rare nowadays."
"How can you beat this kind of experience with this kind of knowledge and this level of caring? Right. You can't. Your first and best choice for any issue related to family or trusts and estate law, is Ms. Straus, period, done deal, end of story."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is consistent in her responses on AVVO and obviously cares about the community."
"I endorse this lawyer.Ms. Straus provides great advice to those in need. She takes time out of her day to answer questions on AVVO and point people in the right direction."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Edna is a highly skilled and well-known attorney in the legal community for her outstanding professionalism and work ethic. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation."
State, local, and municipal law lawyer | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Edna Carroll Straus provides a much needed service on Avvo. She donates her time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"Edna's advice is smart and on point. I appreciate what she has to say and her critical thinking often adds much to the situation."
"I endorse Edna. She is sharp, diligent and swift on her feet. A great attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is so dedicated to answering questions on Avvo and has taught me many things. She is a fount of complex, difficult concepts and useful information. I admire and trust her. Caroline Forbes, LCSW Attorney at law"
"Carrol Straus combines years of experience and compassion with humor. While I tend (Ed: tend?) toward verbosity, her advice is generally brief and succinct. She is very quick to answer questions and often I am only left with the choice of clicking "Agree" because she has already said it all, in 1000 fewer words than I would use."
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Experience
Honors
2000
Certificate of Appreciation, Common Bond Institute
2000
Certificate of Appreciation, Common Bond Institute
1997
Certificate of Completion, The Mediation Center
1992
The basics if ratong Permanent Disability, California Board of legal Specialization
1986
Certificate of Acheivement, Advanced Title Officer, Ticor Title Insurance Company
1985
certificate of Appreciation, Los Angeles Free Climic
Work Experience
1991 - 1992
Subrogation Attorney, Jones, Nelson, Ford & Screeton
1990 - 1991
Partner, Villalobos & Straus
1986 - 1987
Title officer, Ticor Title Insurance
1984 - 1986
Associate, Thomas A. Culbertson & Associates
1983 - 1986
Associate, Maxwell, Grayson & Sugarman
Associations
2003 - 2006
International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember
2001 - 2008
Peter M. Elliot Inns (American Inns of Court)Associate
1997 - 2000
International Alliance of Holistic LawyersBoard Member
1995 - 2006
California State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
1991 - 1995
Orange County Professional WritersBoard of Directors
1990 - 1995
California State Bar Worker's Compensation DivisionMember
1983 - 2008
California State Bar Association groupMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Resolved without court
came to agreement on all isssueswithout any court appearances
Education
1990
CEUs
1983
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
AA
1970
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2006
Law and Technology
2006
Spirituality and Law: Your Spiritual Genie
2005
Family Law Ethics
2004
Trial Techniques
2002
Mediation using principles of Baha'i Consultation
2001
Collaborative Divorce
2001
Lawyers as Peacemakers
1998
Collaborative Law
1997
Practice Congruent With Your Values
Publications
2012
2005
2003
2002
2002
2001
1993
1991
N/A
Languages
English
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