Donald Wayne Werno

Donald Wayne Werno

also known as Don Werno, Werno Family Law Solutions, APLC

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 26 years

Family Lawyer at Santa Ana, CA
Practice Areas: Family

540 N Golden Circle Dr Ste 115, Santa Ana, CA

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Family 100%

Award Winning Family Law Services since 1999.

28 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 26 years

State: California

Acquired: 1999

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Werno Family Law Solutions

540 N Golden Circle Dr Ste 115, Santa Ana, CA, 92705-3914

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Donald Wayne Werno's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Victor | March 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce Process for Victor Nguyen

Without the help of attorney Don Werno, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes. Before Mr. Werno, I had an attorney was helping me with the divorce but it did not go anywhere in the positive directions. In court appearances, he never fought for me. It was an extremely difficult c...ase because it was involved with misdemeanor case, my house, spousal and child support. Though we faced challenges from attending different courts, Mr. Werno did not falter. His experience, his thorough research provided us the pathway we need to rise to victory. In court, I noticed people including the judge listened to Mr. Werno. I was glad to be Mr. Werno's client and will retain him for all legal matters that may arise because I know that I am in the best hands.

Posted by Brian | June 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Wonderful experience with my attorney

My entire life turned upside down the day I learned that my divorce with my first wife, from over three decades ago, was still pending. Apparently her attorney never submitted the signed papers to the court and a judge never got to finalize the divorce. Fortunately, I kept all the hard copies of th...e divorce documents. I just needed a good attorney to finalize the divorce and to validate my second marriage with my current wife of 30 years. I spoke with Mr. Werno on my first phone contact to his office. We briefly discussed my legal matters for more than 20 minutes. During our conversation, I was hopeful considering the feedback he gave me regarding my case and the proposed gameplan he had on how to proceed with finalizing my divorce. A few days later, my current wife and I met with Mr. Werno at his office for the complimentary 1 hour consultation that he offered. He listened attentively to our legal concerns and reviewed all the materials that we brought to the appointment. He educated us on steps we could take and explained a potential strategy to resolve my divorce using the old judgment. I appreciated his careful and thoughtful approach to the specifics of my case, which he spent more than an hour thoroughly reviewing. I found Mr. Werno extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I retained Mr. Werno the same day of our first meeting and he started to work on my case almost immediately during the first two weeks as he promised. He worked hard to expedite my divorce and kept me well informed every step of the way. My divorce was finalized the second week of June 2016, which was three months after I retained him. I must say that Mr. Werno was exceptionally generous with his time; his billing was mindful and very reasonable considering his level of expertise. The most desirable aspect of the ruling was that the original judgment was preserved and the Judge granted our motion for Nunc Pro Tunc to back date the divorce to the date it was supposed to be. The previous attorney that I retained prior to Mr. Werno struggled with figuring out how to proceed with the case using the old divorce papers. I sensed something was wrong with her strategy at the time but I couldn’t figure it out until now. In the end, everything worked out beyond my expectations and I am so thankful to Mr. Werno and his staff for their hard work and preparedness! I would have saved myself from so much grief had Mr. Werno been my attorney from the get go. I hope I never need legal counsel again but if I do, Mr. Werno will be the first and only attorney I’ll call!

Posted by Ken | June 05, 2016 | Divorce & Separation

Wise, Kind, Immeasurably helpful

My wife had filed for divorce and we were pursuing mediation. The mediator didn't seem to be well informed so I sought legal help. I was referred to Don by a trusted friend. Don reviewed my situation with compassion and skill. He spent more than an hour coaching me on my options and exerted no p...ressure to retain his services. Don checked out both the mediator and my wife's attorney and advised me to fire the mediator. I consulted with my wife and she agreed and we are now seeking reconciliation, not divorce.

Posted by Helen | May 25, 2015 | Animal & Dog Bites

Offered realistic advise, clearly and concisely

Don Werno helped us when our dogs accidentally got out and got into a fight. He went over the specifics of the law and told us the likely results of different actions and why certain outcomes were likely and unlikely. He was to the point, honest, and very professional. He answered our questions quick...ly and clearly, and helped put our mind at ease enough to make decisions. He also answered the phone when we called, and called back when he said he would, something we found to be unique among the lawyers we contacted. I would certainly call him if we ever need his services again.

Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2013 | Family

One Lawyer You Can Trust

I was considering attaching counsel to a family law case (custody) wherein I had been representing myself. I contacted Donald to setup a consult. He returned my call and we went over the broad strokes of my case. After some discussion, he concluded that I already had proceedures pretty well understoo...d and handled, and that my case seemed strong so he recommended I "just go for it" and handle the upcoming hearing on my own. Aside from winning over my trust by not even trying to sell his services, I was extremely grateful for the extra time he took to go over the more detailed questions I had about my case. He gave me some of the most nuanced, level-headed, and specific advice I have recieved to date. He wasn't a "cheerleader" for my case, cautioned me about getting too agressive with the facts I had assembled, and also was able to give me some specific insight on the Judge handling my case. His advice regarding strategy was exactly what I was looking for. We agreed that I would handle the hearing on my own and that I would give him a call if I ran into any hiccups. I definitely have Donald's number on speed-dial, and would absolutely recommend him.

See All Client Reviews

Donald Wayne Werno's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Maxine Ho headshot
Maxine Ho

Family lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with and for him for a short time and he was always professional and genuine. He's a caring attorney who will go above and beyond to do what is in the client's best interest."

Douglas Sean Pinkham headshot
Douglas Pinkham

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Don is professional and down to Earth. He is easy to work with while always keeping his client's interests number one. Very respectable attorney."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Max M Alavi headshot
Max Alavi

Family lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."

Blair Lewis Roberts headshot
Blair Roberts

Family lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kayla Nicole Martin headshot
Kayla Martin

Family lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked as a law clerk for Don throughout law school and we still continue to do business together. I owe everything I know to Don and recommend clients to him when I feel Don would be the best person to handle the matter. Even if Don doesn't end up being your attorney on the matter he will offer you excellent advice from both a legal and personal perspective. Don has been an outstanding mentor to me and I would recommend his services to any client in need of an attorney who is highly knowledgeable in general business litigation, criminal law, personal injury, family law, and aviation matters."

Donald Patrick Bebereia headshot
Donald Bebereia

Family lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Don Werno was the opposing counsel in one of my cases. He approached the case in a business like and rell reasoned fashion. He was well versed in the law and procedure and was always well prepared for court appearances. In the end, we were able to help our clients resolve their seemingly unresolvable differences via settlement without the added expense and aggravation that accompanies litigation. His client was well represented."

Tom Huy Dao headshot
Tom Dao

Unknown lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Don Werno for a very long time, dating back to our days in law school. Don is a quick witted, smart and very capable person and lawyer. In an adversarial proceeding, I would like Don on my side to advocate my position. He is passionate about his work and very personable, which are great attributes for our line of work. I'm proud to know Don and he is a great source for legal advise."

Jennifer Anne Culhane headshot
Jennifer Culhane

Family lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Don for several years. Initially, we were introduced through a mutual colleague but quickly formed a professional relationship. This relationship was fueled by Don’s enthusiasm and dedication to the law and his clients. He is a consummate professional whose ability to think outside the box results in the ability to handle complex litigation using cutting edge insight and analysis of the legal situation. I have observed Don’s interactions with clients, employees and other professionals and have found him to be compassionate and understanding while championing for the rights of the persons he represents."

Nancy Weinberg Dahan headshot
Nancy Dahan

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Werno and I were opposing attorneys on a difficult case. I found Mr. Werno to be a person of his word, and he showed an ability to rise above the contentiousness of the case. I am proud to call him a colleague in the Orange County family law community."

Janice Marie Vinci headshot
Janice Vinci

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I first met Don in a law school legal writing class. Don impressed me with his intelligence and his willingness to help other students with their legal writing assignments. Don did well in school and we stayed in touch after law school. I have occasionally asked Don for advise and he has always been willing to give me his time and energy to work through the questions that I had. Don is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of Civil Litigation, Business Law, Family Law and Criminal Law. I have also referred clients to Don for assistance and those clients have reported back that Don was professional, extremely helpful and that he did a great job for them. I would not hesitate to refer clients to Don in the future and I am glad to have him as a colleague."

Shari Lynn Mattingly-Bevan headshot
Shari Mattingly-Bevan

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Don and I went to law school together where we were study partners. Because of the extensive hours we spent together during this endeavor, I am intimately familiar with his knowledge, education and work ethic; which are all impressive. I have always admired Don’s willingness to help others and with his writing skills that have won him many accolades. After law school, Don became a trusted colleague and has provided me with sound legal advice that has always been ethical, practical and right on point. I am privileged to have Don as a friend and honored to have him as a valued colleague. In addition, I have referred a number of clients to Don and the feedback that those clients have given me is that Don was professional, ethical and highly effective. My endorsement of Don Werno is without reservation."

Kenya Laverne Williams headshot
Kenya Williams

Litigation lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Over the course of more than two years, I worked for Don, first as a Law Clerk and later as an attorney. Don was an ideal mentor and colleague in that he has the personal integrity to be honest with clients, opposing attorneys and the Court. Don works incredibly hard to help his clients get the best possible results and is always fair with respect to the fees he charges and the things for which he bills. I am sincerely glad to have had the opportunity to have been mentored by such an ethical, hardworking attorney and it has had a positive impact on my career and the way that I practice law as well. Don is one of the few attorneys that I have met who can fluidly move from one area of the law to another as he has been practicing civil litigation, criminal and family law for many years and has truly mastered his craft."

Shane Richard Pariseau headshot
Shane Pariseau

Family lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked closely with Don on a number of occasions, including on more than one high conflict family law litigation case. Don also practices criminal law and I have also worked with him on criminal defense matters. I have always found Don to be extremely knowledgeable about the law, a consummate professional and to have aggressively represented his clients with integrity. I offer this endorsement without reservation."

John Carl Scholz headshot
John Scholz

Unknown lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Don Werno because since beginning law school with him, and because in all types of matters that I have know him to be involved and which I have been involved with him, he exhibits incredible creativity and advocacy for his clients. So it is an honor to endorse and recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Maxine Ho headshot
Maxine Ho

Family lawyer

Douglas Sean Pinkham headshot
Douglas Pinkham

Divorce and separation lawyer

Blair Lewis Roberts headshot
Blair Roberts

Employment and labor lawyer

Donald Patrick Bebereia headshot
Donald Bebereia

Family lawyer

Jennifer Anne Culhane headshot
Jennifer Culhane

Family lawyer

Nancy Weinberg Dahan headshot
Nancy Dahan

Divorce and separation lawyer

Janice Marie Vinci headshot
Janice Vinci

Real estate lawyer

Shari Lynn Mattingly-Bevan headshot
Shari Mattingly-Bevan

Estate planning lawyer

Kenya Laverne Williams headshot
Kenya Williams

Litigation lawyer

Shane Richard Pariseau headshot
Shane Pariseau

Family lawyer

John Carl Scholz headshot
John Scholz

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

1998

Best Brief, Roger J. Traynor California Appellate Moot Court Competition

1997

Best Oralist, Warren J. Ferguson Moot Court Competition

1997

Best Oralist Team, Warren J. Ferguson Moot Court Competition

1997

Best Over-All Team, Warren J. Ferguson Moot Court Competition

1997

Second-Place Brief (Tied for First Place), Warren J. Ferguson Moot Court Competition

1994

Flight Instructor of the Year, Civil Air Patrol - Group 7, Squadron 40

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Attorney & Counselor at Law, The Law Offices of Werno & Associates, APLC

Associations

2007 - Present

Orange County Trial Lawyers Association

2004 - Present

Orangewood Children's Home

Volunteer

2000 - Present

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Legal Services Plan Attorney

1999 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney in Good Standing

1999 - 2000

Orange County Bar Association

Section President - Aviation Law

Education

1998

Western State University College of Law

Juris Doctorate

1994

United States International University

MA - Masters

1993

National University

undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2011

For the Profit & Non-Profit Industries

Contract Law

Publications

2011

ABC News Good Morning America

2011

Fox Fox & Friends

2010

Languages

English

Activity

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