Carla Leslie Hartley

Carla Leslie Hartley

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Family Lawyer at Ventura, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation ... +2 more

1601 Eastman Avenue, Suite 205, Ventura, CA

About Carla

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Custody 20%

Our Family Law practice includes laws of marriage, domestic partnerships, legal separation, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal support, spousal abuse, child abuse, child support, adoption.

19 years

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

Our Family Law practice includes laws of marriage, domestic partnerships, legal separation, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal support, spousal abuse, child abuse, child support, adoption.

19 years

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

Our Family Law practice includes laws of marriage, domestic partnerships, legal separation, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal support, spousal abuse, child abuse, child support, adoption.

19 years

20%
Family 20%

Our Family Law practice includes laws of marriage, domestic partnerships, legal separation, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal support, spousal abuse, child abuse, child support, adoption.

19 years

20%
Probate 20%

Our Probate practice includes Guardianships, Conservatorships, Estate Planning which includes drafting various types of trusts and Trust Administration.

19 years

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 3 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2022

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Hartley Lamas Et Al

1601 Eastman Avenue, Suite 205, Ventura, CA, 93003

Hartley Lamas Et Al

2401 E Randol Mill Rd, Suite 505, Arlington, TX, 76011

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Carla Leslie Hartley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

67 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 25 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Donna | July 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Trusts

We are getting the help we need!

Ben Vojtik, who is one of the excellent attorneys at Hartley Law Group, is handling a matter for us which involves a Trust. We appreciate his diligent work ethic and his knowledge of the law.

Posted by Robert | July 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

10/10, would call them again

So I gotta give a big shout out to this family law firm that totally had my back when I was moving from California to Texas. Like moving states is a total headache, right? All that paperwork and legal stuff was making my head spin. These guys just swooped in and made it super easy. They knew all t...he rules about moving with kids and stuff and helped me get everything sorted so I didn't mess it up. Then i was like, while I'm at it, my will and trust stuff are kinda old and janky. So they helped me with that too. I'm not gonna lie, I didn't even know what half the words in my old will meant but they broke it down for me like i was 5 and made sure everything got set up how i wanted. Like, now I know my stuff's going to the right people if I kick the bucket, and it's all legit. They weren't all stuffy like some lawyers, either. Just chill folks who actually listened to me ramble and didn't make me feel dumb for asking dumb questions. If you need help, these guys are solid. 10/10, would call them again.

Posted by Sonia | April 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship

Conservatorship Angel!

Carla was very helpful in advising me in obtaining conservatorship of my 40yr old daughter. Carla had been through the same thing with her daughter. She was able to help me legally but also emotionally. Carla was always available for me and let me know step by step what to expect. We did run i...nto some unexpected incidents but her staff, under her direction, was on top of each incident and I was never left hanging. There was always someone that was available to speak with. This was the first time I have ever had a legal situation to deal with. It was a very hard decision but after speaking with Carla she gave me the confidence I was acting on the best for my daughter. I took a chance because she was sincere although lots of attorneys seem that way until you start working with them. Carla never let me down. I was blessed to have her on my side as my attorney but also as mother that loves her daughter.

Posted by Bill | August 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family

Excellent Family Law Attorney!

We had a very complex termination of parental rights case that got caught up in all of the COVID delays. Carla and her team despite many, many continuances from the other side and the court, were diligent to keep everyone focused and on task. Her strategy was solid from the beginning and we did preva...il in the case. Her team is very responsive and also cognizant of spending your money by keeping communication on point. If you have a "family matters" case I highly recommend using this law firm.

Carla Hartley

Replied last March 02, 2023

Thank you for your kind comments, Bill. We greatly appreciate the confidence you placed in our firm during this stressful time.

Posted by Mark | April 27, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Straightforward, Honest, Guides with a Moral Compass

In early 2020, after leaving the California court system with a feeling of being cast away, thrown out and discarded, it was recommended that I seek counsel to assist with my request to modify my child custody and visitation agreement from out of state. After doing some research, I knew that I needed... a home run hitter in my corner. A firm that could navigate the troublesome waters of my particular situation. A team of professionals that would guide me on this now 2 plus year process, and always have me and my sons best interest at heart. I have been a proud client with Hartley Lamas Et Al, and being out of state, the majority of our communication has been via email and phone call. Always professional, patient and assisting in any way that they can. Not once have I felt left out, not a part of the team, or tossed by the wayside. Most recently, I had to make my very first appearance in court. When I tell you that the entire office stepped up to assist me in preparation for mediation, court room proceedings, and any additional items that came up...blessed is the word that comes to mind. I would like to pay special attention to a few key members of the law firm as it pertains particularly to my case. Mr. John Castellano was incredible with his preparing me for mediation. It was as if he had peered into the future with his knowledge of how mediation would work with opposing party. The body language, the receptive nature, the willingness to cooperate; all were indicated the day prior by John. His questions and conversation pieces were so in tune with what actually was spoken inside mediation, it was as if he was there. I can honestly say that preparing with John led me to be the best version of myself during a trying and worrisome time in my life. Thank you. Mrs. Carla Hartley, you were with me step for step during my day in court. When I tell you, having you by my side put a sense of ease over me during a testy and trying time, I am happy that I'm your side, and not opposing party. I understand that you get what you pay for, and you and your firm are money well spent. You have fought for me every step of the way and I thank you for your time, your guidance, and most importantly your leadership. It is a pleasure being included as part of the family, and your team is a direct representation of you, so for that, I thank you. Lastly, Mrs. Kelly Clunan. This woman defines what it is to go the extra mile. No matter the time of day, the occasion, or where I currently was in the nation, she made the effort to always communicate with me and ensure there were no stones left unturned. When we started getting some traction on my specific case, she personally called me to deliver the tremendous news. While on the phone, I could hear the joy and sheer excitement. When there would be certain issues that would arise, she was straightforward and guided me along the process. As flexible as possible, she truly let me vent and make me feel like part of the family. On the date of my court appearance, we made it a point to see each other and finally put a face to the name I had always went out of her way to make it known I was taken care of. A face to the name that I associate with a phone call that I want to get. And a face to the name that I wanted to give a hug to for taking care of me along the way. I give my highest recommendation to this firm for any and all needs, as you will not be disappointed. You get what you pay for, and this is money well spent.

See All Client Reviews

Carla Leslie Hartley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Carla
John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Child custody lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Patricia Helen Lamas headshot
Patricia Lamas

Family lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"The practice of law is both a challenge and an opportunity. Ms. Hartley has met both. She has become one of the most respected attorneys in our legal community and has taken the opportunity to form a firm with over one hundred years of combined legal experience."

Frances M. Gutierrez headshot
Frances Gutierrez

Family lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. Hartley is an outstanding example of integrity and professionalism. She is extraordinarily gifted in her knowledge of the law. She brings her marine corps background and her strong Christian values to the table when advocating for her clients. I endorse her enthusiastically."

Robert Blinn Maxwell II headshot
Robert Maxwell

Family lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. As a marine veteran, Ms. Hartley runs her practice with skill and precision. Her thorough knowledge of the law and her tenacity combine to produce a formidable adversary: one who knows the law to help her clients and the courts fashion appropriate outcomes."

Deborah Eileen Jurgensen headshot
Deborah Jurgensen

Family lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Carla Hartley is an outstanding attorney. Her knowledge and expertise are impressive. She is expertly conversant in all areas of the law in the family law realm and brings her integrity and commitment to each client she serves. I highly recommend."

Steven Robert Kampf headshot
Steven Kampf

Unknown lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Carla on numerous cases as opposing counsel. Carla is one of the most intelligent family law attorneys I know and always puts her clients first. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a family law attorney."

Jennifer Sarah Zide headshot
Jennifer Zide

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Ms. Hartley for any legal issue involving family law. She is an exceptionally hard-working and dedicated attorney with superb skills and extensive experience in family law. From her background serving in the Armed Forces, to her personal beliefs which guide her, it is easy to see that she is a person of integrity, character, and compassion for her clients, someone who will stand by her clients and fight for them - and also be there for them with a caring and supportive hand. If I had a friend or a loved one or a client seeking the most skilled and experienced local family law attorney, I would refer them to Ms. Hartley will full confidence that they would receive the best possible representation."

Richard Ian Ross headshot
Richard Ross

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Carla is a knowledgeable, experienced, and aggressive family law attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Rachel Renae Laborde headshot
Rachel Laborde

Domestic violence lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Atty. Hartley. She is a fierce and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated to her client's best interest."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Other

"This lawyer is highly respected in the community. I endorse this lawyer."

George A. Limbeck headshot
George Limbeck

Family lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Carla is a very experienced and knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend her legal services."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Family lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tough-minded and determined."

Kelsi L. Cottle headshot
Kelsi Cottle

Family lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Atty. Hartley is knowledgeable and compassionate about her clients needs."

Jillian K. Duggan-Herd headshot
Jillian Duggan-Herd

Child custody lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Harley spends a lot of time responding to questions posted on this website with informative and considerate answers which reflect a high degree of knowledge and expertis. She shows compassion and a willingness to help clients during difficult times. I endorse this lawyer."

Valerie Lee Murphy headshot
Valerie Murphy

Family lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Hartley provides excellent answers to client concerns on Avvo and donates her time to this needed service."

Angela D Curtis headshot
Angela Curtis

Family lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Hartley is a zealous advocate who thinks outside of the box and pays attention to details that other attorneys overlook. I recommend Ms. Hartley as a competent and thorough attorney in Family Law."

Cameron Todd Norris headshot
Cameron Norris

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Carla works hard to understand the interpersonal dynamics involved in the matters she works on. For her, cases are not simply facts and law, but she is able to work with her clients and counsel them. I strongly endorse Ms. Hartley."

Saam Seyed Ghiaasiaan headshot
Saam Ghiaasiaan

Unknown lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Carla is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Unknown lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Hartley is a skilled and respected member of the legal community."

Heather Mellyn Cullen headshot
Heather Cullen

Family lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Hartley provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions provided herein. Attorney Hartley provides a needed service by providing voluntary and free legal assistance to the individuals herein who are in need of immediate legal answers."

View All Endorsements
Edna Carroll Straus headshot
Edna Straus

Family lawyer

Robert Benjamin Vojtik headshot
Robert Vojtik

Family lawyer

Frances M. Gutierrez headshot
Frances Gutierrez

Adoption lawyer

Steven Robert Kampf headshot
Steven Kampf

Domestic violence lawyer

Jennifer Sarah Zide headshot
Jennifer Zide

DUI and DWI lawyer

Rachel Renae Laborde headshot
Rachel Laborde

Family lawyer

Richard Ian Ross headshot
Richard Ross

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kelsi L. Cottle headshot
Kelsi Cottle

Immigration lawyer

Robert Blinn Maxwell II headshot
Robert Maxwell

Family lawyer

Cameron Todd Norris headshot
Cameron Norris

Family lawyer

Valerie Lee Murphy headshot
Valerie Murphy

Family lawyer

Saam Seyed Ghiaasiaan headshot
Saam Ghiaasiaan

Immigration lawyer

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Personal injury lawyer

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer

Heather Mellyn Cullen headshot
Heather Cullen

Family lawyer

Hilary Sara Styer headshot
Hilary Styer

Criminal defense lawyer

Hilary Gail Shankin-Murphy headshot
Hilary Shankin-Murphy

Divorce and separation lawyer

Carol A. Lawson headshot
Carol Lawson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

John Jay Negley Jr headshot
John Negley

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

America's Most Honored Lawyers 2025 - Top 1%, America's Most Honored

2025

Martindale-Avvo Rated Top Lawyer 2025, Avvo

2024

2024 AV Preeminent Attorney - Judicial Edition, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

America's Most Honored Lawyers 2024 - Top 1%, Americas Most Honored

2024

Martindale-Avvo Rated Top Lawyer 2024, Avvo

2018

Top 100 Family Law Attorneys in California, American Society of Legal Advocates

2018

Top 10% of Attorneys in America, Lawyers of Distinction

2017

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Honors, Trademark Women of Distinction

2017

Honors, Trademark Women of Distinction

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

California Top Lawyer, The Legal Network

2016

Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates

2015

Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates

2015

California Top Lawyer, The LEGAL NETWORK

2014

California Top Lawyers, The LEGAL NETWORK

2013

California Top Lawyer, The LEGAL NETWORK

2006

High honors, Ventura College of Law

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Managing Partner, HARTLEY, MAXWELL & CASTELLANO

2014 - 2020

Professor, Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges Of Law (Ventura Campus)

2011 - 2011

Partner, Hartley & Rhodes, PLC

2011 - 2013

Attorney, Law Offices of Carla L. Hartley

2009 - 2011

Attorney, Law Offices of Carla L. Hartley

2007 - 2009

Attorney, ROSS & PARVEX, LLP

2002 - 2007

Clerk/Secretary, Law Offices of Donna C. Santo

Associations

2020 - Present

Ventura County Bar Association

Member, Board of Directors

2019 - Present

Ventura County Family Law Bar Association

Treasurer

2014 - Present

Ventura/Santa Barbara College of Law

Professor

2009 - Present

Christian Lawyers Association

Member

2009 - Present

Christian Legal Society

Member

2008 - Present

Ventura County Family Law Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

A Church in Ventura

Member

2007 - Present

Ventura County Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2008 - 2012

Ventura Teen Legal Clinic

Founding Board Member

2008 - 2015

Handel on the Law

Member

1984 - 1991

United States Marine Corps

Sergeant

Sample of Legal Cases

Primary custody awarded to father

Primary physical custody to Dad

High Asset Divorce with No Children

The transmutations were valid. My client received half the community interest in many businesses owned by opposing party prior to marriage, and half of many others acquired during marriage.

High Asset Divorce Proceeding with Fraudulent Concealment of Assets

Mom and the kids are together, and safe. Mom got a very high support award, half those “nonexistent” assets, and a huge attorney fee order in her favor.

Another Successful Challenge to California's Jurisdiction in Military-Related Case

Mother is not challenging jurisdiction in Father's home state. The matter is being dismissed in California and will proceed in Father's home state.

Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption

Father's rights terminated - adoption successful

Another Successful Grandparent Joinder

Over biological mom’s objection, grandparents’ request that they be joined to the action was granted.

Military Member - Fought California Jurisdiction

The Court found California could make no orders binding upon our client's pay, pension, or property. Our client has since filed for dissolution in that East Coast state, where he is formally stationed.

Multi Jurisdiction Divorce

Out of state case was dismissed. Case in California stayed alive.Client received joint legal, sole physical custody, visitation to opposing party was limited, and support was based on California law.

Hague Convention Case

Service accomplished according to Hague requirements. Opposing party was charged with the value of the assets taken. My client received the former family residence as her sole and separate property.

Spousal Support

After the video was shown, the parties reached a settlement very favorable to my client. He received a date certain for termination of spousal support.

Recovery of Abducted Children

Father has sole legal and sole physical custody; Mother has only supervised telephone visitation.

Obtaining Domestic Violence Restraining Order

After a contested trial, our client obtained a 5-year domestic violence restraining order against opposing party, and the Court granted her sole legal and sole physical custody of the minor children.

Post Judgment Defense of Pension Plan

Pension plan preserved as separate property.

Defense Against False Accusation of Domestic Violence

Sole legal, sole physical custody to Dad, with a NICE spousal and child support award payable by Mom to Dad.

Dissolution of Domestic Partnership

Our client received her one-half share of the substantial community estate, which the Court found dated from 2000 as we argued; and our client has primary custody of the child. We also received an excellent support order.

Settlement of Property Rights

Judgment with attached settlement agreement entered within 60 days of filing (though status not restored as single persons for another 4 months).

Contested Independent Adoption

My clients have adopted the child and the period of appeal has passed.

Independent Adoption

My clients have adopted the child and the period of appeal has passed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Ventura College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

Univ of New Mexico

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Ventura College of Law Advanced Legal Writing Instructor

2015

Los Angeles District Meeting Social Media as Evidence

2015

Growing Through Divorce

Family Law Strategies and Christian Principles

2014

Growing Through Divorce

Family Law Strategies and Christian Principles

2014

Central Coast Direct Meeting and Election Evidence and Investigators in Family Law

2011

Reconciliation in the City

Reconciling the church with the courts.

2010

Law Day 2010

How changes to Domestic Partnership Laws have affected the rights of our Senior Citizens

Publications

2010

Citations Magazine My Mothers in Law

2009

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution