Barbara Jo May

Barbara Jo May

4.8
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 23 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Monterey, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support ... +2 more

409 Washington St Ste 202 B, Monterey, CA

About Barbara

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 23 years

State: California

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Barbara J. May

409 Washington St Ste 202 B, Monterey, CA, 93940-3054

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Barbara Jo May's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (18) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Agnes | February 11, 2021

How rude and inhuman!

I called the office of Barbara May to inquire about a one time consultation. The secretary was incredibly rude. The whole conversation was infuriating. The secretary told me «  let’s see first if you can afford our fees before anything. Then she told me we don’t have time for people like you who just... seek advices » I was chocked. They charge 375 dollars for the first appointement and ask for $4000 before you even meet with them. They say they don’t have time to give people consultation, you have to choose them as long term attorney or they won’t give any advices on any matter. Where is humanity and kindness in all this? I never met Barbara but I know one thing her secretary sabotaged her work by being so hostile.

Posted by Nancy | January 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Thank you for all you have done to help me get my life back.

Barbara I do not know how I would have gotten thru this divorce without your understanding and expertise. You were very professional at all times and had a way of dealing with his attorney respectfully, but forcefully, and presenting only the facts and standing firm. I was enraged they could throw... out erroneous statements but bottom line, you took them to task and we ended up with the original agreement you and I had worked out from the beginning. I have all the respect in the world for you. Your are of very high moral and ethical standing and I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a divorce attorney, If I had to do it again, you are the one I would be coming too. Thank you again for helping me get my life back.

Posted by Daniel | November 15, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Skilled, professional and compassionate.

Let me suffice it to say, as an attorney, Barbara May is without peer. I came to her completely overwhelmed by the divorce process. As with many, I was confused, lost and emotionally distressed. Things were explained in a clear and concise manner, options outlined and questions patiently answe...red. I was kept well informed and all my queries were responded to in a timely fashion. She is an excellent communicator and talks to you as an equal, not a subordinate. I appreciated her compassion and utter dedication to resolving every aspect pertaining to my divorce. Her preparation and skill as a lawyer resulted in my being able to save my house by protecting the inherited funds that had been invested into it. She is also supported by an excellent team, all of whom are highly approachable and exceptional in their abilities. I give the law firm of Barbara May my highest recommendation.

Posted by Estate of Edwin Harper | October 13, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Final Interculory judgment

Barbara, including her legal team was focused, there were timely follow-ups with deadline, the preparation and presentation during trial was excellent. Barbara was personable, easy to speak, without the legal jargon. Barbara was available via email/phone for a response. The legal staff was professi...onal, verbally and written. I highly recommend.

Posted by Dawn | October 12, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Longest Divorce Ever

Barbara May has amazing patience! She is also a magician at pulling information out of me that I didn't remember was in my brain. She has been an encouragement each time we have had to appear in court. I asked Barbara to be honest with me and she has been, in the beginning she told me there are no... winners in a divorce and has kept me on track with what my priorities are and what I can be flexible with. I appreciate that a lot. Divorce can become a very emotional, cloudy area. She is a trusted guide through the haze.

See All Client Reviews

Barbara Jo May's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Barbara
Sergio H Parra headshot
Sergio Parra

Family lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Barbara treats her clients with the respect and attention they deserve."

Carolyn B Harris headshot
Carolyn Harris

Family lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Maija Danilova West headshot
Maija West

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ms. May is an accomplished and professional attorney. I have found her to be incredibly helpful when I have sought her consultation on specific matters."

Patricia Ann Boyes headshot
Patricia Boyes

Family lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met Barbara May in 1998 and she is an extremely competent, conscientious and hardworking lawyer who goes above and beyond for all of her clients. Anyone with family law issues would be well advised if they consulted with Barbara."

Jane Ellen Bednar headshot
Jane Bednar

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Barbara for more than 20 years. It's no surprise to me that she's built up a successful family law practice since graduating from Monterey College of Law. Not only is she smart and hard-working, but she's truly compassionate. A good lawyer with heart! I highly recommend her services."

View All Endorsements
Maija Danilova West headshot
Maija West

Business lawyer

Carolyn B Harris headshot
Carolyn Harris

Family lawyer

Michele Colleen Kennedy headshot
Michele Kennedy

Personal injury lawyer

Lisa Panziera Mendelsohn headshot
Lisa Mendelsohn

Family lawyer

Robin E Welch headshot
Robin Welch

Family lawyer

Amy Elizabeth Spiering headshot
Amy Spiering

Family lawyer

Juan Carlos Calzetta III headshot
Juan Calzetta

Family lawyer

Patricia Ann Boyes headshot
Patricia Boyes

Litigation lawyer

Ralph William Thompson III headshot
Ralph Thompson

Estate planning lawyer

Robert Edward Rosenthal headshot
Robert Rosenthal

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Certified Family Law Specialist, California State Bar

2001

Acheivement Award, West Publishing

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Barbara J May

2004 - 2006

Partner, May & Garibay

2002 - 2004

Associate, Bohnen, Rosenthal & Dusenbury

Associations

2014 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

2006 - Present

Monterey County Bar Association Family Law Section

Member

2003 - Present

Monterey County Bar Association

Member

2003 - Present

Monterey County Women Lawyers Association

Past President

2002 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2014 - 2015

Harmony at Home

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Marriage of Myers

Mother allowed to move with children

Marriage of Simmons

Court ordered a change of custody to father

Jaramillo v. J.H. Real Estate Partners

Won at trial court level and decision upheld on appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

Monterey College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2008

Girls, Inc.

Career Choices

Publications

2014

2012

barbaramaylaw.com California Move Away and Relocation Cases

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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