Paul David Fromson

Paul David Fromson

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 50 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Merced, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Family, Divorce & Separation ... +2 more

1733 O Street, Merced, CA

About Paul

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 50 years

State: California

Acquired: 1975

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Fromson Law Firm

1733 O Street, Merced, CA, 95340

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Paul David Fromson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (38) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Jessica | April 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Honest, Fierce, and Compassionate

Not sure how to even begin… never in a million years would I think my son and I would be going through something so traumatic and unreal as this—but we are. And here it goes. I truly don’t have enough words to express what Attorney Paul Fromson did for me and my son during one of the most trauma...tic and crucial moments of our lives. Immediately after my son was arrested on a felony Ramey warrant—in the middle of his expulsion hearing, inside a school building—I drove straight to Paul’s office. I was sitting in front of him within 15 minutes, and without hesitation, he was already making phone calls. From the moment I shared my side of the story and showed him the evidence, I saw the fire in him—the belief that what happened to my son was an injustice. He didn’t just listen, he felt it. Paul is incredibly firm, brutally honest, and direct—but it’s because he cares. His honesty may be intimidating for some, but to me, it meant everything. He told me the truth, held me accountable when needed, and was clearly determined to fight for what was right. What meant the most to me was the constant communication. He must have called me 15 to 20 times that first day, checking in, updating me, letting me know he was on it. Every time he said he’d call back, he did. His follow-through gave me peace during complete chaos. Even his paralegal, Alondra, called to check on me—something I’ll never forget. I love Alondra—she knows her sh*t and she’s amazing at what she does. Paul told me early on that he planned to go meet my son at Juvenile Hall—he wanted to look him in the eye, talk to him, and get to know him. That meant everything to me. He didn’t just see this as a case—he saw my son. And though he was thankfully released the very next day thanks to Paul’s efforts, Paul still asked about him and told us, “Enjoy your son. Enjoy your family. Get some rest. I’m here if you need anything—just call us and see him soon.” That personal moment stuck with me. He saw my pain. And in the middle of all of it, Paul told me things that reassured me as a mother. He reminded me I was a good mom. That meant more to me than I could ever explain. Paul didn’t judge my son. I acknowledged he wasn’t perfect, but he understood his struggles. He made it clear that those struggles were never an excuse for how he was treated. And when Paul did meet with him, he was firm—but real. My son appreciated it. He told me later that Paul was good. He actually liked him. Imagine that—after everything he’s been through, those honest, tough-love conversations from Paul didn’t push him away. They helped him. He told me, “I’ll forever be grateful for what he did for me, and what he’s still doing.” Paul Fromson is known and respected by so many. He’s looked up to in the legal world, and many call him a shark—because he is one. And in my belief, he showed it. Thank you, Paul. You gave me hope when I felt helpless. You gave my son a voice when his was being silenced. You gave us light in a moment full of darkness. And for that, I will forever be grateful.

Posted by Araceli Salas | August 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Worthless, disrespectful...

I hire Paul Fromson as a lawyer on 2017, charge me thousands of dollars. Dragged a simple divorce for 4 years, charging money just for changing court day and who knows what else he throws in my bill. 2019 He sold me out to my X husband. Up today I don't know what happend on my divorce, and Mr. Fro...mson refuse to answer when I ask. He doesn't file papers on time, which makes you loose in court. He abandoned my case July 30, 2021, my last and final court was August 2, 2021. Obviously he is very professional??? Thank God I finished a 5 year divorce case in 30 minutes without the worthless, disrespectful lawyer I hired and was all highly recommend from some of my friends. He sold my case that according to his paralegal girl, only has abouts 4 year experience as a lawyer. 40+ VS 4+ what a challenge for him. Please Google his reviews before hiring him, I didn't and I lost. Be smart and don't hired him, you will loose for sure. I wish we could post the review with no stars nd not be force to give him any.

Posted by Devin | April 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family

Paul is why I have primary custody of my child

When I walked into Paul Fromson’s office about two years ago, I was dealing with a very difficult child custody case with a person set on preventing contact at any cost. I was confused about my rights, the options available to me, and how I could possibly stand a chance in a system many men and women... agree still favors one parent over the other. From the moment I retained Mr. Fromson, I knew I made the correct decision, and would like to provide fathers in a similar situation with some hope about what you can do to fight back for your children. First off, men; you have rights as a parent. Knowing your rights and how to make the most of them is something Mr. Fromson intricately understands from decades of experience working in family law. He will not let you waive these rights, or let give negotiate them away because you’re hoping the other parent might come to their senses and become more amicable to your position. To this point, his exceptional knowledge of the system has yielded nothing but positive results from my perspective. Every time the other parent violated the court order, his office was expedient in ensuring they were held accountable. Every time this parent started playing games, he knew exactly how to get them to stop. I imagine I am hardly done dealing with the other parent’s disruptive behavior, as I have a long way to go still before my child is an adult, but I know he and his whole team will be there through it all. On that note, let it be known I think the world of everyone in his office. They have made and my child and me feel like part of their family, and I have never doubted they are genuinely impacted by the results, especially when the courts appear slow to react. This whole team has been there through every triumph and every setback, and I imagine them seeing me go through every roadblock possible to be involved in my child’s life has also impacts them greatly. Empathy is a must in this field considering you (as the client) want someone you are working with to also care about the most important thing in the world to you… and I believe they absolutely do. As far as accessibility; he returns 100% of my calls the same day. I do not believe any review that suggest otherwise. He is prompt to hearings and provides regular updates between hearings if anything relevant occurs. He will disclose to you at the initial consultation that he falls on the higher end of retainers, but from my experience there is a clear reason why (cheaper options are not better). Most child custody cases will go on for some time; so, do not expect a low initial retainer to last, especially through a high conflict case. I wanted to address one complaint I read about him not listening to a laundry list of your issues; well, that’s not his job. He is a lawyer who will tell you what you need to do to get the best results for your case. If you want to talk about every comment your ex made during your relationship, go see a counselor. When you have a consultation, leave your feelings at the door, and bring documentation. On that note; you remain the best tool for a successful court hearing. Showing up late, looking like you just rolled out of bed, or violating the court order because you think it’s not fair, is not going help… even with a lawyer. Keeping diligent logs of visits, photos of the other parent showing up late to exchanges, and police reports when appropriate is how you get what you’re looking for. Still, after more than two years and a lot of hearings, I am thrilled to say I have majority of the custody of my child, and I have Mr. Fromson and his team to thank for that. In closing, if you are a new single parent trying to figure out how to stop the other parent from abusing your rights, and damaging the relationship you should be having with your child… retain a family lawyer. And if this lengthy review is any indication of my recommendation, you should start by calling Paul Fromson first.

Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Be Careful

I hired Mr Fromson to revisit a child custody matter. I had to have a third party serve my ex husband the papers for mediation because he said he was not able to do so.. He did not prepare for mediation because he did not believe me that my ex had been served. Only the day before our scheduled court ...date did he call me in to meet with him. In the nine months he worked for me I only received one billing statement though he continued to ask for more money. He collected over $20,000 for only one (nearly mussed) court appearance. Take time to interview him carefully.

Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

STAY AWAY

Paul Fromson and his office staff typifies the stereotype of the corrupt and deceptive lawyer. I hired him to settle a high conflict custody matter. His mishandling of my case and his inability and/or negligence nearly cost me custody of my child. He consistently failed to communicate with me about t...he progress, or lack therof, of my case. I basically did his job for him. I had to have the DA's office file my case because he didn't and I had to monitor the court calendar so I woukd know when to show up. Fortunately, by the time he started threatening to quit my case I had already found a new lawyer and fired Fromson. I managed to get sole custody in spite of him not because of him. Do not walk away from this lawyer, RUN.

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Paul David Fromson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Paul
Rickey Don Wallace headshot
Rickey Wallace

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Believes in his clients and stands up for their rights. Argues well before the court and is willing to work hard into the evening when that is required to protect his client's interests."

Mark Valen headshot
Mark Valen

Family lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Paul for many years. He is an energetic, kind and smart lawyer. Paul's enthusiastic support for positively assisting clients in the divorce transition, together with his deep knowledge of the law and his extensive courtroom experience make him a solid advocate. He is thoughtful, compassionate and a zealous representative. However, he is able to reach a negotiated settlement when there is a settlement to be had. I strongly endorse Paul as a colleague and excellent human being."

Jennifer Lee Byers-Lawton headshot
Jennifer Byers-Lawton

Family lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Dawn Gray headshot
Dawn Gray

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Top Lawyer, Global Directory of Who's Who

2015

10 Best Attorneys for California, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2014

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1972

Best Oralist Moot Court, California Western University

N/A

Who is Who in Executives and Businesses,

Work Experience

1979 - Present

Partner, Lampe & Fromson

Associations

1990 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Membership Chair

1988 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Board of Governors

1975 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Merced County Bar Association

Member

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

California Public Defenders Association

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1991 - 1991

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Fundraising Chair

1989 - 1989

Merced County Bar Association

President

Education

1974

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1969

California State University, Long Beach

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

Spanish

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