Beth Marie Appelsmith

PRO

Beth Marie Appelsmith

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Mediation Lawyer at Sacramento, CA
Practice Areas: Mediation, Divorce & Separation, Family

2315 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Beth

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Mediation 60%

Alternative dispute resolution through mediation or Collaborative Practice.

30 years

60%
Divorce and Separation 20%

Representation in divorce and legal separation matters, outside of court through Collaborative Practice

35 years

20%
Family 20%

Representation in out of court Family Law cases- divorce consulting, document drafting and preparation, premarital and post-marital agreements

35 years

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in California for 39 years

State: California

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Beth Marie Appelsmith

2315 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95816

appelsmithlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Beth online.

Beth Marie Appelsmith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

5 star (15)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (1)
1 star (0)

Posted by Eddie | October 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An

Words cannot describe how thankful I am I was referred to and decided to retain Beth when I was going through my divorce. If you are reading this review because you are going through a divorce yourself, then you already know how physically, mentally and emotionally draining it is. From day one, Bet...h was very attentive and sympathetic to the details of my case. As we progressed through the process, I quickly realized the difference in the level professionalism, experience and integrity she brought to my case when compared to the opposing counsel. There was no comparison to be made. I believe if not for Beth’s experience, guidance and the strategy she implemented in my case I would still be going through the process and would’ve never obtained the very fair Marriage Settlement Agreement she negotiated on my behalf. I cannot stress the words honesty and integrity enough when describing her. All too often I would walk into her office ready to explode and walk out knowing I was in good hands. I quickly realized my best strategy moving forward was to trust her and just put it all in her hands. I did and my only regret I have now is that I didn’t retain her sooner. I would recommend Beth to anyone looking for an excellent attorney to consult or retain during their divorce, but if it was someone I cared about, I would insist. Beth I cannot thank you enough for everything you did for me.

Posted by Kathryn | January 7, 2016 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Generous and considerate

My consultation with Atty. Appelsmith was great. Beth was considerate and generous with her time. She doesn't rush or seem impatient. She was listening attentively to all my questions and was able to answer all of them. She is professional with a heart.

Posted by Susan | December 29, 2014

Expert help even in the midst of an office move

After speaking with Beth Appelsmith for only a few minutes at our first meeting, I knew I could trust her, and my trust was well placed. She helped me think through and complete a pre-nuptial agreement on a very rushed timeline. Her calm approach and insights, as well as her advice gave me the conf...idence to sign the agreement with full knowledge of the consequences and benefits of doing so.

Posted by Melody | December 12, 2014

Grateful

About two years ago I had the unfortunate need for a divorce attorney. I had been referred to Beth by an individual I respected. Once I had contacted Beth she was prompt in returning my call and setting an initial appointment. During the appointment Beth gave me an overall idea what I might expect.... Beth was clear and concise about her fees and asked me a number of questions and most important, really listened to me as I told my story. As the divorce progressed Beth offered advice and educated me on the process I had never been through before. When issues arose and I would respond from an emotional perspective, Beth was very helpful in reminding me that this process required a business minded approach. This was a great help to me as it supported where I was but reminded me of the task at hand. I found Beth Appelsmith to be not only extremely knowledgeable but more importantly a professional with great integrity. I have referred her to others who have reported a similar experience. Because of the work I do, I have heard other individuals' experiences in their divorces. I have been appalled by many of the experiences they have shared with me. I am forever grateful to have had Beth Appelsmith as my legal representative throughout an experience that was so difficult.

Posted by Cece | April 11, 2014

Highly recommend Beth!

Beth came recommended by a coworker, and I'm glad I transferred my case to her. She is very knowledgeable and experienced and counseled me well. Going through the divorce was very trying and emotional for me. It was hard to be reasonable to reach decisions about custody, support, distribution of as...sets. But, Beth had a skillful way to calm my emotional state. She was empathetic in her approach and was able to get me to see the big picture for best interest my children and my financial future. She clearly and concisely explained the issues and placed them into perspective. She and her assistant, Caroline, quickly responded to my phone calls and emails and regularly kept me updated on my case. I am very happy with the service provided and the final settlement reached. I will definitely recommend her service!

See All Client Reviews

Beth Marie Appelsmith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Beth
Michael Alan Jonsson headshot
Michael Jonsson

Mediation lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've been a colleague and friend of Beth's for more years than I can remember, and have worked or collaborated with her on several cases through the years. She is one of a very few mediators in Sacramento I trust enough to refer mediation cases to, when I can't take them (which should say a lot, coming from another Sacramento professional family mediator). Beth's strengths include having a lot of common sense; a fine memory for the law; and plenty of experience with difficult legal and family issues, which she uses to support clients who want to settle on reasonable and fair terms. She also has very good professional boundaries, which many other mediators do not have. Simply, one of the best family mediators in town."

Kristine Suzanne Cummings headshot
Kristine Cummings

Family lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Beth for many years, and strongly endorse her. Beth is very knowledgeable, skilled, and effective, whether in her role as a client's advocate or as a neutral mediator. I especially appreciate Beth's openness and genuine desire to understand opposing viewpoints so that she can aid clients in obtaining a mutually satisfactory resolution. Beth is great at thinking "outside the box" and helping others do so to overcome obstacles to settlement. Beth is always a welcome addition to any case, committee and/or board as she uses her skill, kindness, gentle humor and persistent follow-through to get things done."

Elizabeth N. Niemi headshot
Elizabeth Niemi

Family lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Beth is one of the most respected family law attorneys in town, not only for her years of experience, and accompanying knowledge, but also because of her integrity and overall sense of the big picture. These traits, when combined with her excellent people skills, make her a natural fit for mediation. She is also gifted at working within the framework of the collaborative practice model of dispute resolution. I have had the pleasure of working with her in both contexts and I highly endorse her. She is thoughtful, insightful, and professional."

Jill L. Barr headshot
Jill Barr

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Beth Appelsmith for over 25 years. She is an excellent attorney, especially skilled in mediation and collaborative law. She is highly regarded in the Sacramento family law legal community and known for her ability to assist individuals who want to resolve their family law issues between themselves without the intervention of court, if possible. Beth Appelsmith has the extraordinary ability to obtain resolution satisfactory to both parties in the most challenging of mediation and collaborative cases. Ms. Appelsmith is equally talented as a litigation attorney; her ability to succeed at the highest level as a family law attorney in mediation/collaboration and litigation demonstrates her superior abilities as an attorney. Ms. Appelsmith donates her time to the community by volunteering to serve on many family law committees. She also donates her time by representing minors when appointed by the court. I highly recommend her for any potential family law client/matter."

James Harvey Bayse Jr. headshot
James Bayse

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Beth has been a colleague for over 14 years, during which I have had the pleasure of working with her on contested matters and in settlement negotiations. In emotionally-charged family law matters, it is often difficult to combine diligent representation with dignity and grace. Beth possesses the ability to maintain both while protecting her client's interests, whether it be a contested matter or cooperative mediation. I am happy to endorse Beth and recommend her highly. She is among the most experienced and knowledgeable members of the Sacramento Family Law community, and works earnestly for her clients in achieving equitable results."

View All Endorsements
Amber Lynn White headshot
Amber White

Family lawyer

James Lynn Gwinup headshot
James Gwinup

Family lawyer

Hal David Bartholomew headshot
Hal Bartholomew

Family lawyer

Michael Alan Jonsson headshot
Michael Jonsson

Mediation lawyer

Elizabeth N. Niemi headshot
Elizabeth Niemi

Family lawyer

Jill L. Barr headshot
Jill Barr

Family lawyer

James Harvey Bayse Jr. headshot
James Bayse

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyers Northern California, SuperLawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyers Northern California, SuperLawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine

2022

Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Northern California

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer Northern California, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine

2019

Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine

2017

Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine

2016

Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine

2015

Top Attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine

2013

Best of the Bar, Sacramento Business Journal

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Attorney Mediator, Beth Appelsmith Law and Medaition Offices

1987 - 1999

Associate, The Harris Law Firm

Associations

2008 - Present

Board of Directors, Sacramento Collaborative Practice Group

Board Member, Court LIaison

2007 - Present

Child Custody Subcommittee of Family Law Executive Committee

Board Member

2001 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

2000 - Present

Sacramento Superior Court

Judge Pro Tem

1990 - Present

Sacramento County Bar Association, Family Law Section

State Bar of California

2011 - 2020

Minor's Counsel Executive Committee

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Collaborative Premarital Agreement

The parties were able to reach full agreement in a mutual, nonadversarial process, that much better suited their interests and intention as a couple.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1986

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Oregon State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

CP Cal Statewide Conference, Redwood City CA

Effective Mandatory Disclosures in Collaborative Cases

2014

Sacramento Collaborative Practice Group Meeting

Complex Collaborative Divorce with Special Needs Trust

2013

Sacramento Collaborative Practice Group

Collaborative Post Nuptial Agreement Case Presentation

2011

Member Education

Premarital and Relationship Agreements

2008

"Ask a Lawyer"

Collaborative Practice

Publications

2015

Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyers in Sacramento (featured)

2013

Sacramento Business Journal Best of the Bar Profile

2011

Sacramento Bee More Couples Use Premarital Agreements

1998

Sacramento Bee Right and Wrong- Ethics Panel

Languages

English

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
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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