Oana Filimon | Santa Ana Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I think you are probably referring to getting my client what he or she wants, I am assuming. Because "making a big difference" will only count for the client and not the court or the other side. I had several clients that were afraid that custody from joint will be switched to sole to other parent. I represented those clients who walked out very happy when custody remained joint. Further, I had mediated divorce agreement for several of my clients and they, together with the other spouse were satisfied with how I drafted their agreement.

How did you build a successful practice?
I started from representing pro bono clients in order to gain experience. After that I worked with other attorneys as independent contractor. I would review file for next day and get ready. In most of the cases, client was happy with me even though they did not know me, but were satisfied that I knew the file (facts) sufficient enough. Client would come by way of referral from the local bar and from other clients (word of mouth). Clients are happy when they talk directly with attorney and they are not passed around. Many times client needed to just drop in my office for something urgent and I was able to make time available immediately.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Honesty, being realistic, willing to work with them on money (payment plan) and not be judgmental of them when they even go against lawyer's advice.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It is important to know your judges, their preference, how they rule or what they take in consideration, because then you can explain clearly to the client what they should expect. And the satisfaction is when they get exactly that from the judge and they are satisfied.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
Usually, I will find out whether they have an active case, whether they are looking for divorce or custody, gather some preliminary facts (i.e. how many children, where they live, etc). Based on that I am able to answer to how custody will be considered and if I have the income of the parties, I can give them over the phone options of how much child support of spousal support the court may order.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
More as above, as to whether parties have minor children, if there is property involved, I am able to kind of give a general outline as to division, or explain to client that there is always room for negotiation and it should not necessarily be contentious between the parties if they are in agreement with the issues in their divorce.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
As I said before, I give my undivided attention to clients from being the only one talking to them, taking care myself of the necessary paperwork client needs, doing it immediately (not next week) and so on. Though I practice now for 10 years, I believe in terms of charging client I am not unreasonable or greedy, given that my hourly rate is low compared with attorneys in the community who for 10 year or even less of experience, charge $ 350 and up.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
When client walks out of my office as if the biggest weight lifted off their shoulders and same when they walk out of court with what I explain to them they will get.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
Languages. I understand Spanish, but I speak it minimally. I want to take some courses in Spanish conversation.

• Member, California State Bar Association

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