Roy Doppelt | San Diego Family Lawyer

I represented a mother against the paternal grandparents where their son [who was the father] was deceased. The paternal grandparents wanted legal and physical custody and the mother was remarried and had other children and she wanted to be able to raise their child without interference of any kind and move on with her life. I argued that the paternal grandparents had not met their burden of proof and that the mother had constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment and the Judge denied the paternal grandparents requests after an evidentiary hearing with oral testimony. Our client was so appreciative of this and said it changed her life to know she could move on.

I built a successful practice by placing the interests of the client's ahead of the firm's financial interests and anyone else's interests. Also, all are committed to trying our personal best [from receptionist to paralegal to associate to partner] to exceeding client's expectations regarding legal services and legal fees. We give a free 30 minute to give realistic expectations as much as possible and also strategies and techniques to protect client's legal rights and try and obtain their legal goals so the client can make an informed and intelligent decision about a most important part of their life.

I believe clients should look for honesty and integrity and that the lawyer will place their interests ahead of all others. Also, education and training and experience is very important. It is also a very good idea, when selecting your attorney, to ask how many cases the attorney has handled before the Judge your case is in front of.

Local knowledge is very important to the success of cases. While the law in California applies to everyone the same, different Judges can make different rulings on the same fact pattern. Also, it is important that the attorney have the updated local judicial council forms and attorney service to help with filings locally.

Free telephone consultations provide the same information as in-office consultations. An in-office consultation, if possible, is strongly advised since hiring a lawyer is a service and not a product. Sometimes, of course, a client lives out of the county or out of state or out of the country. In that instance, a phone consultation is best.

For a free telephone conversation to provide the maximum value to the client, the client should be able to provide basic information depending on the type of case. For example, if a divorce the information would include: date of marriage; date of separation; the number of children; incomes of both parties; residency for past 6 months; if any pleadings filed; if any hearings set and if there is an attorney for the opposing party. There is much more information, of course, which can be discussed. It is a good idea if the client makes a list of questions first since it is easy to forget when on the phone with the attorney.

As to what distinguishes me from other attorneys, I would ask any potential new client to google ""Roy Doppelt Attorney San Diego"" and look at our 49 reviews on google with a ranking of 4.9. I have numerous awards and qualifications and our firm is A+ rated with the San Diego BBB and I have a 10.0 rating on AVVO. I have practiced law in San Diego for over 30 years and our office has been in the same location for 20 years. I take professional pride in helping to resolve life-altering events relating to divorce, legal separation and paternity and help to minimize the loss associated with these case. I am very compassionate and understanding and always try to make sure our clients are informed.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is when I am told how I helped change someone's life and future. Family law cases, whether a paternity or divorce or legal separation, is a life-altering event. Not seeing your children every night is one of the most disheartening of all and I take pride in making lives better and not worse.

My other interests include playing chess, reading, and boating.

• State Bar of California | Section Member: Family Law | 2009 - Present
  San Diego County Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present
  San Diego County Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present
  State Bar Of California | Member | 1988 - Present
  University of San Diego Moot Court | Judge | 2009 - 2009
  Better Business Bureau | Member | 2001 - 2017
  North County Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2000 - 2008
  

• Top 100 Lawyers | National Advocates | 2017
  Member | Marquis Who's Who in American Law | 2012
  Member | Marquis Who's Who in American Law | 2011
  Honored Member: Black Book | Stanford's Who's Who | 2010
  Who'sWho in America | Marquis Who's Who in America | 2010
  Semi Finalist: Top Attorney's 2009 in Family Practice | San Diego Daily Transcript | 2009
  Honored Member: Black Book | Stanford's Who's Who | 2009
  Rating: Excellent | AVVO | 2009
  Quoted | Money Magazine: Special Report | 2009
  Featured | San Diego Magazine: Lawyers and Law Firms You Need to Know | 2009
  Leading San Diego Divorce Lawyers | attorneypages.com | 2009
  Certificate of Merit | National Center for Missing and Exploited Children | 2006
  Dean's Award | California Western School of Law | 1987
  Certificate of Appreciation: Director of WESTLAW Program | California Western School of Law | 1987
  Special Recognition: Outstanding Service: Advocacy Honors Board | California Western School of Law | 1987
  Recognition of Professional Achievement | University of San Diego: School of Law | 1987
  National Member of the Order of Barristers | Order of Barristers | 1987
  Named: Who's Who Among American Law Students | Who's Who Among American Law Students | 1986

• Testimonials
  

  In almost all jobs whether civilian or military a performance review is anticipated or expected. With that being said; I am submitting my review of Damon Forney and giving him my highest recommendation as a Family Law Attorney. Mr. Forney’s performance was exemplary on multiple levels whether in Family Court or Superior Court representing my petitions or requests in support determination hearings. As a retired senior military Officer, I can say Mr. Forney took the time to research the intricacies of military retired benefits and the federal law pertaining to divisions accordingly. Whether a military member, Veteran or civilian reading this recommendation, you can count on Mr. Forney to be diligent, persistent and devoted to finding a favorable outcome in your case. I caution to say win, there are NO winners in marriages that end up in Family Court. Finding the closet to fair and just outcome is what everyone seeks but it will not come easy. The playing field of Family Court is a dangerous and vile environment where you certainly will hear untrue and slanderous things said about you, which can spiral out of control if someone is not there to control the situation. You need someone competent like Mr. Forney who will stick to the facts, procedures and laws put in place to avoid re-creating the wheel, which at times, you will feel is trying to be recreated at every hearing. Sadly as this sounds, when getting married you took on the odds of less than fifty (50) percent chance of success. For whatever reason you wound up in this situation and amicable endings are lower in percentages than a successful marriage. Your life is going in a new direction now, make certain to find someone to help you get settled in a way to help you move on, move forward, and have hope, that person to help you is Mr. Forney.

  - Arthur D.

  "Since I retired from the practice of law a year ago. I have referred clients to your office for representation. I wanted to drop this note to thank you for the excellent professional services these clients received under your representation. Thank you also for the referral fees you have graciously provided.

  You can be sure that any future prospective client seeking my representation will be steered your way.

  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me."

  - Douglas A. Stoodt

• Legal Insider's guide to San Diego Divorce, Legal Separation & Paternity | book | 2009
  Firm | Pinkerton Doppelt Divorce Guide | 2009

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