Stephen Anderson | Santa Maria Family Lawyer

I became an attorney 29 years ago. I began my practice in the Los Angeles courts. For ten years in LA, beginning weeks after being sworn in, I was a trial attorney. I was a partner in a busy law firm that handled personal injury and workers compensation cases. I was involved in the settlement, arbitration or trial of over 35 million dollars in results for clients. Moving to the Central Coast in 1990, I opened my private practice in 1992. Throughout the past 19 years, I have handled thousands of cases in both Santa Barbara and San San Luis Obispo counties. My current areas of practice include all types of family law cases, criminal law matters and personal injury claims. I appear regularly in court and often have multiple hearings each week. I am familiar with many of the judges in both counties, their procedures and the court rules related to each area I practice. I have recently opened a second office, on Osos Street, across from the San Luis Obispo court house for the convenience of my clients. My practice is largely based upon referrals from clients, business associates, friends and family. My continued success depends upon providing quality legal services at a fair and reasonable price.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I wouldn’t say I had just one or two cases in the past year where I made a big difference. In each of the hundreds of family law cases I have handled, I believe I have made a difference. Each issue, regardless of how small it may appear to others, can be very important to the party I represent. Support, custody and visitation issues are critical, as are property evaluation and and division.

How did you build a successful practice?
I treat each case as if I was representing my family, allowing me to build a reputation in the legal community as competent, fair and knowledgable.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients should look for Knowledge, Experience and Reputation.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge of court practices and the judicial officers is critical to successfully representing a client.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I attempt to answer all of a client’s questions, as well as provide an overview of what will likely happen on issues related to a client’s case at our free initial consultation. This allows the client to make intelligent decisions as to how to proceed, including who to retain, or whether an attorney is needed at all.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
I need basic information on the case, if by phone. We have intake forms for in person consultations. This provides a basis to ask the questions needed to provide advice to a prospective client.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
Knowledge, Experience and Reputation. Having 36 years in practice as a trial attorney, I am confident I can provide quality legal services as to cases on which I am retained, and to do so at a fair and reasonable price.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Over the years, I believe by handling many cases competently, I know I have given my clients the best advice possible on their legal matter, especially family law cases which, ultimately, provide a better framework for families in the community.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
Motorcycle racing, tennis, as hobbies. Being with family as an every day occurrence.

Are you involved in your community?
As my children are now grown, my community involvement with sports boards and coaching has ended, but my continued support of local community organizations such as Rotary, Elks, etc. continues financially.

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Attorney	Law Office of Stephen P. Anderson		1980-Present

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
Western State University College of Law	B.S., J.D.	Law School	1980
California State University, Northridge	Bachelor

State / Court	Date
California	1980

• Northern Santa Barbara County Bar Association |2014-Present
  Los Angeles County Bar Association | 2012 Present
  Central Coast Trial Lawyers Association (CA) | 2015 - 2015

• Grandparent's Rights Lecture given at the Seminar on Grandparent's Rights, 2016

Sun.	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.
	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stephen Peter Anderson has been a Premium Member since April 28, 2017.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.

Verified Credentials	Date Verified
(1980) Licensed as Attorney in California. Verified with California Bar Association.	April 28, 2017

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Above credentials have been verified independently by Lawyer.com.

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