Best Divorce Attorneys in Bakersfield
ANTHONY P. AZEMIKA
Divorce Lawyers
Mr. Azemika was admitted to the California State Bar in 1992. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, Cum Laude, from the California State University, San Francisco, in 1988. Thereafter, in 1991, Mr. Azemika graduated and received his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. He is a member of the Kern County Bar Association and is, in fact, a former Vice-President and board member of that organization. Mr. Azemika was an active member of the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club from 2002 through 2009. In 2009, he became one of the Charter Members of the new Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight. He has been awarded multiple Paul Harris Fellowships by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. For years, Mr. Azemika has been an acting Arbitrator with the Kern County Bar Association’s and the California State Bar’s Mandatory Fee Arbitration Programs through which fee disputes between clients and their attorneys are arbitrated.
During the past 31 years, Mr. Azemika’s practice has been exclusively devoted to the field of family law. Specifically, he has handled hundreds of cases involving divorces, dissolution of domestic partnerships, child custody disputes, establishing and modifying child and spousal support orders, domestic violence restraining orders, adoptions, and termination of parental rights (abandonment).
Mr Azemika was selected as one of the Top 100 Lawyers by The National Advocates in 2016.
Vincent A. Gorski
Divorce Lawyers
Vincent Gorski is the founder of the firm and practices in the areas of Bankruptcy and Family Law. He was licensed in Indiana in 2007 and California in 2009.
He is dedicated to providing effective and high-quality representation in complex and routine matters. His experience includes litigation, mediation, and arbitration. Vincent is adept in structuring solutions to legal problems and identifying potential conflicts before they arise. He is a skilled litigator delivering practical and result-oriented service with a “no-nonsense” approach to solving disputes with an aggressive, yet considerate, courtroom posture.
Vincent began his legal career in Indianapolis, Indiana as an associate attorney for a boutique Commercial Litigation firm. His current practice focuses on a wide range of family law, bankruptcy, and civil litigation matters.
Vincent is admitted to practice in the states of California and Indiana. He is admitted to all California and Indiana U.S. District Courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Vincent frequently lectures and writes articles in the areas of family law and bankruptcy.
Vincent is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law and Bankruptcy. As of December 1, 2022, he was the only lawyer in California to be certified in both practice areas. He holds a 9.9 out of 10 rating with Avvo and is BV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability.
Garrett Rice
Divorce Lawyers
Before joining Divorced by Design, Garrett Rice was a prosecutor of child fatality, homicide, and domestic violence cases for almost ten years. As a long-time advocate for families, Garrett has taken over 40 cases to trial and led several hundred hearings in between. As a member of the Air Force and father of three, Garrett takes a disciplined, yet compassionate approach to divorce cases, understanding through his legal and personal experiences that family matters are emotional and unnerving.
Before his career in the DA’s office, Garrett graduated from Whittier Law School in the top 10% of his class. There, he was a member of the Whittier Law Review, Trial Advocacy Board, Moot Court Honor’s Board, and an extern for the Orange County District Attorney.
Garrett prides himself in using his advocacy skills to protect families who have found themselves in difficult and sometimes tragic circumstances. As a skilled litigator, Garrett advocates obtaining the best possible outcome for his clients.
JIM R. CANADAY
Divorce Lawyers
Jim R. Canaday was born and raised in Bakersfield. He is of the third generation in Kern County, where his grandfather arrived here in 1929. After Jim finished High School, he attended Bakersfield College and earned his Associate of Science degree. After Bakersfield College, Jim attended California State College Bakersfield and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with dual majors in Management and Operational Analysis. Jim attended Law School at California Pacific School of Law and earned his JD degree. Jim is admitted to the California State Bar and the United States District Court Eastern District of California.
Jim started in law at Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance from about 1997 to about 2001. Afterward, he started a paralegal office that operated from 2001 until 2008, which specialized in Family Law matters and Guardianships in Probate. The office served the Kern County area. Jim opened his law practice in 2008, which has now been in the sole practice of Family Law matters and some Probate matters, specializing in Guardianship issues, divorces, child custody, Termination of Parental Rights, and Child/Spousal Support cases. Jim loves the Bakersfield area and is married to Diana, who is Branch Manager for the Guild Mortgage Company.
Patti Johnson
Divorce Lawyers
Divorce City 911 specializes in the preparation and process of court documents in uncontested family law matters without the high cost of hiring an attorney. As a document preparation service, we do not give legal advice. We know that divorce can be a time of high anxiety and stress. However, if you and your spouse can come to an equitable agreement about your property, debts, custody, visitation and support issues, we can help. We have the knowledge and expertise to complete your documents properly, including preparing your Marital Settlement Agreement, pursuant to your instructions and save you valuable time and money. We also offer modification orders for family support and visitation in the event your circumstances change in the future.
Clayton Campbell
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Clayton D. Campbell graduated with honors from the Oak Brook College of Law in 2002. He spent the first four years of his legal career working for two Bakersfield law firms handling various civil and administrative matters. In 2007 he formed his own practice, the Campbell Law Firm, and served clients in civil and criminal trial practice.
In 2012, Campbell and his longtime friend and fellow trial lawyer, Jesse Whitten, formed Campbell Whitten, PC.
Clients who come to the firm can trust in Campbell’s honest and ethical approach to the law. He takes the time to get to know the client’s needs, goals, and concerns, which allows him to offer personalized and innovative legal solutions. Over the years, Clayton has developed a rapport with local prosecutors and a reputation among judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors as a skilled trial lawyer.
In addition to his extensive legal experience, Attorney Campbell is involved in the following organizations:
- America’s DUI and DWI Attorneys
- National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Bakersfield Business Professionals
Mary Ann Boulton
Divorce Lawyers
Mary Ann Boulton is an attorney with the San Bernardino Office. Mary was born and raised in Sayreville, New Jersey and received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Montclair State University. Mary volunteered for the Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services from 1997 – 2016 and interned for a private sector law firm for five years.
Mary earned her Juris Doctorate from University of La Verne, College of Law, graduating Cum Laude. While in law school, Mary interned at the Federal Public Defender’s Office, earned her Mediation Certificate, and conducted mediations with the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board for unlawful detainers and in small claims court. She was the Chief Articles Editor for the University of La Verne Law Review and the Managing Editor for the Journal of Law Business and Ethics.
Mary earned the Paul Egly Endowed Scholarship for the 2017 and 2018 academic year and was the recipient of the Borba, Joseph/Doleen scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year. Mary also earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of La Verne and received an L.L.M. in Criminal Law from Loyola Law School.
Before becoming an attorney, Mary worked as a paralegal with Borton Petrini. After admission to the Bar, she worked at a family law firm for a year and a half before returning to Borton Petrini. Now, Mary practices business formations and civil litigation. Outside of the office, Mary enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.
Hiring the best divorce attorney in Bakersfield can be crucial for several reasons, as divorce cases can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Here are some reasons why having top-notch legal representation is important:
Expert Legal Advice: The best divorce attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in family law. They can provide you with expert advice tailored to your specific situation, helping you understand your rights and legal options during the divorce process.
Asset and Property Division: Divorce often involves the division of assets and properties acquired during the marriage. A skilled attorney can help protect your financial interests and ensure a fair distribution of marital property.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, custody and support arrangements can be emotionally charged and legally intricate. A competent attorney can advocate for your parental rights and work towards securing the best possible custody and support arrangement for your children.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorce cases are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. A top divorce attorney can negotiate on your behalf, striving to achieve a favorable settlement that meets your needs and priorities.
Court Representation: In cases where negotiation fails and litigation becomes necessary, a strong divorce attorney can represent you in court, presenting your case persuasively and advocating for your interests before a judge.
Thorough Documentation: Divorce involves a significant amount of paperwork and documentation. An experienced attorney will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time, avoiding delays and potential legal issues.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The best divorce attorneys can guide you through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can lead to more amicable and cost-effective divorce resolutions.
Protection from Unfair Settlements: During a divorce, emotions can run high, leading to hasty decisions. A reputable attorney acts as an objective advisor, protecting you from accepting unfair or unfavorable settlements.
Knowledge of Local Laws: Each jurisdiction may have unique divorce laws and procedures. Hiring a local attorney who is well-versed in Bakersfield’s family law can be advantageous as they understand the local court system and judges’ preferences.
Reduction of Stress: Going through a divorce can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Having a skilled attorney handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life, reducing the stress of the legal process.
Privacy and Confidentiality: The best divorce attorneys prioritize your privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure throughout the legal process.
In summary, the complexities and emotional nature of divorce cases make hiring the best divorce attorney in Bakersfield essential. They can provide expert legal guidance, protect your rights and interests, and help you navigate the divorce process with skill and efficiency.