
Beth M. Appelsmith, Family Law Attorney in Sacramento, California
Over 40 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatBeth M. Appelsmith
Sacramento, CA
Practicing family law in Sacramento since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Beth M. Appelsmith?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Beth M. Appelsmith is a principal based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Beth has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Beth M. Appelsmith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Sacramento, CA
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Sacramento, CA.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Beth M. Appelsmith: Beth M. Appelsmith is a principal based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Beth has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Beth M. Appelsmith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Beth takes on
Beth concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Beth handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Sacramento, California
Beth takes family law matters in Sacramento, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Beth agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Beth M. Appelsmith — family law lawyer in Sacramento
Beth M. Appelsmith is a principal based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Beth has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Beth M. Appelsmith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
After working as a family law litigator for many years, Beth transitioned her practice about 15 years ago to focus entirely on out of court divorce. She has seen that out of court options, such as mediation and Collaborative Divorce, maximize settlement options, save money, and help to protect families from the negative impacts of high conflict litigated divorce.
Because Beth's practice and calendar are no longer controlled by the pressures of litigated cases, Beth is able to more fully assist and support her clients and to respond to their requests in a prompt and helpful way. Beth's approach emphasizes both the emotional and the practical/legal aspects of divorce- helping couples resolve disputes with the settlement options best suited to their individual needs and interests- with respect, on their own terms, outside of court.
Beth's approach to family law cases
After working as a family law litigator for many years, Beth transitioned her practice about 15 years ago to focus entirely on out of court divorce. She has seen that out of court options, such as mediation and Collaborative Divorce, maximize settlement options, save money, and help to protect families from the negative impacts of high conflict litigated divorce. Because Beth's practice and…
The kind of cases Beth takes
Beth reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1986
Oregon State University
B.S. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Beth's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
California
1986 · ACTIVE
Beth studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. in Oregon State University.
Law school and academic background
Beth completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. in Oregon State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Beth runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Beth's professional memberships and bar associations
Sacramento County Bar Association
Family Law, 1991—) State Bar of California (Family Law, 1991— · membership
Locations
Beth M. Appelsmith's office in Sacramento
Beth's primary office is at 2315 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA, 95816-6509. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Beth M. Appelsmith
2315 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816-6509
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Beth M. Appelsmith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Beth. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Sacramento.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Beth M. Appelsmith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Beth M. Appelsmith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Beth usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Beth charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Beth's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Beth will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Sacramento, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Beth
Beth discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Beth confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Beth's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Beth M. Appelsmith
How much does it cost to hire Beth for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Beth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Beth offer a free consultation?
Beth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Beth's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Beth's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in California typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Beth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Beth take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?
Beth is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Beth will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Beth?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Beth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Beth accepting new family law clients right now?
Beth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Beth handles family law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in California
If Beth's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Sacramento handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




