
Brian Cochran, Alimony Attorney in La Mesa, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatLaw Office of Brian Cochran
La Mesa, CA
Practicing alimony in La Mesa since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Brian Cochran?
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Quick answer
Brian Cochran is a member based in La Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support. Brian has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Brian Cochran. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- La Mesa, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Alimony · Child Custody · Child Support
- Handles Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from La Mesa, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Brian Cochran: Brian Cochran is a member based in La Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support. Brian has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Brian Cochran. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on alimony, child custody, child support, divorce, and dv defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Alimony
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Divorce
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DV Defense
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DV Protection
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Family Law
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Paternity
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Prenup
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Alimony cases in La Mesa, California
Brian takes alimony matters in La Mesa, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in La Mesa, California
Brian takes child custody matters in La Mesa, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in La Mesa, California
Brian takes child support matters in La Mesa, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in La Mesa, California
Brian takes divorce matters in La Mesa, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in La Mesa, California
Brian takes dv defense matters in La Mesa, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brian Cochran — alimony lawyer in La Mesa
Brian Cochran is a member based in La Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support. Brian has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Brian Cochran. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Brian Cochran is a native San Diegan. He attended the University of California, San Diego, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Sociology.Mr. Cochran attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law earning a Doctorate in Law in 1981. From 1981 to June 1982, Mr. Cochran was a State Certified Law Clerk with the Law Office of Milch, Wolfsheimer and Wagner. Upon being sworn in as a Member of the California State Bar Association, Mr. Cochran was hired as an Associate Attorney with Milch, Wolfsheimer and Wagner
Mr. Cochran left the firm on October 1, 1985, opening his own Law Office, which is now located in La Mesa, CA. Mr. Cochran has extensive experience in most areas of the Law. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the State Bar of California.
Such certification requires years of practice in a particular area of the law as well as numerous hours of special education and training. In addition, each applicant must pass a peer review process, while being rated by members of both the Bar and the Bench.
Mr. Cochran also practices in Estate Planning, with an emphasis on writing Wills and Living Trusts for clients. The use of a Living Trust can save a family literally thousands of dollars in attorney fees and probate costs, as well as streamlining the process of administering an estate at the death of a family member. We generally prepare Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, and all associated documents to make sure that your estate plans are carried out efficiently and discreetly.
In addition to the practice of Law, Mr. Cochran was a Member of the Lemon Grove City Council and the Mayor of Lemon Grove California. He was also a Member of both the Board of Directors and the Executive Board of the San Diego Associations of Governments. He was the Vice Chairman of the San Diego Solid Waste Commission and the Chairman Regional Wastewater District. He thus has a comprehensive background in Municipal Law and Land Use Planning.
Certified Legal Specialties
• Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California
Honors and Awards
• Mayor of Lemon Grove California
Past Employment Positions
• Law Office of Milch, Wolfsheimer and Wagner, Law Clerk, 1981 – 1982
• Milch, Wolfsheimer and Wagner, Associate Attorney
Pro Bono Activities
• Lemon Grove City Council, Member
• San Diego Solid Waste Commission, Vice Chairman
• Chairman Regional Wastewater District
Professional Associations and Memberships
• San Diego Bar Association, Member, June 16, 1982 – Present
• Los Angeles County Bar Association, Member, July 1, 1998 – Present
• California State Bar Association, Member
• San Diego Associations of Governments, Member of Board of Directors and the Executive Board
Brian's approach to alimony cases
Brian Cochran is a native San Diegan. He attended the University of California, San Diego, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Sociology.Mr. Cochran attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law earning a Doctorate in Law in 1981. From 1981 to June 1982, Mr. Cochran was a State Certified Law Clerk with the Law Office of Milch, Wolfsheimer and Wagner. Upon being sworn in as a Member of the…
Clients Brian works with
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, child custody, and child support matters in La Mesa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D. · 1981
University of California at San Diego
B.A. Sociology · 1978
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. Sociology in University of California at San Diego.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. Sociology in University of California at San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Brian's professional memberships and bar associations
San Diego Bar Association Los Angeles County Bar Association California State Bar Association San Diego Associations of Governments
membership
Locations
Brian Cochran's office in La Mesa
Brian's primary office is at 8550 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA, 91942. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian Cochran — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing alimony attorneys in La Mesa.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian Cochran claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian Cochran — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new alimony attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian'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; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a alimony attorney in La Mesa, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony 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 Brian
Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in alimony practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every alimony 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. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many alimony practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brian Cochran
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a alimony case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in California typically take?
Simple alimony 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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside La Mesa?
Brian 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 — Brian 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 Brian?
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. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new alimony clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Alimony attorneys serving La Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Brian handles alimony matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified alimony attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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