Cara Elkin, Family Law Attorney in Irvine, California
Over 30 years of legal practice
AttorneyatKaufman Steinberg LLP
Irvine, CA
Practicing family law in Irvine since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Cara Elkin?
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Quick answer
Cara Elkin is an attorney based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Cara has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Steinberg LLP.
- Based in
- Irvine, CA
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Irvine, CA.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Cara Elkin: Cara Elkin is an attorney based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Cara has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Steinberg LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Cara takes on
Cara concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Irvine, California
Cara takes family law matters in Irvine, 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 Cara agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Cara Elkin — family law lawyer in Irvine
Cara Elkin is an attorney based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Cara has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Steinberg LLP.
Cara Elkin is a lawyer practicing family law. Cara received a B.A. degree from University of California, San Diego in 1991, and has been licensed for 30 years. Cara practices at Kaufman Steinberg LLP in Irvine, CA.
Cara's approach to family law cases
Cara Elkin is a lawyer practicing family law. Cara received a B.A. degree from University of California, San Diego in 1991, and has been licensed for 30 years. Cara practices at Kaufman Steinberg LLP in Irvine, CA.
Clients Cara works with
Cara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Golden Gate University School of Law
J.D. Highest · 1996
University of California, San Diego
B.A. · 1991
Jurisdictions
Cara's state bar admissions
Nevada
1997 · ACTIVE
California
1996 · ACTIVE
Cara studied at J.D. Highest in Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. in University of California, San Diego.
Law school and academic background
Cara completed J.D. Highest in Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. in University of California, San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cara runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Cara's professional memberships and bar associations
Orange County (Member, Family Law Section) and Los Angeles County Bar Associations State Bar of California Orange County Jewish Bar Association
membership
Locations
Cara Elkin's office in Irvine
Cara's primary office is at 2020 Main Street, Suite 345, Irvine, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Cara Elkin
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Cara Elkin — 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 Cara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cara'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; Cara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Irvine, 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 Cara
Cara 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. Cara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cara'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 Cara Elkin
How much does it cost to hire Cara for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cara offer a free consultation?
Cara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cara's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Cara'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. Cara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cara take my case if I'm outside Irvine?
Cara 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 — Cara 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 Cara?
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. Cara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cara accepting new family law clients right now?
Cara'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 Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Cara 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.
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 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
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If Cara's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Irvine handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




