
James Dewolfe Allen, Divorce Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 60 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratLaw Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Practicing divorce in San Diego since 1966.
- 60+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James Dewolfe Allen?
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Quick answer
James Dewolfe Allen is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Divorce and Family Law. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 60 years
- Known for
- Divorce · Family Law
- Handles Divorce and Family Law matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 60 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Dewolfe Allen: James Dewolfe Allen is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Divorce and Family Law. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on divorce and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Divorce cases in San Diego, California
James takes divorce matters in San Diego, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in San Diego, California
James takes family law matters in San Diego, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Dewolfe Allen — divorce lawyer in San Diego
James Dewolfe Allen is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Divorce and Family Law. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Dewolfe Allen is a lawyer practicing elite divorce, complex and contentious of family law disputes, family law. James received a B.A. degree from Amherst College in 1962, and has been licensed for 60 years. James practices at Law Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc. in San Diego, CA.
James's approach to divorce cases
James Dewolfe Allen is a lawyer practicing elite divorce, complex and contentious of family law disputes, family law. James received a B.A. degree from Amherst College in 1962, and has been licensed for 60 years. James practices at Law Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc. in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce and family law matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stanford University
J.D. · 1965
Amherst College
B.A. · 1962
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
California
1966 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Stanford University and B.A. in Amherst College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Stanford University and B.A. in Amherst College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Locations
James Dewolfe Allen's office in San Diego
James's primary office is at 401 West A Street, Suite 2050, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of Allen-Slattery, Inc.
401 West A Street, Suite 2050
San Diego, CA 92101
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Dewolfe Allen — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing divorce attorneys in San Diego.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Dewolfe Allen claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Dewolfe Allen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new divorce attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a divorce attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in divorce practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every divorce 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many divorce practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Dewolfe Allen
How much does it cost to hire James for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do divorce cases in California typically take?
Simple divorce 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new divorce clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Divorce attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
James handles divorce matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified divorce attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 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
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these divorce attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




