How much does it cost to hire James for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in California typically take?

Simple child custody 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 Irvine?

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 child custody clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James Lawrence Wellman, Child Custody Attorney in Irvine, California

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

CFLS and Senior Trial Attorney | Managing Attorney

Irvine, CA

Practicing child custody in Irvine since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Estate Planning Family Law +5 more →

Are you James Lawrence Wellman?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

James Lawrence Wellman is a cfls and senior trial attorney | managing attorney based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. James has over 42 years of legal experience.

Based in: Irvine, CA
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Irvine, CA.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Irvine

James concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, dv defense, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Irvine, California

James takes child custody 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 James agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Irvine, California

James takes child support 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 James agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Irvine, California

James takes divorce 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 James agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Irvine, California

James takes dv defense 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 James agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Irvine, California

James takes estate planning 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 James agrees to represent you.

Biography

James Lawrence Wellman, child custody attorney serving Irvine

James Lawrence Wellman is a lawyer practicing family law, estate planning, wills and 9 other areas of law. James received a Advanced training and certification degree from The National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices in Irvine, CA.

Working with James on a child custody matter

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Loyola Law School at Los Angeles
J.D. · 1984
The National Institute of Trial Advocacy Advanced training and certification Trial Law University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. Economics · 1981

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Loyola Law School at Los Angeles and B.A. Economics in The National Institute of Trial Advocacy Advanced training and certification Trial Law University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Loyola Law School at Los Angeles and B.A. Economics in The National Institute of Trial Advocacy Advanced training and certification Trial Law University of California at Los Angeles. 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.

Locations

James Lawrence Wellman's office in Irvine

James's primary office is at 18881 Von Karman Ave Ste 420, Irvine, CA, 92612. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

18881 Von Karman Ave Ste 420

Irvine, CA 92612

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James Lawrence Wellman

James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with James Lawrence Wellman can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire James Lawrence Wellman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody 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 child custody attorney in Irvine, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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 child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Lawrence Wellman

How much does it cost to hire James for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in California typically take?
Simple child custody 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 Irvine?
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 child custody 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

Child Custody attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

James handles child custody matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Irvine handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.