"What do clients remember in the years after their divorce? How they treated one another and their children during the process. I try to make that as productive and positive as possible so my clients can protect their families and move forward to the next, happier stage of their lives."

Family law expert Doreen Marie Olson offers a big-picture and realistic perspective that combines respect, compassion and clients' long-term well-being. Doreen leads men and women through all aspects of divorce and asset dissolution. She has in-depth experience with child custody issues and has helped resolve the most contentious and complex custody fights during her 25 years of practice.

Doreen is a California Certified Family Law Specialist, a designation earned by an elite group of attorneys. As part of her holistic representation, Doreen draws from her network of professionals, including educational specialists, therapists, and parenting coaches, to create custody agreements that support parents, children and the future of their families.

Doreen's background includes representation of a range of clients and matters, including young parents and same-sex spouses in custody contests and post-judgment matters involving a move away and relocation issues. Appreciated by clients for her responsiveness and emotional IQ, Doreen has earned the trust of the family law legal community and formerly served as court-appointed minor's counsel. She is known for her thorough cases preparation, respectful approaches and effectiveness in court, during mediation and in settlement conferences. In all of her representations, Doreen provides clients with the critical tools to make informed decisions and chart a path toward a new quality of life.

Q&A with Doreen Marie Olson

Do you have a specialty within family law?

I am a certified family law specialist, so I specialize in all areas of the practice of family law. I handle a majority of custody cases, and I find myself to be most passionate about custody and child-related issues.

What do your clients care about most?

My clients are about:

Keeping their children out of the conflict.
The cost of litigation.
Security for the future.

What major challenges do you help clients manage?

One big challenge is managing expectations of maintaining what was the status quo during the marriage, i.e. living the same standard of living.

Describe how you personalize your counsel.

I try to be a very good listener. I am a parent and have experience in raising a child in Los Angeles. I am very familiar with the local schools, organizations, different local therapists and other important resources.

How can your representation make a difference?

I believe I simplify the difficult divorce process and attempt to help build a client’s self-esteem. I am honest and forthright, so my assessments are to the point. I find most clients want this, even though they don’t state so directly.

What value do you deliver to clients?

With over 27 years of practicing family law, I have seen pretty much every situation possible. I also have a significant cache of professionals whom I work with, obtain advice from and am able to bring to the team. I have an outstanding relationship with the judges in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

What is your favorite part of your work?

My favorite part of the job is concluding a case and obtaining a favorable result for a client. I love hearing from clients years later to learn about how well they and their children have progressed. I also enjoy always learning from my partners and associates.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Santa Ana in Orange County, California. I attended Mater Dei High School – the largest co-ed Catholic school west of the Mississippi. The school is well known for its athletic program.

Favorite book or movie?

"Pulp Fiction" is my favorite movie, and Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil is my favorite book.