San Diego County Family Law Bar Association Executive Committee Member, 2015
Member of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, 2018
San Diego North County Certified Family Law Specialists President Elect, 2013
Court-Recommended Family Law Mediator / Judge Pro-Tempore, 2005
San Diego North County Certified Family Law Specialists President, 2014
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, 2014
North County Bar Association , 2000
San Diego County Bar Association-Family Law Section Executive Committee, 2007
San Diego North County Certified Family Law Specialists Immediate Past President, 2018
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
Successful in obtaining court ordered attorney fee awards.
Special Licenses/Certifications:
California State Bar of Legal Specialization, Family Law, 2009
Judge Pro-Tempore, Superior Court of California (2010), 2010
Honors/Awards:
Top Lawyers in California, The Legal Network, 2013
Andrew Johnson has been selected by his peers in The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers, 2019
In appreciation of your commitment, service & dedication to the San Diego Family Law Bar Association 2016, SD Family Law Bar Association, 2016
Educational Background:
Masters in Accountancy; San Diego State University, 1995
Juris Doctor; California Western School of LAw, 1999
Other Outstanding Achievements:
1987 Commisioned Officer USNR 1989 Naval Aviator Designation 1990 HS-3 Deployed in Support if Operation Desert Storm; USS Saratoga, Red Sea 1991 Air Medal 2005 Commander USNR, Retired , 1986
Firm News (Newsletters):
The laws of the State of California and the local practices of the Courts here in San Diego, including the Courthouse here in Vista, have clearly established that it is important for a child to spend quality time with each parent before, during, and after a divorce. Our Courts are concerned with the “best interests of the child” and work to ensure that parenting time is structured so that children are able to keep a lifestyle and schedule that remains as close to “normal” before the divorce. This usually means a fairly equal division of child custody and time with each parent, unless there are extreme cases of addictions, abuse or criminal activity. Issues surrounding the children carry deep passion, and the emotion that accompanies these decisions can make it difficult to reach an agreement. The resolution of disagreements between the parties on issues such as child custody and time with each child, and child support is a key to most divorces. Based upon my years of experience as a family law attorney here in North County, I can tell you that the greatest source of bitterness and expense in a divorce is found in the disagreements between the parties. Many people do not realize that the process of working through these challenges and the ability to set aside emotion when making important decisions carries through the divorce experience and impacts the quality of life that follows. Those parties who are able to work to create common ground and resolve areas of disagreement, such as child custody and parenting time, enjoy better relationships with their children after the divorce, and increase their own quality of life. They also significantly reduce the time and expense of their divorce. Child custody and parenting time here in California is going to require quality time with each parent, and our Courts work to make sure this is fairly and evenly distributed between the parents. As an experienced family law attorney, Andrew P Johnson, APC can mediate these issues for partners who are in dispute. It is important to draw on the expertise of an experienced child custody and family law attorney, who can provide insight and suggestions to help resolve challenging issues in an efficient and cost-effective manner. As a family law attorney, Andrew P. Johnson, APC is committed to the best interests of the children of divorce. Andrew P. Johnson, APC is also committed to helping our clients see the road ahead, and to realize that there is not only a path through their divorce, but an opportunity to increase the quality of life they enjoy afterward., Looking out for the Children’s Best Interests
My practical definition of the date of separation in a divorce is the day that the marital couple stopped being a community in the eyes of the law. The Court’s have been struggling to define this date of separation for many years and have issued many opinions on the subject, looking at a lot of different factors in deciding the issue. Problem is that every divorce is different and bright line rules can create in some cases harsh results. Thus the reason why the date of separation has been hard to define. The date of separation is an important date mainly because it affects issues that involve property division and the potential length of time one will pay or receive spousal support. The Court’s have recently announced a case on determining the date of separation called, In Re Marriage of Davis. Davis represents a sea change in how practitioners must view the date of separation because it establishes a bright line rule, that essentially states the establishment of a date of separation requires a physical separation of the parties. One might say, that makes perfect sense. However, that was not made clear in previous decisions focused on subjective and objective intent of the parties. Therefore, if you are contemplating a divorce and want to establish a date of separation, usually before that 10 year mark, pack your bags and move out of the house. , What is a Date of Separation in a Divorce in San Diego County?
How can you reduce the cost of a divorce, while ensuring that you complete the divorce quickly and properly? The State of California tells us that more than 80% of divorces in our State begin with the parties attempting to file a divorce on their own. The experience along the way makes this an unreasonable challenge for more than half of these parties. After waiting hours and hours for free advice from a non-legal clinic, and perhaps an appearance or two before the Court the parties find out they have not completed the steps required to bring their marriage to an end, and their paperwork is not in proper order. Months pass. How can you get your divorce back on track? A blend of services from Andrew Johnson, APC allows you to customize the exact solution needed to make sure all of your paperwork is in order, and that all issues associated with the division of assets and debts, child custody, support and the division of retirement accounts are correctly structured. We can work with you from where ever you are in the process to help you complete all the details and finish your divorce. If you and your former spouse are in complete agreement, you simply need paralegals to prepare documents for your review. If there are a few areas of principled disagreement our experienced attorneys can help to facilitate negotiations or represent you on a limited basis (including mediation). You can meet with a seasoned attorney in our office across the street from the Vista Courthouse prior to your hearing, and learn what will happen and how to handle various contingencies. Walk into the Vista Courthouse with confidence, knowing what to expect and with paperwork that is in order. Are you ready to reduce the cost of a divorce and complete the process you’ve started? Call Andrew P. Johnson, APC (760) 639-0187 and learn how to complete your divorce in the shortest possible time frame and in a cost-effective manner. , How Can You Reduce the Cost of a Divorce?
What should you do if things appear to be headed in the wrong direction? Our consulting conference will help you to be organized, efficient and in command of the proceedings whenever possible. We will help you to understand how to ask for what you want, and when. Your consulting conference will help you to understand how to tell the Judge or Magistrate that you need a moment to gather your thoughts or a continuance to seek the advice of counsel. Eliminate surprises, and be prepared for the questions you will face. Understand how California Courts reach decisions in divorce cases and how to ask for and achieve the outcome you desire. There is no substitute for coaching before your divorce hearing or child custody conference. Knowing what to expect, and having the confidence that comes with preparation and a proper understanding of the environment you are about to enter, is something we strongly value here at our firm. , Consultations: Be organized and prepared for court
Industry Groups:
North County Bar Association
North County Certified Family Law Specialists
San Diego County Bar Association
San Diego Court Appointed Family Law Mediator And Judge Pro-Tempore