team-member

Stephen Douglas Hamilton

Arroyo Grande, CA

Licensed for 27 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Divorce and Family

Language

English

About

My practice is focused almost exclusively on the representation of parties in family law matters, including divorce, paternity, support, custody, visitation and non-marital claims (palimony). I take pride in the fact I have been a Certified Specialist in Family Law* since 2004, and am currently the only certified specialist with an office in Southern San Luis Obispo County. I am active in statewide associations and committees dedicated to the improvement of family law for all parties. My primary objective is to resolve all disputes through negotiation if possible, but aggressive litigation if necessary.My approach is client driven: obtaining for you the best result in the right way, and making sure that you are kept informed as to the proceedings every step of the way. I am proud of the outcomes I have achieved my clients and believe my approach is the main reason I have near-perfect reviews from my former clients on both Avvo.com and Yelp.comI have represented clients in courts throughout the State of California and do not limit my practice geographically. My office is located in San Luis Obispo County, and I routinely represent clients in the San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County Superior Courts.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Domestic Violence

Language

English

Contact

Stephen D Hamilton Attorney at Law1277 East Grand AvenueArroyo Grande, CA, 93420

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
March 27, 2020

I had been through several lawyers that were not giving my case the attention I felt it deserved. I was referred to Mr Hamilton by a friend that used his services and was very happy. Well she was right, he saved me and renewed my confidence in lawyers. Every issue I was dealing with swiftly got reversed in my favor! My only regret........ not seeing Mr Hamilton first.

Matt
June 8, 2019

Mr. Hamilton changed our lives for the better. I had gone through divorce 4 years before without representation. I wound up moving to Orange County to be closer to my family. The marriage and settlement agreement gave my ex wife physical custody and me “reasonable visitation.” My ex wife decided that meant she could dictate visitation how she saw fit. As she remarried and had another baby, she decided she would only allow me to see my daughters once a year, told me I didn’t have a right to phone calls, and if I wanted the girls to visit me during the summers I could wait till they were 18. I hired Mr. Hamilton to represent me and file a request I for order changing the custody arrangement. He negotiated with me ex wife’s attorney and represented me in court. I now have joint legal and joint physical custody. I get to drive up every other weekend to see them. They now will come down here half the summers and alternate holiday weeks. I was missing out on my daughters’ lives. Mr. Hamilton fought for me. My daughters are the most important part of my life. I couldn’t be happier, and I owe this all to Mr. Hamilton.

Lee
July 17, 2018

I retained Mr. Hamilton to help with a revision to spousal support payments. He and his staff worked closely with me to ensure that they knew precisely what my parameters and limits were, and Mr. Hamilton outlined my options realistically. He then pursued the matter efficiently--typically composing a letter for my review as we sat in his office--and would contact me as soon as he'd heard anything from opposing counsel. He was smart, engaging, and obviously knew the law. He and his staff communicated timely and efficiently; I was never left wondering what was going on with my case. We reached a satisfactory conclusion, and I would not hesitate to retain Mr. Hamilton in the future should I need any further representation. Five stars, easily.

Melissa
September 20, 2017

Mr. Hamilton has helped me through my divorce and several child custody and support issues over the years. He always looks at any problem I'm facing to determine what the best outcome for me and my children will be. There have been several occasions when I've wanted to go to court to fight something on principal and he has helped me weigh the cost of the battle against what I might stand to gain if I won. I know he would fight for me if I decided to go that route, but he helped me keep a level head. I know he sees his clients as people who need help, not as billable hours. He has integrity and I can't recommend him more highly.

Jerry
March 27, 2017

As a male entering divorce proceedings it can be overwhelming. You absolutely owe it to yourself to find counsel who will represent your interests and advocate for you in an ethical but assertive manner. Stephen Hamilton is that and more. He will guide you through the difficult process and ensure you end with a satisfactory result. Hiring Mr Hamilton I believe was the smartest thing I did when my marriage ended.

Courtney Booth
June 14, 2016

I was referred to Mr. Hamilton by a friend who said he was the best there is in the county. I had represented myself throughout my divorce and then after several custody modifications later. I finally needed help and the advice of someone who knew what they were doing in a contentious custody battle. Mr. Hamilton was upfront, honest, and provided me with a spectrum of outcomes, never giving me any false hope. I tend to over analyze and prepare for the worst, which he could immediately sense. He reassured me throughout the process to keep me from over analyzing. The end result was a result that I could have never imagined possible on my own and I am entirely thankful for his assistance. He has superb communication skills and by the way he interacts in the court room, you can see how well respected he is in the county as a family law attorney. His staff is friendly and kind; always making you feel welcome. It isn't stuffy and no one makes you feel like your situation is less important than the next client. It was one of the best decisions I ever made when I hired him as my attorney.

anonymous
May 29, 2016

Steve helped our family through a very difficult time. He helped us with a guardianship situation. We can now move on to help our family and the minor child get into school, get medical help, and start living his life. Thank you so much.

anonymous
April 28, 2016

I was referred to Mr. Hamilton by a friend, and I will be ever grateful to her. I came to Mr. Hamilton a senior, emotionally fragile lady knowing nothing about our finances or the daily operation of a budget due to years of living with a controlling, abusive spouse. Mr. Hamilton guided me step by step through the process from locating the various accounts, to dividing up all the assets, and seeing that all aspects of the divorce settlement were carried out. He was always concerned about my physical and financial well-being. With Mr. Hamilton's help and encouragement, I went from a "nobody" to a strong confident woman who has learned to manage my finances and daily living affairs with self-confidence. I never felt Mr. Hamilton was out to prolong the process for his own personal gain. He was very knowledgeable, organized, and concise, and yet showed compassion and integrity.

Cecelia
April 27, 2016

Stephen Hamilton represented us in a guardianship case. He really help us get through the court system easily. He explained everything and made us feel at ease. We are really happy we made the choice to hire Mr. Hamilton.

Steve
April 3, 2016

Mr. Hamilton is the very best in the business when it comes to Family Law and Child Custody cases. Mine was a very contentious divorce involving my two children and several years of court battles for custody. Mr. Hamilton took my case after three prior attorneys had proven themselves under-qualified, inexperienced, or unmotivated. He took the necessary steps to put my case on track, and then followed through to get the very best possible outcome. He explains very clearly what to expect before each court appearance, and keeps his client well informed throughout the process. He has excellent communication skills, returns telephone calls in a timely manner, and his office staff is courteous and professional. Most importantly, Mr. Hamilton is a HUGE advocate for the children involved, always keeping their best interest at the forefront of the case. He is a Family Law Specialist, and has been for many years. Don't waste your time or money with any of the other "family law" attorneys in the area. Call Mr. Hamilton, and know you're in good hands.

anonymous
March 27, 2020

I had been through several lawyers that were not giving my case the attention I felt it deserved. I was referred to Mr Hamilton by a friend that used his services and was very happy. Well she was right, he saved me and renewed my confidence in lawyers. Every issue I was dealing with swiftly got reversed in my favor! My only regret........ not seeing Mr Hamilton first.

Matt
June 8, 2019

Mr. Hamilton changed our lives for the better. I had gone through divorce 4 years before without representation. I wound up moving to Orange County to be closer to my family. The marriage and settlement agreement gave my ex wife physical custody and me “reasonable visitation.” My ex wife decided that meant she could dictate visitation how she saw fit. As she remarried and had another baby, she decided she would only allow me to see my daughters once a year, told me I didn’t have a right to phone calls, and if I wanted the girls to visit me during the summers I could wait till they were 18. I hired Mr. Hamilton to represent me and file a request I for order changing the custody arrangement. He negotiated with me ex wife’s attorney and represented me in court. I now have joint legal and joint physical custody. I get to drive up every other weekend to see them. They now will come down here half the summers and alternate holiday weeks. I was missing out on my daughters’ lives. Mr. Hamilton fought for me. My daughters are the most important part of my life. I couldn’t be happier, and I owe this all to Mr. Hamilton.

Lee
July 17, 2018

I retained Mr. Hamilton to help with a revision to spousal support payments. He and his staff worked closely with me to ensure that they knew precisely what my parameters and limits were, and Mr. Hamilton outlined my options realistically. He then pursued the matter efficiently--typically composing a letter for my review as we sat in his office--and would contact me as soon as he'd heard anything from opposing counsel. He was smart, engaging, and obviously knew the law. He and his staff communicated timely and efficiently; I was never left wondering what was going on with my case. We reached a satisfactory conclusion, and I would not hesitate to retain Mr. Hamilton in the future should I need any further representation. Five stars, easily.

Melissa
September 20, 2017

Mr. Hamilton has helped me through my divorce and several child custody and support issues over the years. He always looks at any problem I'm facing to determine what the best outcome for me and my children will be. There have been several occasions when I've wanted to go to court to fight something on principal and he has helped me weigh the cost of the battle against what I might stand to gain if I won. I know he would fight for me if I decided to go that route, but he helped me keep a level head. I know he sees his clients as people who need help, not as billable hours. He has integrity and I can't recommend him more highly.

Jerry
March 27, 2017

As a male entering divorce proceedings it can be overwhelming. You absolutely owe it to yourself to find counsel who will represent your interests and advocate for you in an ethical but assertive manner. Stephen Hamilton is that and more. He will guide you through the difficult process and ensure you end with a satisfactory result. Hiring Mr Hamilton I believe was the smartest thing I did when my marriage ended.

Courtney Booth
June 14, 2016

I was referred to Mr. Hamilton by a friend who said he was the best there is in the county. I had represented myself throughout my divorce and then after several custody modifications later. I finally needed help and the advice of someone who knew what they were doing in a contentious custody battle. Mr. Hamilton was upfront, honest, and provided me with a spectrum of outcomes, never giving me any false hope. I tend to over analyze and prepare for the worst, which he could immediately sense. He reassured me throughout the process to keep me from over analyzing. The end result was a result that I could have never imagined possible on my own and I am entirely thankful for his assistance. He has superb communication skills and by the way he interacts in the court room, you can see how well respected he is in the county as a family law attorney. His staff is friendly and kind; always making you feel welcome. It isn't stuffy and no one makes you feel like your situation is less important than the next client. It was one of the best decisions I ever made when I hired him as my attorney.

anonymous
May 29, 2016

Steve helped our family through a very difficult time. He helped us with a guardianship situation. We can now move on to help our family and the minor child get into school, get medical help, and start living his life. Thank you so much.

anonymous
April 28, 2016

I was referred to Mr. Hamilton by a friend, and I will be ever grateful to her. I came to Mr. Hamilton a senior, emotionally fragile lady knowing nothing about our finances or the daily operation of a budget due to years of living with a controlling, abusive spouse. Mr. Hamilton guided me step by step through the process from locating the various accounts, to dividing up all the assets, and seeing that all aspects of the divorce settlement were carried out. He was always concerned about my physical and financial well-being. With Mr. Hamilton's help and encouragement, I went from a "nobody" to a strong confident woman who has learned to manage my finances and daily living affairs with self-confidence. I never felt Mr. Hamilton was out to prolong the process for his own personal gain. He was very knowledgeable, organized, and concise, and yet showed compassion and integrity.

Cecelia
April 27, 2016

Stephen Hamilton represented us in a guardianship case. He really help us get through the court system easily. He explained everything and made us feel at ease. We are really happy we made the choice to hire Mr. Hamilton.

Steve
April 3, 2016

Mr. Hamilton is the very best in the business when it comes to Family Law and Child Custody cases. Mine was a very contentious divorce involving my two children and several years of court battles for custody. Mr. Hamilton took my case after three prior attorneys had proven themselves under-qualified, inexperienced, or unmotivated. He took the necessary steps to put my case on track, and then followed through to get the very best possible outcome. He explains very clearly what to expect before each court appearance, and keeps his client well informed throughout the process. He has excellent communication skills, returns telephone calls in a timely manner, and his office staff is courteous and professional. Most importantly, Mr. Hamilton is a HUGE advocate for the children involved, always keeping their best interest at the forefront of the case. He is a Family Law Specialist, and has been for many years. Don't waste your time or money with any of the other "family law" attorneys in the area. Call Mr. Hamilton, and know you're in good hands.