- Call Us: (310) 300-4021
- Email Us: cathleen@cnortonlaw.com
- Main Office: 9465 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and protect what matters most.
Board-Certified Family Law Representation in Los Angeles and Ventura County
In California, very few attorneys earn designation as a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Certification requires substantial experience, advanced continuing education, peer review, and successful completion of a rigorous examination.
Cathleen Elisabeth Norton is a Certified Family Law Specialist with more than 20 years of exclusive family law experience. She represents clients throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County in complex divorce, custody, support, and property division matters.
Certification reflects focused practice, tested knowledge, and professional recognition within the legal community.
A Certified Family Law Specialist has:
• Demonstrated substantial involvement in family law matters
• Completed enhanced continuing legal education requirements
• Received favorable peer evaluations
• Passed a comprehensive written specialization examination
Certification is granted by the State Bar of California and must be periodically renewed.
Family law litigation involves complex statutory frameworks, procedural rules, evidentiary standards, and financial analysis. Custody disputes and support determinations carry long-term consequences.
Focused specialization provides depth of experience in:
• Custody litigation
• Domestic violence proceedings
• High-conflict divorce
• Retirement asset division and QDROs
• Real estate and business valuation issues
Strategic case planning depends on detailed knowledge of both law and courtroom practice.
In addition to certification, Ms. Norton is a graduate of UCLA School of Law and has been recognized by Super Lawyers. She practices exclusively in family law and is known for disciplined case planning and credibility before judicial officers.
Reputation and preparation matter in contested litigation.
Not every family law matter requires specialized litigation. However, complex custody disputes, financially significant property division, or domestic violence proceedings often benefit from focused expertise.
Effective advocacy requires judgment—the ability to distinguish between issues that warrant escalation and those that should be resolved strategically.
Yes. While any licensed attorney may handle divorce cases, a Certified Family Law Specialist has met additional experience, education, and examination requirements specific to family law.
Certification is limited. Only a relatively small number of attorneys in Ventura County hold this designation, reflecting its rigorous standards.
Every case depends on its specific facts. However, focused experience and procedural familiarity often strengthen strategic decision-making and courtroom presentation.
Family law litigation presents significant financial and parental consequences. Strategic judgment, disciplined advocacy, and focused expertise matter.
Cathleen Norton provides Certified Family Law Specialist representation throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County. To discuss your circumstances, contact the firm to schedule a consultation.