The Family Justice Center
In April 2002, the City Counsel of San Diego undisputedly supported a plan to launch a Family Justice Center located in downtown San Diego. This organization was designed and dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence in the San Diego area. The idea was to house many different agencies and over 100 professionals of domestic violence under one roof. The vision was to unite San Diego’s efforts and expertise to provide new services, additional safety, and promote justice to victims and their children.
The Family Justice Center (FJC) was going to be the first organization in the country to have the Police Department and City Attorney Domestic Violence Units and staff from many other local nonprofit agencies for domestic violence and sexual assault. This is the first time in the history of San Diego, that the community would have access to a wide range of services and the opportunity to work with many criminal justice professionals all from one location.
The San Diego Family Justice Center opened its doors to the public on October 10, 2002. Victims of domestic violence can now go to a single location in San Diego to do any of the following: work with an advocate, file for a restraining order, make plans for their safety, talk to a police officer, meet with an attorney, obtain medical assistance, seek help with transportation and housing, and receive information about family counseling and support groups. Today, the Family Justice Center meets with over 500 clients and receives about 3,000 phone calls on average a month.
Meet Our Family Law Attorneys
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Andrew J. Botros Principal Attorney
Board Certified Family Law Specialist -
Emiliza San Diego Senior Associate
Board Certified Family Law Specialist -
Jenna A. Bamford Senior Associate -
Katie Cadiente Senior Associate
Board Certified Family Law Specialist -
Matthew S. Blado Of Counsel -
Michele M. Vallat Senior Associate -
Orion Bylsma Senior Associate
Board Certified Family Law Specialist
Our Commitment to Families
At Andrew J. Botros, APC, we are strong advocates of the programs and services offered by the FJC. As one of the leading San Diego family law firms, we are long time supporters of services that help our clients going through the difficult struggles of a divorce.
If you are considering a divorce, the most important first step is to consult with an experienced San Diego Family Law Attorney. Call (858) 422-1377 to schedule an appointment today.
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At Andrew J. Botros, APC we pride ourselves on the efficiency of our support staff. Every piece of correspondence that is sent to our office is immediately processed according to our highly detailed system and disbursed. Our clients are constantly in the loop regarding their case because family law matters are extremely personal. We believe that our clients are entitled to be kept up to date regarding their cases and also participate in important decision making. Before our attorneys send significant documents or correspondence to an opposing party or attorney, they often seek the client’s approval first. In addition, clients are always welcome to schedule a sit-down meeting with our attorneys and discuss the overall strategy for and direction of their case.
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Although Andrew J. Botros, APC is a busy law firm, we recognize that first and foremost we are a service provider. As a business in the service industry we recognize the fact that our customers are our top priority. We provide personal legal services to our clients while they go through the difficult process of their family law case. Our attorneys are available at all times to handle client emergencies which often happen in sensitive matters such as custody disputes. At Andrew J. Botros, APC, once a client retains our firm, a team of professionals is immediately assigned to that client’s case. Each client’s team consists of a lead attorney, an associate attorney and a paralegal. The client can contact any of the team members with any questions and can keep his or her bill as low as possible by speaking to the associate attorney or paralegal about certain matters. Overall, our office and our staff are welcoming and ready to work for each client by tailoring our services to his or her particular legal needs.
Why Choose Andrew J. Botros, APC?
Our team approaches every case with focus, integrity, and care. We help families navigate change with practical strategies and steady guidance.
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Strategic AdvocacyWe approach every case with a thoughtful strategy designed to achieve the best possible result. Our blend of experience and insight ensures we stay steps ahead.
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Smart StrategiesWe combine book smarts and street smarts to create effective legal strategies. This balance allows us to handle both straightforward and complex cases with precision and practicality.
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Trusted AuthorityOur team is recognized as leaders in the field. Our team leader, Andrew J. Botros, is a fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
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Certified ExpertiseA majority of our attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists, an achievement held by only a small percentage of lawyers in California. This certification reflects advanced knowledge, skill, and experience in handling family law matters.
The Family Justice Center Legal Network
The Family Justice Center Legal Network (FJCLN) which was founded in 2008, provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence in the San Diego area. The clinic allows clients to come in on a walk-in basis without an appointment. Restraining Order requests are filed electronically with the San Diego Superior Court which relieves the victim of having to go to the courthouse to obtain legal protection from the Judge. Free child care is provided along with safety planning, advocacy and counseling services.
Currently, the FJC Legal Network offers all of the following services:
- Help in filing a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by collecting evidence, getting police reports, contacting witnesses, writing declarations, transcribing voice mails, taking photos of injuries, filling out paperwork and filing it electronically with the court.
- Court Preparation is a presentation available free to all FJC clients to help prepare them for their upcoming restraining order hearing. It provides helpful information regarding the court procedure and allows the victim a chance to ask questions about the process.
- Court Support is where a client can sign up to have an advocate go with them to the restraining order hearing. It provides a sense of comfort and safety for victims so they are not alone. The advocates can sit with clients in court, but cannot speak on their behalf.
- Dress for Success is a program that provides an opportunity for each client to get professional attire to wear to court if they cannot afford it including suits, shirts, & shoes.
- Safe at Home as partners with the YWCA it provides emergency shelter and safety plans.
- Support after Hearing by following up with clients to make sure there have been no violations of their restraining order and informing them of support groups and programs.
Prior to the FJCLN, legal services were minimal and generally required the victim to go to court and appear alone before a judge without representation or advocacy. Today, victims can receive all needed services at the Family Justice Center and have an advocate accompany them to court. There are 84 Family Justice Centers around the world and another 120 in progress right now. For more information about domestic violence, please visit www.womenslaw.org.
Stories From Families We’ve Helped
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“I appreciate all you have done to facilitate this divorce, with both your professional and personal counsel.”- C.W.
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“Thank you and your paralegal for the legal services you provided for me. Your legal advice as well as services rendered by your team was very professional and timely.”- C.K.
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“First of all, can I just say WOO HOO! I really appreciate you keeping me updated. Thank you so much for everything and for all of your hard work. Most certainly you made my afternoon!”- S.V.