Meet Robin M. Estes
Robin is an attorney certified by the State of California as a Family Law Specialist, and she has been licensed to practice since 1994. She guides families through some of the hardest changes of their lives with steady, thoughtful counsel.
Paralegal since
1987
Meet Shonne Payer
Shonne has worked as a paralegal since 1987, supporting Robin and her clients with the details that keep a family law case moving.
Shonne is also a mother of two. Her kindness, compassion and intelligence are an essential part of the Estes Law team.
When you call or visit the office, you will often work with Shonne alongside Robin.
Email Shonne at shonnepayer@robinestes.com.
In Robin's own words
To the average person, the legal system is often confusing, seems unusually slow and is potentially frightening. Many people have never spoken with an attorney, let alone been in a court room. They often do not understand all the legal "mumbo-jumbo" and become frustrated with the "nit-picky" bureaucracy.
It is my goal to help my clients smoothly navigate these rough legal waters. I strive to keep my clients well informed without overloading them with "legalese". My goal when representing a client always remains one of seeking the best possible settlement in the shortest possible time. I am more than their lawyer; I am their advocate, their counselor and often their friend.
I have been practicing law since 1994. I have two children of my own, which I believe gives me a greater insight into the custody issues which surround a divorce.
We have handled over 760 individual cases in our careers, and we have a wide range of knowledge. Plus, one of the most important things about Shonne and I is that we both love our jobs. It is a privilege to help people through what can be an extremely difficult time in their lives.
We offer a free half-hour consultation for all new prospective clients. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Contact us via email or by phone. We look forward to hearing from you!
Professional associations
- State Bar of California
-
Sonoma County Bar Association (SCBA)
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Family Law Section
- Fee Arbitrator
-
Sonoma County Women in Law
- Co-President, two year term
- Board Member, two year term
- Legal Aid Referral
- Collaborative Family Law
- DOVE (Domestic Violence Education Project)
Education
-
Juris Doctorate
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
-
Bachelor of Arts
Sonoma State University
Her approach to family law
Listen first
Every family is different. The first conversation is about your situation, your children and what matters most to you.
Plain-spoken clarity
You get honest answers about your options and what to expect, without legal jargon.
Steady representation
Whether a matter settles or goes before a judge, you have calm, prepared counsel beside you.
A certified specialist
Certification as a Family Law Specialist by the State of California recognizes focused experience and expertise in family law. It means this is the work Robin does, every day.
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Divorce and domestic partner matters
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Pre and post nuptial agreements
What it means to be a certified legal specialist
A certified legal specialist is an attorney who has demonstrated proficiency in a specific area of law. Attorneys may advertise as certified specialists or use the legal specialist logo on their website only if certified directly by the State Bar of California.
Requirements
To become a certified specialist, an attorney must generally:
- Pass a written examination in the legal specialty area.
- Practice law continuously for at least five years, spending at least 25 percent of the time given to occupational endeavors practicing in the specialty area.
- Complete continuing education in the specialty area greater than that required of general licensees of the State Bar.
- Demonstrate broad-based and comprehensive experience by completing a variety of matters in the specialty area.
- Receive favorable evaluations from other attorneys and judges familiar with the attorney's work in the specialty area.
Benefits of certified specialization
- Certified specialists have demonstrated proficiency in one of 11 areas of law.
- Only certified specialists can be searched by practice area on the State Bar's website attorney search tool.
- Certified specialists have access to a State Bar-approved special seal and the State Bar-produced brochures "What Can a Certified Specialist Do for You?"
- Certified specialists are recognized as leaders in their field, which may lead to speaking engagements, media interviews or referrals.
Staying certified
The State Bar of California must approve each attorney's application. Organizations whose certification program is State Bar-accredited can also certify attorneys, but their requirements must equal or exceed those of the State Bar's program. Once certified, specialists must maintain their certification by:
- Paying the Legal Specialization Program annual fee each year.
- Reporting compliance of the education requirement by completing 36 hours of LSCLE every three years, due at the same time as their MCLE reporting date.
- Reporting compliance of the task and experience and reference requirements by recertifying every five years.
Learn more on the State Bar of California Legal Specialization page.
Your first half-hour consultation is free
There is no charge and no obligation. Tell Robin about your situation and learn where you stand.