Scott Howard Finkbeiner
Google Rating
4.9(24 reviews)
- (949) 955-9155, (619) 284-4113
- wf-thumbnail-new@2x.webp, wf-thumbnail-new@2x.webp
About:
Scott H. Finkbeiner is a co-founder of Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, LLP and is an expert in Family Law as he is California State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist. Scott is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Scott has dual degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Arizona. Scott serves as a volunteer for the Superior Court as a judge pro tem, Family Law settlement judge and mediator. Scott specializes in all aspects of complex family law cases from mediations to trials. Scott has litigated all issues involved in divorce and paternity cases including child custody and support. Scott focuses his practice on cases involving the characterization and division of high asset and complex marital estates involving multi-million dollar corporations (both domestic and foreign). He also works on division of smaller financial estates. Scott’s background in accounting and finance uniquely qualifies him to quickly identify the issues and resolve complex issues involving asset characterization, direct and indirect tracings, division of property, including stocks, options, restricted stock units, retirement benefits and reimbursements. View More ›
DVLawyers AI Summary:
Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, LLP is a family law firm dedicated to supporting clients through the often challenging and emotional terrain of family legal matters, including domestic violence issues. Their approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, recognizing that every situation is unique and often sensitive, especially for survivors of domestic abuse. The firm focuses on a variety of family law areas, such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence, providing a comprehensive approach to help clients navigate their legal challenges. They prioritize constructive resolutions, aiming to settle disputes in ways that minimize conflict and foster healthier family dynamics. Their attorneys possess over 20 years of experience and specialize in handling complex cases, ensuring that clients receive knowledgeable guidance tailored to their specific needs. Survivors looking for legal assistance will find Wilkinson & Finkbeiner's tone to be supportive and reassuring. The firm emphasizes their commitment to their clients’ well-being, suggesting they are trauma-informed and sensitive to the difficulties clients may face. By focusing on fair outcomes and advocating for the rights of their clients, they position themselves as allies for those who may feel vulnerable in their circumstances. If you are a survivor of domestic abuse seeking legal support, this firm could be a suitable fit for you. They offer a safe environment for discussing your concerns and legal rights, and emphasize the importance of your voice throughout the process. While it's essential to evaluate your specific needs and circumstances, Wilkinson & Finkbeiner appears to be dedicated to advocating for those who have experienced domestic violence, making them a compassionate choice for legal representation in family law matters.
Jurisdiction:California (Since 2003)
Practice Area
Family Law
Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.
Fees
Free Consultation
Education
B.S.
Associations
Member
Certified Family Law Specialists Committee
Reviews
RATED 1.0
Sep 18, 2025via Google
lenam
"I did not have a good experience with this firm. I firmly believe they were in cahoots with opposing counsel. I did not find that out until after they were well into my case. My intuition told me to find another attorney, and I regret not doing so. Japanese proverb: “If you get on the wrong train, get off at the nearest station; the longer you stay, the more expensive the return trip will be.”"
RATED 5.0
Jun 2, 2025via Google
Michelle McNamara
"Deserves every star. Hannah and Gina did and continue to do the best job family law attorneys can do when faced with difficult situations and difficult opposing parties."
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2024via Google
Grace M. Stinson
"The gentleman who recommended Mr. Brian Mullen to me shared how Mr. Mullen successfully resolved his case expeditiously. According to his feedback, Mr. Mullen found simplified and effective ways to reach a good resolution for his matter, which meant minimal legal fees to this individual. This feedback spoke volumes to me. Like many, I was concerned about the cost of representation and finding a trustworthy lawyer. I am so happy that Mr. Mullen lived up to the expectations I had, which was a good lawyer with honest fees. From the initial meeting, Mr. Mullen was an unmitigated professional. He listened to the details of my matter and offered his expertise on how we could resolve my issue. My case was atypical and we faced complications during the process that were beyond our control. Yet, Mr. Mullen kept finding solutions to every challenge we faced and we finally prevailed as a result of his expertise and steadfast persistence. Getting the outcome I specifically hoped for by itself was a great victory. This victory was heightened when I found a competent and skillful representative with honest fees in Mr. Brian Mullen. I am smiling from ear-to-ear. Thank you also to Cheryl and Nuha, who were part of the winning team."
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2024via Google
Greg Banks
"I was looking for an attorney to help guide me through what should be a fairly straightforward separation. I was paired with Kristin C who quickly assured me her focus would be settlement based to limit as much back and forth as possible. Throughout the process, I found Kristin clear with her instructions to both my ex and me. She focused on finding common ground while being fair. Having a guide through the divorce process simplified the process while limiting arguing. Thank you Kristin!"
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2024via Google
Jennifer Thomas
"I worked with attorney Kristin Carbone. After having a less ideal experience elsewhere, Kristin was a breath of fresh air. She knew her stuff, she was real with me, she advocated for me, and got things done when she said she would. She is a good mix of professional and friendly. She made me feel comfortable and confident through my divorce process. Thank you Kristin!"
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2022via Google
Cha DM
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2022via Google
Denise Jimenez
"Christina Milligan is my lawyer that entire crew is phenomenal super thorough with explaining things. I would recommend her and this office to anyone!"
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2018via Google
CRV Classic Properties
"I rarely write reviews because they are normally not warranted. In this case, I feel I need to share my experience of over 6 years working with Wilkinson and Finkbeiner law firm, specifically with attorney Brian Mullen and his para legals and secretaries on many family law matters. He has diligently guided me through several family law issues ranging from questions on the my original divorce settlement, child custody issues to child support issues etc. Brian's calm demeanor and excellent knowledge of the law has saved me time and money, however best of all positive results. His abilities have enabled me to stay in my daughter's life and fulfill my responsibilities of being a dad which I cherish and enjoy. He understands the emotional issues that come along with family law matters and fought hard for me using his legal knowledge and his staff. I always felt comfortable that they were on top of every issue. He always took time to listen to my goals and planned accordingly with great legal advice at a reasonable price to get to my goals. I am more that pleased , I am grateful for all this firm and especially Brian has done for myself and family. I highly recommend this firm and especially Brian Mullen."
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2018via Google
Michael Heinrich
"I am the court appointed guardian for a relative going through a divorce in California. I heard many times that it is not easy to fight a case from out of state. The judge overseeing the guardianship called this divorce case very complicated. If it weren't for Brian Mullen this case might not have been brought to a successful and long lasting conclusion. I finally arrived at Wilkinson & Finkbeiner after I had become very frustrated with the first lawyer handling the case. I had my first consultation with Brian several month before actually retaining him. He was ready, immediately, when I had to respond to a 24 hour notice ex-parte request after the previous lawyer had decided that he could not continue his representation any longer. After a several months long search, Brian had been recomended by another lawyer in San Diego. She had known him from the time they worked in San Diego county. I had asked her about someone she could recommend in Orange County to be able to handle the specifics of the divorce case. Brian Mullen has met all my expectations, especially after we had to come up with new strategies to bring the case to a successful conclusion. A key ingredient was to maintain a working relationship and build trust with the opponent in the case. The opponent had faced more than a hundred thousand dollars in legal bills from his former lawyer, a law office that is being described as a billing machine. As a result of that effort, I had to have legal counsel to respond to several frivolous requests which eventually were turned down by the court. After the initial battle finally all the facts in the case had come in due to the very knowledgeable paralegal Cheryl's effort and Brian's understanding of the legal process and specifics of the case. She and Brian were very resourceful. They had been able to explain to me every step on the way, enabled me to make informed decisions and fully understand the court process. They successfully prepared me for two weeks of court sessions and testifying on the witness stand, enabled me to negotiate with the opponent to bring home the points that could be settled out of court and only continue to litigate the issues in question. At every step Brian had been conscious of the expense we needed to incur to provide efficient representation of my ward's position. Brian recommended competent expert witnesses with whom he cooperated well. We succeeded in a sense that the court's decision was fair and based on complete information. I can highly recommend Brian to anyone who appreciates his somewhat quiet and problem oriented attitude. He does not make any promises that he can't keep and follows through successfully. He can successfully stand up to the top earners in the divorce business when he can rely on the merits of the case. I have a similar expectations of Andrew, but he was only involved in the case on one court date when he had filled in."
RATED 5.0
Oct 2, 2018via Google
Tee Zaang
"I must say I’m definitely glad to have found Andrew and Brian from this firm to help me. They are awesome guys! They took the time to truly understand the inner kinks in my case and analyzed my case from every angle, not just telling me what I wanted to hear. They took the time to explain to me my options instead of pressuring me into taking a position that I would end up regretting. I must say this office is a well-oiled machine! They do things quickly and efficiently without sacrificing detail. The staff was also pretty awesome! Especially Cheryl! She was very helpful and was able to hone me in on the details that were very important in my case. They never went a few days without updating me as to new occurrences and kept me in the loop at all times which I loved! I can’t say I have any complaints about my experience with them. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who needs family law help. There should be more attorneys like them out there. 🙂"