Julie Marie Cepeda

Julie Marie Cepeda, Adoption Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 13 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody

AssociateatRigney Cepeda

San Diego, CA

Practicing adoption in San Diego since 2013.

13+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Julie Marie Cepeda is an associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Julie has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rigney Cepeda.

Based in
San Diego, CA
Experience
over 13 years
Known for
Adoption · Alimony · Child Custody
  • Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from San Diego, CA.
  • Over 13 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Julie Marie Cepeda: Julie Marie Cepeda is an associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Julie has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rigney Cepeda.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Julie Marie Cepeda

Julie concentrates on adoption, alimony, child custody, child support, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Julie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in San Diego, California

Julie takes adoption matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Julie agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in San Diego, California

Julie takes alimony matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Julie agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in San Diego, California

Julie takes child custody matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Julie agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in San Diego, California

Julie takes child support matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Julie agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Diego, California

Julie takes divorce matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Julie agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Julie Marie Cepeda — Over 13 years of California adoption experience

Julie Marie Cepeda is an associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Julie has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rigney Cepeda.

Julie Marie K. Cepeda brings a wealth of experience to her family law practice at The Law Offices of Jon D. Rigney, A.P.C., where she has exclusively served since 2013. Adept in both private mediation and contested litigation, Ms. Cepeda employs a resolution-focused strategy to address a wide range of cases, from simple paternity issues to complex divorce and high-stakes custody matters. Her formidable experience extends to international premarital agreements and high-value estate planning. Known for her negotiating prowess and litigation skills, she combines compassionate guidance with robust advocacy to meet her clients’ demands during challenging times. Originating from Guam, Ms. Cepeda is devoted to advancing minority women in the legal profession. Recognized as one of San Diego Business Journal's “Women of Influence in Law 2021,” she actively participated in the Lawyers Club of San Diego's Diverse Women Committee. A community steward, she has been honored with several awards for her pro bono contributions, including the SDVLP Distinguished Service Award. Educated at California Western School of Law, Ms. Cepeda graduated in April 2013 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of San Diego, where she excelled in leadership roles within the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity.

Julie's approach to adoption cases

Julie Marie K. Cepeda brings a wealth of experience to her family law practice at The Law Offices of Jon D. Rigney, A.P.C., where she has exclusively served since 2013. Adept in both private mediation and contested litigation, Ms. Cepeda employs a resolution-focused strategy to address a wide range of cases, from simple paternity issues to complex divorce and high-stakes custody matters. Her…

The kind of cases Julie takes

Julie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and child custody matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Julie Marie Cepeda's legal education and bar admissions

  • California Western School of Law

    J.D. · 2013

  • University of San Diego

    B.A. Psychology · 2010

Jurisdictions

Julie's state bar admissions

  • California

    2013 · ACTIVE

Julie studied at J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. Psychology in University of San Diego.

Law school and academic background

Julie completed J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. Psychology in University of San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Julie runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Julie Marie Cepeda's office in San Diego

Julie's primary office is at Suite 405, 4909 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA, 92123. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rigney Cepeda

Suite 405, 4909 Murphy Canyon Road

San Diego, CA 92123

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Julie Marie Cepeda

Julie has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Julie Marie Cepeda — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Julie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Julie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Julie's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Julie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Julie

Julie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Julie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Julie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Julie Marie Cepeda

  • How much does it cost to hire Julie for a adoption case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Julie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Julie offer a free consultation?

    Julie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Julie's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Julie's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adoption cases in California typically take?

    Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Julie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Julie take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

    Julie is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Julie will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Julie?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Julie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Julie accepting new adoption clients right now?

    Julie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Julie handles adoption matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Julie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.