KC

Kathleen C. Paone, Family Law Attorney in Irvine, California

Trusted family law attorney serving Irvine.

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Quick answer

Kathleen C. Paone is an attorney based in Irvine, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin LLP.

Based in
Irvine, CALIFORNIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Family Law
  • Handles Family Law matters from Irvine, CALIFORNIA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

About Kathleen C. Paone: Kathleen C. Paone is an attorney based in Irvine, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin LLP.

Areas of practice

Kathleen's practice areas in Irvine

Kathleen concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kathleen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Irvine, California

Kathleen takes family law matters in Irvine, 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 Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Kathleen C. Paone, family law attorney serving Irvine

Kathleen C. Paone is an attorney based in Irvine, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin LLP. Kathleen works from Irvine, California and takes on family law matters across the region.

Kathleen Carothers Paone, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been an Orange County resident since 1980. She and her husband, Tim Paone, have 3 adult children.

Ms. Paone graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, (cum laude, 1977) and received her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University (J.D., 1980). While in law school, she was a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society. She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1980 (and the Northern, Central and Southern Federal District Courts of the State of California in 1980 and 1981) and practiced law in Orange County thereafter.

Ms. Paone is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. She is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics. Throughout her years of practice in Orange County, Ms. Paone has been a member of the Orange County Bar Association and has volunteered with the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Mock Trial program and Amicus Publico, the predecessor to the current Public Law Center. She has served on the Board of Directors of ATSC (Assessment and Treatment Services Center), a juvenile diversion and prevention program, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Ms. Paone practiced exclusively business and real estate litigation from 1980 to 2000. During that time, she was one of the first female partners at a 40+ attorney firm (Drummy, Garrett, King & Harrison) and handled all aspects of numerous complex business and real estate litigation cases. She also worked for the smaller boutique firm of Paone, Callahan, McHolm & Winton, where she focused primarily on real estate litigation. In 2000, Ms. Paone took a sabbatical from the practice of law to devote more time to her family.

In 2006, Ms. Paone returned to the practice of law and practices exclusively family law. Her civil business law experience, particularly in the real estate litigation arena, provides a unique foundation and perspective for handling marital dissolutions, many of which involve complicated business and real estate issues.

Kathleen's approach to family law cases

Kathleen Carothers Paone, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been an Orange County resident since 1980. She and her husband, Tim Paone, have 3 adult children. Ms. Paone graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, (cum laude, 1977) and received her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University (J.D., 1980). While in law school, she was a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor…

The kind of cases Kathleen takes

Kathleen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Kathleen studied and practices

  • Loyola Marymount University

    — · 1980

Kathleen studied at — in Loyola Marymount University.

Law school and academic background

Kathleen completed — in Loyola Marymount University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kathleen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Kathleen's legal honors and published work

Kathleen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

Locations

Office locations for Kathleen C. Paone in Irvine, California

Kathleen's primary office is at Irvine, California, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin LLP

Irvine, California 92614

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Kathleen C. Paone

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Hiring guide

How to hire Kathleen C. Paone — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Kathleen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathleen'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; Kathleen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Irvine, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Kathleen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law 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. Kathleen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Kathleen C. Paone

  • How much does it cost to hire Kathleen for a family law case?

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

  • Does Kathleen offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do family law cases in California typically take?

    Simple family law 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. Kathleen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Kathleen take my case if I'm outside Irvine?

    Kathleen 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 — Kathleen 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 Kathleen?

    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. Kathleen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Kathleen accepting new family law clients right now?

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

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

If Kathleen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Irvine handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.