How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a alimony case?

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

Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

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

How long do alimony cases in California typically take?

Simple alimony 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?

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

Is Matthew accepting new alimony clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Matthew Brian Shields, Alimony Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Car Accidents, and Criminal Defense

San Diego, CA

Practicing alimony in San Diego since 2001.

25+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Alimony Car Accidents Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI DV Defense +13 more →

Are you Matthew Brian Shields?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Matthew Brian Shields is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Car Accidents, and Criminal Defense. Matthew has over 25 years of legal experience.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 25 years
Known for: Alimony · Car Accidents · Criminal Defense

Handles Alimony, Car Accidents, and Criminal Defense matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Matthew's practice areas in San Diego

Matthew concentrates on alimony, car accidents, criminal defense, divorce, and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Alimony cases in San Diego, California

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in San Diego, California

Matthew takes car accidents 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California

Matthew takes criminal defense 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in San Diego, California

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in San Diego, California

Matthew takes dui/dwi 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Matthew Brian Shields, alimony attorney serving San Diego

Matthew Brian Shields is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Car Accidents, and Criminal Defense. Matthew has over 25 years of legal experience. Matthew works from San Diego, California and takes on alimony matters across the region.

Matthew Brian Shields is a lawyer practicing criminal law, family law, assault and battery and 37 other areas of law. Matthew Brian received a degree from University of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA, and has been licensed for 25 years. Matthew Brian practices in San Diego, CA.

Matthew's approach to alimony cases

The kind of cases Matthew takes

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, car accidents, and criminal defense matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices

University of Miami
J.D. · 2001
University of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego CA Brigham Young University,
B.A. · 1998

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

California District
2016 · ACTIVE
Florida
2001 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Miami and B.A. in University of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego CA Brigham Young University,.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of Miami and B.A. in University of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego CA Brigham Young University,. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations

The Florida Bar
membership

Locations

Matthew Brian Shields's office in San Diego

Matthew's primary office is at 525 B St Ste 2200, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

525 B St Ste 2200

San Diego, CA 92101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew Brian Shields

Matthew 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 Matthew Brian Shields — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a alimony attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony 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 Matthew

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every alimony 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Matthew Brian Shields

How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a alimony case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in California typically take?
Simple alimony 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?
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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new alimony clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

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

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

More counsel

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