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 Vista?

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 W. Cord, Esq., Alimony Attorney in Vista, California

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support

MemberatAndrew P Johnson Apc

Vista, CA

Practicing alimony in Vista since 1994.

32+: Years practicing
9: Bar admissions

Practices in

Alimony Child Custody Child Support Divorce Expungement Family Law +1 more →

Are you Matthew W. Cord, Esq.?

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Quick answer

Matthew W. Cord, Esq. is a member based in Vista, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Andrew P Johnson Apc.

Based in: Vista, CA
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Alimony · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Vista, CA.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Matthew takes on

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

Alimony cases in Vista, California

Matthew takes alimony matters in Vista, 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.

Child Custody cases in Vista, California

Matthew takes child custody matters in Vista, 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.

Child Support cases in Vista, California

Matthew takes child support matters in Vista, 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 Vista, California

Matthew takes divorce matters in Vista, 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.

Expungement cases in Vista, California

Matthew takes expungement matters in Vista, 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

Meet Matthew W. Cord, Esq. — alimony lawyer in Vista

Matthew Cord brings over 25 years of heavy-hitting litigation experience to our team in Vista. Licensed in both California and Oregon, Matt has handled every phase of the legal process in both State and Federal courts. His background is incredibly diverse; before joining Andrew Johnson’s office, he served as Civilian Counsel for the Department of the Navy and spent years as a Deputy City Attorney in San Diego. What truly sets Matt apart, however, is his distinguished service of more than 20 years as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps. This unique blend of military and civil service means he handles every case with a level of discipline and strategy that is hard to find. Matt also stays sharp by teaching the next generation, having served as a Business Law instructor at the University of Phoenix since 2012. He’s also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Justice School’s Advanced Trial Advocacy program. When you work with Matt, you’re getting a battle-tested advocate who knows the courtroom inside and out and understands exactly what it takes to win a complex case.

How Matthew handles alimony matters

Who Matthew represents

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, child custody, and child support matters in Vista and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College
J.D. · 1994
Michigan State University
B.A. International · 1991

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

Montana
2017 · ACTIVE
Montana
2017 · ACTIVE
US District Court, S
2000 · ACTIVE
California
1999 · ACTIVE
California
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. Military Circui
1995 · ACTIVE
US Court of Appeals
1995 · ACTIVE
Oregon
1994 · ACTIVE
Oregon
1994 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College and B.A. International in Michigan State University.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College and B.A. International in Michigan State 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.

Locations

Matthew W. Cord, Esq.'s office in Vista

Matthew's primary office is at 440 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 260, Vista, CA, 92081. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Andrew P Johnson Apc

440 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 260

Vista, CA 92081

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew W. Cord, Esq.

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 W. Cord, Esq. — 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 Vista, 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 W. Cord, Esq.

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 Vista?
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 Vista, 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 Vista handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.