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

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

Does Ryan offer a free consultation?

Ryan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ryan's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Ryan'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. Ryan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ryan take my case if I'm outside Torrance?

Ryan 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 — Ryan 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 Ryan?

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

Is Ryan accepting new alimony clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ryan E. Stearns, Alimony Attorney in Torrance, California

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Business, and Child Custody · 4.6/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Managing PartneratStearns & Ryan, Lawyers

Torrance, CA

Practicing alimony in Torrance since 1993.

33+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 2 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Alimony Business Child Custody Construction Divorce Employment +6 more →

Are you Ryan E. Stearns?

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

Ryan E. Stearns is a managing partner based in Torrance, CA. The practice focuses on Alimony, Business, and Child Custody. Ryan has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stearns & Ryan, Lawyers. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Torrance, CA
Experience: over 33 years
Known for: Alimony · Business · Child Custody

Handles Alimony, Business, and Child Custody matters from Torrance, CA.
Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Ryan's practice areas in Torrance

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

Alimony cases in Torrance, California

Ryan takes alimony matters in Torrance, 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Torrance, California

Ryan takes business matters in Torrance, 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Torrance, California

Ryan takes child custody matters in Torrance, 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Torrance, California

Ryan takes construction matters in Torrance, 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Torrance, California

Ryan takes divorce matters in Torrance, 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 Ryan agrees to represent you.

Biography

Ryan E. Stearns, alimony attorney serving Torrance

Mr. Stearns is the managing partner for the firm, and is a denominated Southern California “Super Lawyer,” a rating bestowed on the top 5% of Southern California lawyers.

Mr. Stearns handles both trial and transactional matters for the firm, his practice involving real estate, business affairs, family law, and trust/estate matters. Mr. Stearns also serves as general counsel to a number of companies. Mr. Stearns has tried and mediated in excess of 300 Civil/Business/Real Estate, Family Law and Probate/Trust matters, and handled in excess of 700 Request for Order and law and motion proceedings.

Mr. Stearns’ career began in the areas of business and real estate litigation, representing many small and mid-sized businesses and real estate developers, which he continues to do today.

Over time, Mr. Stearns developed a practice in family law, having seen demand for experienced trial lawyers in that area of law, and thereafter was denominated by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist. Mr. Stearns has been appointed by judges of the Los Angeles County Court to represent children in highly contested custody cases as Minor’s Counsel, and has served on the executive committee for the Los Angeles County Bar Association in Family Law.

Mr. Stearns is a denominated “Advocate” by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and has been a lecturer for the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

Mr. Stearns’ approach in all litigation matters is to first search for solutions for his clients so that litigation and trial is the last alternative. However, if no solution is possible, he employs the most innovative, direct, and aggressive trial techniques to the cases he handles.

In college at the University of California at Berkeley, Mr. Stearns played on 2 U.S. National Championship rugby teams, then playing overseas in Australia, and at a regional level for the United States. Mr. Stearns attributes his competitive drive and high expectations in the practice of law to the discipline and training he developed playing rugby.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Specialization

• Super Lawyers

ASSOCIATIONS

• Los Angeles County Bar Association

• South Bay Bar Association

• American Bar Association, Litigation

• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles

• Board of Visitors, Southwestern University School of Law (past)

• Palos Verdes Art Center, Board of Trustees

Working with Ryan on a alimony matter

Mr. Stearns is the managing partner for the firm, and is a denominated Southern California “Super Lawyer,” a rating bestowed on the top 5% of Southern California lawyers. Mr. Stearns handles both trial and transactional matters for the firm, his practice involving real estate, business affairs, family law, and trust/estate matters. Mr. Stearns also serves as general counsel to a number of…

Who Ryan represents

Ryan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, business, and child custody matters in Torrance and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Ryan studied and practices

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1992
University of California, Berkeley
B.S. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Ryan's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
California
1993 · ACTIVE

Ryan studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.S. in University of California, Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Ryan completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.S. in University of California, Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ryan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Ryan's legal honors and published work

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Ryan E. Stearns's office in Torrance

Ryan's primary office is at 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 310, Torrance, CA, 90503. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stearns & Ryan, Lawyers

21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 310

Torrance, CA 90503

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Ryan E. Stearns — 4.6/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Ryan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing alimony attorneys in Torrance.

4.6

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ryan E. Stearns claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ryan E. Stearns — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a alimony attorney in Torrance, 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 Ryan

Ryan 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. Ryan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ryan'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 Ryan E. Stearns

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

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