Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, APC
Makupson & Howard is a law firm based in Pasadena, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. We focus on family law, which includes divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence, and restraining orders. We also handle collaborative divorce, mediation, and litigation. We (the partners) are mother (Carolyn A. Makupson, Esq.) and daughter (Kristen M. Howard, Esq.). We are passionate about fighting for our clients when needed, but we are equally passionate in our pursuit of an amicable resolution outside of court. Each of our clients is treated as an individual, and we take great care to provide our clients with representation tailored to their needs. We are very sensitive to the emotional issues that arise in a situation involving children, and we make sure to keep your children in mind when advising you and representing you.

With over 24 years of combined experience, we have the wisdom and the skills necessary to represent you to the fullest extent.

Q & A With Carolyn A. Makupson

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that clients should educate themselves on legal issues. The more that they understand, the less complicated the process will seem to them. When parties consult with me and/or retain my services, I do my best to educate them on legal issues. I want them to understand the law and their rights.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
My partner Kristen Howard and I both are very willing to review documents prepared by clients. We will also assist them in preparing documents. However, based upon my experience, I find that the majority of clients need more assistance than completing documents. The majority of clients do not understand how to get the case through the court system. I have had several clients retain me to finish the work in order to finalize the divorce. In these cases, many of them have been sitting for months and sometimes years after the initial filing because the parties do not know what to do.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not coach clients who want to represent themselves. I will advise them what to expect in court (i.e. courtroom protocol).

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I went through divorce in 1981 and I had a very incompetent family law attorney. I decided then to go to law school. I went to law school for four years by attending La Verne 3 nights per week and I taught fifth grade every day. I finished law school in 1986; however, I did not begin practicing until 1990 because I became vice principal and then principal. I waited to vest in that system before commencing the practice of law.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My life experience of going through divorce makes me a better lawyer. I was a stay-at-home mom until my divorce in 1981 (other than working part-time as a teacher). My children were 11, 7 and 4 years old. Their father and I were as amicable as possible regarding custody. However, the financial issues were not straight forward because I had been kept in the dark as a wife. I learned a lot during the divorce process. My background as a teacher makes me a better lawyer when I am appointed by the court to represent children.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Because of my divorce in 1981.

What do you like best about your career?
Divorce and separation of parties when they have children is very traumatic. I believe that I make a difference. I do my very best to assist parties and their children in getting through the process. I try to as much as possible to minimize the emotional trauma and stress. When I am unable to assist the parties and their children emotionally, I have resources that I can encourage them to use. There are mental health professionals that I can refer them to for counseling. My clients trust me and know that they can talk to me. It is very rewarding as I observe parties begin to smile when initially they were crying. It is very rewarding when they thank me and refer others to me. When I receive Christmas cards with pictures of children who were small when I handled the case and who are now graduating high school, I smile. I also like the fact that my clients and other attorneys have told me that I do my very best to minimize the legal fees.

Tell us about your law firm:
My partner, Kristen M. Howard, is my daughter. Kristen was 7 years old when her dad and I divorced. As a child of divorce, she decided to become a family law attorney. She has the same philosophy that I have as a family law attorney. She cares about our clients too. Tasha Shermer is my legal assistant and receptionist. I have been told by others that she is very sensitive to my clients and others that call our firm. She is very patient and kind. She is extremely pleasant on the phone.

What are your strengths and style?
I have been told that I am very understanding. I am easy to talk to and I am a good listener. My clients tell me "You care."

I am a good negotiator and work well with opposing counsels; however, if I have to litigate, I am a strong advocate for my clients. I have no difficulty dealing with the family law attorneys who only know how to litigate. If I can avoid litigation, I will do so because it saves the high cost of litigation. However, in the majority of my cases, I have no choice, I must litigate and I can do it successfully. Several years ago, an opposing counsel said to me, "I mistook your kindness for weakness."

I get referrals from opposing counsel. A few years ago, an opposing counsel had to close his firm and he had me take over his existing files (with the clients' consent).