Atty. James Morris Ratzer

Atty. James Morris Ratzer

Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law, The California Board of Legal Specialization of The State Bar of California, 2007—. Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Count Superior Court-Family Law Settlements and Small Claims Court, 2005—.

Solana Beach Solana Beach 36 yrs experience 36 year
Call (858) 381-9079 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James Morris Ratzer at a glance

James Morris Ratzer is a Principal based in Solana Beach, California, practicing at Ratzer|Dobis, A Practice Limited to Family Law. They have 36+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1990. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, real estate, and child support. Admitted to practice in California (1990) and Illinois (1991). Educated at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1990) and University of Iowa (B.B.A., 1985). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Solana Beach, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law, The California Board of Legal Specialization of The State Bar of California, 2007—
  • Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Count Superior Court-Family Law Settlements and Small Claims Court, 2005—
  • Volunteer Lawyer-San Diego County Volunteer Lawyer Program, 2006—
  • Instructor, Mira Costa College, "What Men Need To Know About Divorce" Adult Education Class, 2008—
  • Speaker, "Second Saturday - What Women Need To Know About Divorce" Adult Education Class, Mira Costa College
  • Instructor, High Conflict Diverson Program, "Strategies For Communication and Negotiating High Conflict Divorce, 2007—
  • Judge, University of San Diego School of Law, Appellate Moot Court Board, Paul A, McLennon Honors Moot Court Competition, 2007—
  • Judge, University of San Diego, Appellate Moot Court Board, National Criminal Procedure Competition, 2009—
  • Chair, San Diego Family Law Bar Association 2016 Summer Seminar "The Impact of Bankruptcy On Your Divorce Case"; Speaker, San Diego Family Law Bar Association 2015 Winter Seminar, Judicial Panel Moderator; Speaker, San Diego County Bar Association Certified Legal Specialist's 2011 Winter Seminar, Case and Statute Updates; Speaker, San Diego County Bar Association Certified Legal Specialist's 2008 Winter Seminar, Case and Statute Updates
  • Speaker - University of San Diego's Fifth Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium, I Write the Songs: The Role of Founder," January 2009
  • Member, Board of Directors, "ARTS" A Reason To Survive, 2005—
  • Board Chair, "ARTS" A Reason To Survive, 2007-2009
  • Committee Member, City of Solana Beach, California, View Assessment Committee, 2004-2008
  • Member, USA Hockey
  • Coach, Solana Beach Soccer Club

Practice Areas Explained

James Morris Ratzer's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Morris Ratzer handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

James Morris Ratzer is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in California →

Child Custody & Visitation

James Morris Ratzer is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in California →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

James Morris Ratzer is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

James Morris Ratzer is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →

Child Support

James Morris Ratzer is one of 24,688 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Solana Beach are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Solana Beach or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James Morris Ratzer

Where is James Morris Ratzer's law office located?
James Morris Ratzer's law practice is located in Solana Beach, California. The firm is Ratzer|Dobis, A Practice Limited to Family Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Morris Ratzer handle?
James Morris Ratzer focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, real estate, child support. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has James Morris Ratzer practiced law?
James Morris Ratzer has 36+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1990.
Where did James Morris Ratzer go to law school?
James Morris Ratzer earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (B.B.A., 1985).
How can I contact James Morris Ratzer for a consultation?
You can contact James Morris Ratzer directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Morris Ratzer received?
James Morris Ratzer's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
- 1990
B.B.A.
University of Iowa
- 1985

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1990
Illinois
Admitted: 1991

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