Jon S. Summers is a Los Angeles family law lawyer and one of the founding partners at Summers Levine, LLP. With nearly 30 years of experience, Jon brings not only a thorough understanding and compassion to his cases, but a sincere and principled advocacy as well. As no two matters are alike, Jon crafts a goal-oriented, legal strategy at the outset of each case, whether the issue concerns a contested custody issue, a carefully negotiated global settlement, or a detailed prenuptial agreement. Having represented many high-net-worth clients throughout Southern California, he is highly regarded for his expertise involving family law issues, in particular, the complexities of child custody, the division of assets, and the preservation of wealth. Strength and tenacity are often required in representing clients going through a divorce. Jon does not let up when difficult issues arise in a divorce case. He employs a variety of litigation strategies to achieve the outcome.
An Experienced Winner in the Courtroom
I was trial counsel and appellate counsel for the prevailing party in Marriage of Usher (2016) 6 Cal.App. 5th 347, in which the Respondent, husband, a successful director, sought a modification of child support due to his claim that his income reduction constituted a material change in circumstance. Husband claimed that his income dropped from $350,000 per month to $140,141 per month. In addition, Husband admitted to having liquid and non-liquid assets of $67 million.
The trial court found that a material change in circumstances existed in the reduction of husband’s income and granted his request to reduce his child support payment from $17,500 per month to $9,842 per month.
Appellant, “wife” appealed, arguing that husband failed to present sufficient evidence of a material change in circumstances. The appellate court agreed and reversed the trial court’s reduction in support. The evidence presented at the trial showed he could continue paying support without “materially impact[ing] his net worth” or suffering a “cutback in his own lifestyle.”
The court concluded that the substantial evidence did not support the trial court’s finding of a material change in circumstances for purposes of meeting husband’s child support obligation. In light of his overall wealth ($67 million in assets), the reduction in his employment income did not, in and of itself, materially impair his ability to pay the agreed-upon child support.
Jon S Summers: A Respected Member of the Family Law Community
Within the family law community, Mr. Summers served as co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association in 2010 and 2011. During that time he hosted several panels of discussion related to the current strategies and recent case authorities related to child custody, financial matters, discovery, prenuptial agreement, and the like. In addition to having been awarded an AV® rating from Martindale Hubbell and the distinction of Super Lawyers® since 2006, Mr. Summers also sits on the Board of Councilors of the USC Libraries.
Jon S. Summers: Education
Mr. Summers graduated in 1986 from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and International Relations. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University in 1989 and immediately began his Family Law practice.
Contact Los Angeles Family Law Lawyer Jon S. Summers Today
If you are going through a divorce or need help resolving any matter related to a family law issue, Jon S. Summers is here to help. With almost 30 years of experience in family law, he has the dedication, compassion, and understanding to get you the results you seek. He can help resolve issues related to child custody/support, spousal support, paternity actions, mediation, high-net-worth divorce, and more. Contact him today to see how he can help. He services Los Angeles and all of Southern California.