Jennifer Groce

Jennifer focuses the majority of her practice on the area of family law. She also handles guardianships, termination of parental rights relating to adoptions and some criminal defense matters. Jennifer was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2005 and was employed as an associate attorney at a prominent law firm in Ventura. She joined the Law Offices of Marsha K. Niedens in February 2013.

Jennifer has worked in the field of criminal justice for many years. She started working for the Santa Barbara County Probation Department as a Juvenile Institutions Officer at the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall in 1997. In 2000 Jennifer moved to Ventura County and was employed as a Deputy Probation Officer with the Ventura County Probation Agency. During her career as a probation officer, she gained invaluable experience that has carried over to her legal career.

While employed as a Deputy Probation Officer Jennifer interacted with probationers as well as individuals sent to prison, victims, parents, school personnel, law enforcement, attorneys and other professionals, all of whom had a variety of different temperaments and dispositions. The experience Jennifer gained by working with diverse personalities has contributed to her being a successful and effective attorney. Additionally, her diverse experience, education and training enables her to efficiently and accurately analyze complex issues and determine an appropriate course of action.

Jennifer is a strong advocate for her clients, whether in settlement negotiations or in the courtroom. She has litigation experience in both family law court trials and has conducted jury trials. She communicates with her client to determine what is important them, to determine their goals and to advise them if their goals can realistically be attained.

She takes the time to guide her clients through the legal process so they know what to expect and can make an informed decision. Jennifer is thorough in her handling of cases and clients take comfort in knowing their interests are well represented. Additionally, Jennifer makes a point to be available to her clients; whether by phone, e-mail or an in person appointment.

Jennifer is well respected in the local legal community. She has been described by fellow attorneys as being highly intelligent, ethical and an accomplished family law attorney. When appropriate in a case, she fights hard and effectively for her clients, but always assesses each case individually to determine if being aggressive is the appropriate path to take in the case. Jennifer is also an effective negotiator and is able to resolve many issues without the need for litigation. She strikes a great balance between advocating on behalf of her client and resolving matters amicably.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys traveling and visiting our National Parks.

Areas of Practice
80% Family Law/Divorce
10% Criminal Defense
5% Guardianships
5% Adoption
Bar Admissions
California, 2005
Education
Ventura College of Law, Ventura, California
J.D.
Chapman University
B.A. – 1991
Major: Criminal Justice
Professional Associations and Memberships
California State Bar, Member, 2005 – Present
Ventura County Bar Association, Member , 2006 – Present
Ventura County Family Law Bar, Member, 2006 – Present
Ventura County Family Law Bar Association, Board Member , 2012 – Present