Comm. Patti C. Ratekin (Ret.)

With over 31 years of experience in the Family Court system, Commissioner Ratekin has consistently worked to help individuals achieve the best possible outcomes in challenging circumstances. Her extensive experience, direct and practical approach to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) emphasizes a clear understanding of each case’s strengths and weaknesses, the financial and emotional cost of litigation, and the value of resolution as a step toward healing. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Commissioner Ratekin’s extensive knowledge of family law was recognized by her peers when she was honored as the recipient of the 2021 Judicial Officer of the Decade and Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego Family Law Bar Association.

From 2007 to 2009, she was on the California Guideline Child Support task force. Ratekin created the curriculum for the Primary Assignment Training for AB1058 Child Support Commissioners. In 2010 she was assigned to the Independent Family Law Calendar, and she has been dedicated to educating and lecturing on family law across the state of California.

During her time as an attorney, she participated as a Judge Pro Tem providing extensive mediation services to the Superior Courts settlement panel. Following her appointment as a Family Court Commissioner, she provided ADR services to litigants from cases all over San Diego County on a weekly basis.

Commissioner Ratekin was on the Department of Child Support Services Guideline Child Support Calculator task force, the Superior Court Family Law Committee, the San Diego County Rules Committee  and from 2017 through 2022 she served on the CJER Family Law Curriculum Committee.

Commissioner Ratekin has been named the 2006 Attorney of the Year by the Bar Association of Northern San Diego County, the 2014 Distinguished Jurist Award Winner, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Southern California Chapter, the 2016 Commissioner of the Year, California Court Commissioners Association, the 2016 Judicial Officer of the Year, San Diego Family Law Bar Association, and the 2021 Judicial Officer of the Decade, Lifetime Achievement, San Diego Family Law Bar Association.