Palos Verdes Peninsula Divorce Lawyers

“Integrity Matters”
As a young woman, Gina experienced the pain and uncertainty of a protracted custody battle over her first child. It was this experience that caused her to become a lawyer. Her daughter is now happily married and attending medical school. Gina married her second husband in 1992. They have a teenaged son together, who still lives at home.

Gina was licensed to practice law in the state of California in 1997. Since then, she has amassed vast legal knowledge and courtroom experience. Her practice has always been limited exclusively to family law. Over the years, she has learned to listen....

Our tagline, "When you want your case done right the first time," evolved as a result of continued client feedback expressing frustrations with past dealings with the process. Divorce is a difficult process. We are mindful of the emotional aspect as well as the costs involved with each case. Andrew P. Johnson, APC makes every effort to apply the right resources to each task so that we can keep costs at a minimum while still accomplishing your goals.

I am a licensed California Attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist with an office located in Vista directly across from...

Attorney Ashley Negrette is a first generation lawyer and the first in her family to finish college. She completed undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she majored in International Development Studies. She then received her law degree from California Western School of Law in 2013 and passed the bar exam on her first attempt. Attorney Ashley is a strategic lawyer who lends creativity and common sense to complex legal problems. She has been trained by the best and is ready to fight for you. In July 2019, she completed the intense 7-day Family Law Trial Advocacy...

Here's an improved version of your legal directory listing description with a stronger emphasis on your unique qualifications, client-centered approach, and the benefits of choosing mediation: Scott Levin – San Diego Family Law Mediator & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst I’m Scott Levin, a dedicated family law attorney and mediator based in San Diego, California. As the only family law attorney in the greater San Diego area who is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), I specialize exclusively in divorce mediation, offering a cost-effective, low-conflict alternative to litigation. My approach is designed to help families navigate divorce with clarity, dignity, and financial...

Attorney Heather Cullen is a Certified Family Law Specialist and practices exclusively Family Law. Attorney Cullen is a native Southern Californian who graduated Cum Laude with a dual bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Law and Society from the University of California, Riverside. Attorney Cullen then earned her Juris Doctor Degree from The University of California at Davis School of Law. Attorney Cullen is currently an active member of the State Bar of California. She is licensed to practice law in the State of California and the U.S. District Court Central District of California. Attorney Cullen is also an active member of the...

Beshoy F. Shehata is the managing partner. He goes by “B.” B graduated from California Western School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2017. B is passionate about his career choice and loves helping his clients.

B was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. He migrated to the United States with his family in 2000. He has six siblings. He always wanted to become an attorney to help those going through tough times. He understands how difficult it is to go through a divorce or a custody battle. He understands the stress and uncertainty that accompanies...

Scottie Leming is one of our senior attorneys. She graduated from Western State University College of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1995. Scottie is an extremely experienced family law attorney and represented victims of domestic violence for twelve years before joining our firm.

Since 1995, Scottie has helped thousands of clients with great success. She understands the legal issues and uncertainties surrounding divorce, child custody and support are personal issues. She knows how to provide emotional support and clearly communicate with her clients. Scottie is well known and greatly respected within our legal community. She is...

Born in Bakersfield, California and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mr. Blado is a graduate of California Western School of Law. While at California Western, Mr. Blado studied Family Law and Community Property. During his third year of law school, Matthew was selected to serve as the judicial extern for the Honorable Nancy C. Oesterle.

While attending California Western, Mr. Blado was a founding member of the California Western School of Law Community Law Project which provided free legal assistance to poor and indigent members of the community. It was during this period that Mr. Blado was first exposed to the...

Alexandria Jaquay is an Attorney at Cullen Family Law Group. Attorney Jaquay is currently an active member of the State Bar of California and practices exclusively Family Law. Attorney Jaquay is a Southern California native. She attended and completed law school while being a full-time paralegal and mother of two. Attorney Jaquay graduated in the top 1% of her class while excelling at legal writing and research. Attorney Jaquay has been with Cullen Family Law Group since 2002, and she has worked on family law matters ranging from a simple separation resolution to a contested divorce, including high asset division...

Attorney Kevin A. Polis is a member of the State Bar of California, the San Diego Family Law Bar Association, North County Bar Association, and is Certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Kevin Polis has dedicated his career exclusively to the practice of divorce & family law. Because of this, he is certified by the State Bar of California as a Divorce & Family Law Specialist, a title that few attorneys in our area have, and one that shows a commitment to the practice of the law and delivering...

Kristie Lee Bergamo has presided as a temporary judge in both Orange and Los Angeles Counties. She also has an extensive history serving as minor's counsel, and has taught classes to help other attorneys become certified as minor's counsel. Kristie joined Family Law Matters in August of 2018. She attended Willamette University Law School in Salem, Oregon, and was licensed to practice law in 2002. Since then, she has focused on the practice of family law. Prior to joining Family Law Matters, Kristie was a sole practitioner and earned a reputation as a fierce advocate of her clients. Kristie has...

MY PROMISE: My consultations are not on a time clock . . . I will personally review your case and any pleadings which you might bring. Having practiced law for more than 19 years in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles County and knowing the majority of the judges, I can give you an honest opinion of the expected results of your particular case. I give intensive attention to crucial details of all legal issues, so you can be sure that we will not miss anything.

CONSULTATION: ...

Attorney James R. Dickinson is committed to delivering justice with professionalism, precision, and unwavering advocacy. He provides personalized legal representation tailored to each client's specific needs, with a strong focus on divorce and family law matters. Mr. Dickinson represents clients in all aspects of divorce, including property division, spousal support, child custody and visitation, and post-judgment modifications. He understands the emotional and financial challenges involved and works closely with clients to develop practical, strategic solutions that protect their rights and long-term interests. Known for his client-centered approach and attention to detail, Mr. Dickinson thoroughly analyzes each case and pursues the most effective...

Maria Estela De Orduna, known as "Estela," is a distinguished Family Law Attorney licensed in California since 2006. With nearly two decades of experience, she is recognized for her expertise in handling family law matters, including international cases involving asset division, enforcement of foreign custody, and support orders. Estela has volunteered her expertise to assist the U.S. Department of State’s International Parental Abduction Unit on occasion. Estela is highly skilled in strategic planning for divorce cases, focusing on property division, disclosure requirements, and custody and visitation matters. She has extensive experience addressing jurisdictional challenges in divorce and child custody...

Dennis Temko provides exceptional representation in appellate matters in California State Courts in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and elsewhere. His appellate practice is focused on family law matters including custody, property division, child and spousal support, stock options, high income earners, Ostler Smith (bonus support orders), domestic violence restraining orders, and imputation, among other issues. Most of his practice has been devoted to family law appeals and writs since his 2013 admission to the California State Bar. Super Lawyers Magazine recognized Mr. Temko as a rising star in 2017, and again in 2018.

Mr. Temko has...

For nearly 30 years, San Diego family law attorney Roy M. Doppelt, Esq. has been providing clients in Southern California with comprehensive legal services. He is currently an active member of the California and San Diego Bar Associations, and he is admitted to practice law in both California and Illinois state courts, as well as the Federal District Court for the Southern District of California.

Roy was raised in Chicago and attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He relocated to California to attend the California Western School of Law, where he obtained his J.D. in 1988, graduating with honors....

With each individual case, Catherine A. Schwartz brings the knowledge of over twenty years of experience practicing family law and criminal defense in California. Ms. Schwartz's undergraduate studies were in sociology at Philadelphia Christian College. She graduated with a B.S degree in law and a JD at Western State University College of Law, San Diego, in 1991. After passing the California State Bar in 1991, Ms. Schwartz practiced family law, juvenile dependency, and juvenile delinquency law in both San Diego and Riverside, CA. She has been involved in the areas of family law and criminal defense for the past 20...

Hoang-Anh (Anh) Zapien is an accomplished attorney who focuses on guiding and supporting her clients during the court process. Anh prides herself on being an advocate for her clients and their children. As a knowledgeable and effective family law attorney, Ms. Zapien has assisted clients in various family law matters and has extensive experience in litigation, but prides herself on her ability to mediate issues before clients are required to go through a trial. Her comprehensive education in politics, business, and the law has equipped her with the knowledge necessary to be an advocate for her clients both in the...

Attorney Moonazza "Mona" Naqvi is an Attorney at the Cullen Family Law Group. Attorney Naqvi is an active member of the State Bar of California and practices exclusively Family Law. Attorney Mona S. Naqvi has dedicated her life and work to helping others. Attorney Naqvi has been practicing Family Law since 2009. Attorney Naqvi uses her critical thinking skills and abilities to analyze client issues to achieve the best results possible for her clients. She is known for the impeccable service that she gives to her clients. Her passion is the welfare of children. She has taught Meditation to Elementary School...

Christopher R. Abernathy provides advice and counsel to clients throughout the state of California. The focus of Mr. Abernathy’s practice is Family Law. Mr. Abernathy is a skilled litigator and negotiator with many years of experience Born and raised in California, Mr. Abernathy attended California State University, Chico, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1994. He then was awarded his Juris Doctor in 1998 from Western State College of Law in Irvine. Mr. Abernathy has been in private practice for his entire career, and he is admitted to practice before all California state courts.

I am experienced trial attorney committed to serving your specific needs at affordable flat rates. I am known as a workaholic so I can be reached almost anytime on my cell at 909-354-9478. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ms. Hoefler is a University of Arizona alumnus, where she attended on a full-tuition academic scholarship and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Public Management and Policy with dual concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration and Environmental Policy as well as a minor in Business. She was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Prelaw Fraternity, the Criminal Justice Association, and served as a teaching assistant for two courses titled “Women and Youth in the Justice System” and “Crime and Public Policy.” Her first experience with family law came while volunteering as an undergraduate intern for Southern Arizona...

With over two decades of legal experience, Spanish-speaking attorney Marco A. Torres has been representing clients across San Diego County since 2001. A dedicated advocate, he understands the complexities and sensitivities of family law matters and is committed to guiding his clients through difficult legal challenges with compassion and respect. Marco is a dedicated family law attorney known for his compassionate and strategic approach to guiding clients through some of life’s most challenging legal matters. Marco represents clients in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, moveaways, and domestic violence cases. He is particularly...

James (Jim) Parke has practiced law in California for over 45 years. Jim graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1975 and from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1978. An esteemed expert in all areas of family law, Jim has spoken on several family law-related topics throughout Southern California and regularly contributes to divorce recovery workshops. He has also written several articles related to family law. Jim understands the psychological aspect of family law and he knows the importance of helping a client pass through the dissolution process as quickly, painlessly, and fairly as possible. He is diligent, caring, and works...

Kevin L. Cadora is the founding partner and lead trial counsel of Fair Cadora and has dedicated his career to assisting clients with various types of family law matters and disputes. As a dedicated member of the California Bar since 2003, Kevin has represented hundreds of clients through the complex and often overwhelming issues related to family law.

MS. SICKLER joined Beatrice L. Snider, APC in 1985 and is the managing partner of the firm. Ms. Sickler obtained her Juris Doctorate from Hastings College of the Law in 1976 and her Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1973. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Sickler was engaged in the general practice of law, including obtaining substantial civil and criminal trial experience. Ms. Sickler was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1976 and became a Certified Specialist in Family Law in 1991. She is a member of the State Bar of...

Ms. Snider was one of eight women in a class of 423 when she graduated from California Western School of Law in 1973 with a Juris Doctorate.
The family law act of 1975, coupled with her desire to help clients in need, solidified her decision to specialize in Family Law. In 1980, Ms. Snider was one of twelve in the first class of attorneys to be board certified as a Certified Family Law Specialist in the State of California. Ms. Snider is a member of the State Bar of California, Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, San Diego Family Law Bar...