Cardiff By The Sea Family 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....

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...

Although our whole firm prides itself on being "warriors in court," I believe that I have a calling to spread the word to folks that there are alternatives to going to court. There are alternatives like mediation, collaborative law and cooperative law. People in our firm, and myself, had to take extra training, often at substantial expense and in other states, to be able to offer those alternative dispute methods for our clients. Now I have hobbies of "spreading the word" about those alternatives. I appear on TV, often with other members of our firm....

Stephen V. Smith is a dedicated and skilled Divorce and Family Law attorney. He exclusively represents men and women going through difficult divorces and complex family issues. When possible, Stephen uses a non-adversarial approach, involving mediation and settlement. Because emotions run high in this area of the law, Stephen is also prepared to proceed to court to resolve cases. In addition to over 18 years advocating for clients, Stephen has personal experience with divorce. More than 20 years ago, before becoming an attorney, he represented himself in his own divorce and contentious custody battle. During this difficult time Stephen realized what...

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...

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...

Mr. Bourne is a former San Diego criminal prosecutor who prosecuted various criminal offenses and also worked in the domestic violence unit (Family Justice Center) of the San Diego City Attorney's Office. After working for the San Diego City Attorney's office, Mr. Bourne joined a civil litigation firm where he gained extensive experience in various matters including corporate and partnership law and marital dissolution. This experience includes pre-trial discovery, valuation of community and corporate assets, and various legal motion and pleading work.

Mr. Bourne also devotes substantial time as conflict counsel. He represents indigent defendants who cannot afford an attorney...

Meet Kristen A. Holstrom, CFLS*, a dynamic Partner at Holstrom, Block & Parke and a renowned family law specialist. Kristen hosts the top legal talk radio show on Go Country 105FM, educating listeners on family law. With a decade of experience, she's respected for her sharp legal mind, tenacious representation, and creative strategies. Kristen's journey started early working with her father, Dayn Holstrom, a prominent family law attorney. Holding a business degree from Jacksonville University, she excelled in NCAA Division 1 Soccer. Kristen earned her Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School, passing the California State Bar and Family Law Specialists Exam. As...

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...

Andy Cook is here to help you! With a great courtroom presence (he used to be a professional announcer) and strong writing skills, Andy is able to get your message across to the many family law judges in San Diego County.

Andy Cook handles family law matters exclusively. He has one associate attorney and has run his own practice in the Bankers Hill area of San Diego, located about a mile from the main San Diego Family Law Court, for over 23 years. Andy has been Certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar...

Michele B. Brown is an attorney licensed in the State of California and the United States District Court for the Southern District. She is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and the head of the Procopio Family Law Group. Ms. Brown has been practicing family law for approximately 25 years. She handles complex family law matters, including dissolution of marriage actions with business valuations, income analysis and financial litigation, custody, move-away and psychological evaluations, as well as pre-marital agreements, post-marital agreements, post judgment matters and enforcement actions. Ms. Brown cares deeply about the law and her clients....

B. Robert Farzad is the managing partner of Farzad & Ochoa Family Law Attorneys, LLP. Farzad & Ochoa is a premier divorce and family law firm with offices in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. The firm represents husbands and wives in complex or high conflict cases, including those that include complex financial and/or child custody issues. Mr. Farzad is a respected divorce attorney. He has presented seminars for the Orange County Bar Association and Continuing Education for the Bar (CEB). His work is featured in Orange County Lawyer Magazine, The Huffington Post, Yahoo Parenting and more. B. Robert Farzad is a...

Justine Marren received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University. Ms. Marren graduated from San Diego State University, Magna Cum Laude and was on the University’s Dean’s List every semester in attendance. Ms. Marren received her Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, where she graduated Cum Laude and in the top fifteen percent of her class. Ms. Marren also received an Academic Achievement Award in Family Law which recognized her achieving the highest grade possible in her Family Law Class. During law school, Ms. Marren interned at the Family Law Facilitator’s Office...

I practice family law which usually includes child custody, domestic violence, divorce, legal separation, child support and more. If you are in need of an attorney feel free to contact my office.

Jennifer R. Posey was admitted to the California Bar in 1991 graduating Magna Cum Laude and Salutorian from American College of Law with her Juris Doctorate in Law. Ms. Posey was also admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Previously a professor of Appellate Advocacy and Evidence, Ms. Posey has been practicing in Family Law litigation, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Dissolution, Property Divisions and related family law matters for over 20 years. As a member of her legal community, Ms. Posey has served on the Orange County Superior Court Panel for Minor's Counsel....

Colleen Dillon Robinson has been licensed to practice law since 2009. Collen attended college at the University of Madison, Wisconsin. She graduated from California Western School of Law in 2009. Thereafter, she spent the first nine years of her legal career practicing in San Diego County before jointing Family Law Matters in 2018. Colleen is empathetic and a go-getter. She loves working at Family Law Matters because everyone is so positive and it allows her to help people through the most difficult times of their lives.

Colleen grew up as the third youngest of four children. Even so, her...

Ilona Antonyan is a Founding Partner of Antonyan Miranda, a litigation trial attorney, and a Certified Family Law Specialist. Ms. Antonyan became the youngest person in California to become a Certified Family Law Specialist, after achieving the rigorous requirements in only five years of practice.

Having immigrated to the United States in 1992 as an Armenian refugee, Ms. Antonyan is fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, and is collaterally licensed as a real estate broker, and also obtained Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Ms. Antonyan focuses her practice exclusively on family law matters, specializing in high-net worth cases and those...

I have represented thousands of clients throughout the state of California. I am a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Reserves and the California Army National Guard.

In 1996 I graduated from the University of California with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, and in 1999 I received my juris doctorate from the University of California Hastings College of Law.

Early in my legal career I worked for large multi-national companies, including PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and North American Exchange Company, a division of Lennar Homes. I have been a solo-practitioner for...

Sandy L. Meade has over 20 years of experience practicing law in California. Through open communication and a commitment toward the empowerment of her clients, Sandy has earned an outstanding reputation among both colleagues and clients for her professional and compassionate approach to family law.

Dolores Contreras is a decorated San Diego business lawyer with multiple awards and nominations under her belt, including the National Business Woman Association Entrepreneur of the Year Award and finalist for San Diego Magaizine's Woman of the Year. Her accomplishments and dedication to every client has lead to a successful career representing clients in business litigation, real estate law and family law. Ms. Contreras is fluent in both English and Spanish and her expertise in cross-border litigation has made her a strong voice in the Spanish speaking community.

David K.Wilkinson is a Fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), and started his education when he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, one of the highest ranked undergraduate business schools in the United States. He was awarded membership to the National Dean’s List. David received his Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law School and graduated in the top one-third of his class. Co-founder of Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, David practices family law for the firm, handling all facets of the practice area, from straightforward negotiation...

Joseph V. Camarata prides himself on providing more personalized, experienced representation to clients facing criminal charges and family law matters. Mr. Camarata is a former prosecutor with substantial trial experience. When you discuss your case with him, he provides only his honest assessments and carefully explores your options in detail with you. He is aggressive in seeking the best possible outcome yet compassionate when guiding you through the legal system. Mr. Camarata is highly respected by the legal community for his ethics and for his impressive results.
With over 15 years of legal experience, Attorney Joseph V. Camarata has spent the...

As the founder of the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC, Attorney Michael D. Iverson provides knowledgeable and compassionate representation to his clients in family law, estate planning, and business and civil litigation matters. He has been named a 10 Best Attorney: Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™ in 2017 and 2018. Before entering law school, Mr. Iverson amassed extensive experience in varied fields. He worked as a dental technician, earned a paralegal certificate, climbed the ladder as a paralegal at a large personal injury firm in Salt Lake City, and obtained a real estate...

Lake Elsinore family law attorney handling cases including adoption, child support, child custody, divorce, separation, annulments, marital agreements, spousal support, and visitation rights.

Certified Family Law Specialist Attorney in Orange County, California with offices in Irvine and Rancho Santa Margarita.

Mr. Mellman provides clients with a full range of legal services including estate planning, estate litigation, family law, divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, civil litigation, business transactions, business law, intellectual property, real property, and asset protection. Mr. Mellman received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he graduated in the top four percent of his class with honors of Magna Cum Laude. While in law school, Mr. Mellman served as the Managing-Editor of the Thomas Jefferson Law Review...

Navy Veteran, Certified Family Law Specialist, Experienced. I take the time to explain the law to you. Property Division. Child Custody, Child and spousal support, Domestic Violence,
Dept. of Child Support Services.

CERTIFIED AS A FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST BY THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA, ATTORNEY ELYSE B. BUTLER, CFLS HAS ESTABLISHED HERSELF AS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.

Ms. Butler is a distinguished lawyer based in San Diego, California. She is Certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law; an accomplishment only approximately 5% of attorneys earn. She is also Verified by the Lead Counsel Review Board. As the founder of Butler Law, her client-focused approach to everything from property division to child custody and visitation has earned her recognition from Super Lawyers Magazine, the American...

Richard Young is a Master lawyer with the Orange County Bar Association practicing in Family Law, Divorce Law, Custody, Support, Domestic Violence, Asset Division, Pre Nuptials, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Trusts, Wills, Bankruptcy. He graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1994 and immediately formed his firm. He has won awards from the Orange County Bar Association from the Judiciary and Pro Bono Publico as well as Graduating from the Pepperdine College of Advocacy. He has served as a Judge Pro Tem, Senior Mandatory Fee Arbitrator and has successfully handled thousands of Family law matters.

Melody Trujillo is a graduate of McGeorge School of Law who brings to her clients 28 years of legal practice. She and her partner have successfully litigated thousands of cases in Southern California. Ms. Trujillo practices primarily in Family Law representing clients in Hemet, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville and all of the San Diego Courts. She is dedicated to her clients. The attorneys and paralegals at Trujillo & Trujillo, APLC are all caring individuals who put their client's needs as paramount. Each paralegal has at minimum a paralegal certificate and an Associate Degree. The...

I am a determined Criminal Defense and Family Law attorney. I represent clients in Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties with legal matters including divorce, domestic violence, guardianships and criminal defense.

During a time of intense stress and uncertainty, you need an experienced and compassionate attorney to advocate for your rights and interests. I am committed to the highest level of integrity while aggressively pursuing the best possible outcomes for my clients.

My interest in law began over 25 years ago, when following high school, I began work as a legal assistant. Since opening my own firm in 2002, my...

Attorney, therapist, and social worker providing trauma-informed, child-centered litigation services to individuals engaged in high-conflict divorce/child custody disputes. Ms. Wienick served in the United States Army as a military intelligence linguist from 1989-1993. In 1997, she received her undergraduate degrees in political science and Korean studies, magna cum laude, from the University of Washington. She is also a 2000 graduate of the University of California College of the Law at San Francisco, cum laude, and has been a licensed attorney in the state of California since 2000. Ms. Wienick practiced law as a commercial and environmental litigation attorney in Los Angeles...

Juanita Guillen-Mellman is a co-founding partner of Mellman & Mellman LLP, a law firm that has represented clients in various legal matters, including estate planning and probate, family law, real property, civil litigation and estate litigation. As an attorney licensed to practice in all California state and federal courts, Ms. Guillen-Mellman has gained extensive litigation experience by conducting and successfully arguing hundreds of motions, trials, and other hearings. Attorney Guillen-Mellman is well versed in what it takes to obtain results, both in and out of court. At Mellman & Mellman, LLP attorney Juanita Guillen-Mellman is an integral part of the...

Maria Rogova, Esq. is the founder of Maria Rogova Family Law, specializing in divorce and family law in San Diego, California. With a strong legal background and a strategic approach developed through years of competitive chess, Maria offers a unique perspective to her practice. Fluent in Russian and possessing a diverse international background, she is well-equipped to handle a broad range of family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence restraining orders, both contested and uncontested divorces, as well as the litigation and negotiation of various divorce-related issues and premarital agreements. Maria’s journey...

Ms. Feral puts the needs of her clients first, even if that means dealing with conflict. Passionate about making sure her client's voice is heard, you can count on her to fight and not back down. Ms. Feral is rated one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the area and has earned the respect of clients and San Diego Defense Lawyers throughout California.

“Breaking Up is Hard to Do On Your Own – We will lead you through the toughest decisions you will ever have to make, whether it is to protect you, your children, your property and your future.” – Michelle Paul, Esq. Michelle is an East Coast native who has been successful in the business arena as an entrepreneur for 37 years. She went back to school after 20 years as a non-traditional student and obtained a Political Science degree with Summa Cum Laude 4.0 honors from Coastal Carolina University. She has worked in Civil Litigation for the past eight...

Mr. Tabayoyon is an experienced trial attorney that focuses on personal injury and family law matters, including federal and state trial litigation.