Dana Point Family Lawyers

Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz is the daughter of Filipino immigrants, married to a Mexican immigrant, mother to a Mexican Filipino son, and an immigrant herself, having arrived to Southern California, United States at the age of 8 in 1982. Cheryl is proud to connect her Filipino roots to those roots established in Los Angeles, California. She attended Virgil Junior High and graduated from Belmont High School in 1991. With school records filled with academic honors, leadership positions in student council and school clubs, and positions of captain for both the varsity volleyball and varsity swim team, Cheryl was accepted to and...

Board Certified Family Law Specialist with more than 35 years of litigation experience. Attorney Scott represents clients in a wide variety of family law matters. This includes military cases, complex cases in contested matters of divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, paternity, representation of families of professional baseball and football players, business evaluation and division. Mr. Scott is skilled and experienced with the treatment of professional practices and separately held businesses in divorce.

Mr. Scott also has more than 35 years of litigation experience in the following family law areas of practice:

Domestic Violence
Post Judgment Family Law
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Grandparent Visitation Rights
Legal...

Mr. Mesnik has dedicated 100% of his practice to family law cases such as divorce, child custody and support, domestic partnership dissolution, post judgment enforcement, and modifications of support and custody. Mr. Mesnik appears in all San Diego County Family Courts including North County in Vista, California, East County in El Cajon, Downtown Central Court, Dontown Family Court, Madge Bradley Building, and Southbay in Chula Vista. Mr. Mesnik has appeared in front of each Family Court judge in San Diego County and is knowledgeable of each judicial officer currently on the bench. Throughout Mr. Mesnik's years of practice he has...

Nicole Duncan is a lawyer and founding partner at Duncan Family Law. She earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Whittier Law School and is licensed to practice law in California and Colorado. Nicole has an International Law certification from King's College London and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from USC Marshall School of Business. Over the past years, she has successfully litigated many complex cases involving custody disputes and high-conflict divorce proceedings. She has developed an extensive network of contacts throughout California. Nicole's practice includes family law, divorce, mediation, legal separation agreements, child custody disputes, spousal support...

Attorney Brian Michaels is a 23 year veteran of the California Criminal And Family Law Courts. Attorney Michaels spent the first 8 years of his career as a big city Prosecutor where he cut his teeth in the trial courts of Los Angeles where he earned accolades as a Top Prosecutor. Attorney Michaels worked for the Los Angeles Police Department during the height of the infamous Rampart Scandal as a Civil Defense Attorney. Michaels is unique among Attorneys in Southern California as very few have any Prosecutorial experience and most set out on their own straight out of Law School....

I am an experienced family law attorney specializing in complex divorce matters, paternity actions, nullity/annulment, separation, child custody and visitation issues/litigation, domestic violence matters, restraining orders, valuation and division of property, child support and spousal support, prenuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements, and post-judgment enforcement and modification proceedings. Before starting my own law firm, I practiced family law for many years at preeminent family law firms. I am fluent in the Arabic language and have expertise in Orthodox Jewish custody disputes. I was selected Southern California "Rising Star" by Los Angeles "Super Lawyers" in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and...

California Attorney Eric J. Gold has practiced law in California since 1999. As a solo practitioner at the Law Offices of Eric J. Gold, APC, he personally handles each matter and uses current technology to provide value and comprehensive services to his clients. In addition to his specialized knowledge in commercial transportation, Mr. Gold has also worked for a not-for-profit outdoor advocacy organization that promotes mountain bicycling and he remains an avid cyclist today

Warren R. Shiell is a LA Divorce Lawyer and mediator dedicated exclusively to the practice of divorce and family law in Los Angeles, CA. He is a member of the California and New York Bar. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has been endorsed by other family lawyers and family court judges. Graduating from Oxford University with an M.A in Law in 1985, Warren R. Shiell practiced commercial litigation in the City of London before moving to New York. In New York, Warren R. Shiell handled numerous civil and family law trials and won several appeals at the...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Genevieve Suzuki, a dedicated advocate for family unity, brings over twelve years of experience as a family law attorney in San Diego. With a strong belief in minimizing conflict within families, Suzuki prioritizes empathetic representation, guiding clients towards amicable resolutions. Her journey into family law began with a childhood aspiration to support families during their most challenging moments. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law, Genevieve seamlessly merged her passion for storytelling with her legal expertise. Before entering the legal field, Genevieve flourished as a...

Bio for Donna A. Laurent, Certified Family Law Specialist Donna graduated from Southwestern University School of Law, Summa Cum Laude, in May 1994. While at Southwestern, she earned American Jurisprudence Awards in Legal Research & Writing, Constitutional Law and Torts. She also received Corpus Juris Secundum Awards in Civil Procedure and Torts and an Outstanding Achievement Award in the International Protection of Human Rights. She was invited to Law Review and Moot Court, but chose, instead, to devote her non-school hours to raising her young son, who started kindergarten when she started law school. Prior to law school, Donna...

Farzad Nezam is the principle at the boutique divorce and family law firm of Nezam & Associates serving Los Angeles and orange County. He handle only a handful of cases so he can give his clients the attention to detail and support that family law cases needs. Nezam & Associates serves, Los Angeles, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas and many other cities in the Southern California Area

Sophisticated Divorce Attorney Prime Divorce Attorney Francisco Zavala, J.D. Honored at U.C.L.A. School of Law Divorce lawyer Francisco Zavala, J.D., previously served as a Los Angeles County Temporary Judge. Divorce Attorney Francisco M. Zavala is listed in Who's Who in California, and Who's Who in American Law. Family Law Attorney Francisco Zavala graduated from the following academic institutions: - UCLA School of Law - Class of 1996 - UCLA Undergraduate School - Class of 1993 Divorce Lawyer Francisco Zavala has completed additional advanced legal education from the following academic institutions: -Harvard School of Law, Boston - 2003 -Hastings College of the Law, College of Advocacy, San...

Mr. Lee Zavatsky practices divorce and family law in Los Angeles California. Mr. Zavatsky has worked on hundreds of divorce and child custody matters. He is also a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, and the California DUI Lawyers Association.

Ms. Mariya Furman is a Los Angeles family and divorce attorney. She co-founded Furman & Zavatsky in Encino, California, with a focus on representing clients in all types of Family Law matters in the Southern California area at their office in Encino,

Focusing her practice in family law, Ms. Furman represents clients in matters such as divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, spousal support and visitation. She also handles cases involving post-judgment modifications of custody and support, as well preparation of prenuptial agreements. Ms. Furman is also very experienced in cases involving domestic violence and she helped many...

Ashley W. Edwards joined Walzer Melcher with four years of experience as a litigation associate at a well-respected law firm in Sherman Oaks. Ashley successfully represented landlords and management companies of both residential and commercial properties in Los Angeles and Orange counties in all aspects of landlord-tenant, fair housing, and real estate law.

Ashley’s experience both in and out of the courtroom, coupled with her enthusiasm for the law, enable her to effectively represent her clients in all aspects of complex family law matters. Ashley recognizes each case is unique and takes time to provide her clients with thorough legal analyses...

Our firm focuses on divorce and civil litigation matters. I have 30 years of experience in state and federal courts. I have been awarded the highest possible rating for legal skill and ethical conduct by Martindale Hubbell, the oldest attorney rating company in the United States and a 10/10 Superb rating by avvo.com. I am a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Less than 1 percent of litigation attorneys are members. The three most important characteristics of our firm are accessibility of the attorney,...

Amir practices all areas of family law, including child custody and support issues, mediation, and litigation.

I received my BA in history from UCLA in 1993. I attended Ventura College of Law and received my Juris Doctorate. While attending Law School, I was a law clerk for the District Attorney's office for Child Support. In 2007, I became certified as a family law specialist. I volunteer as a settlement officer in the Ventura County courts. In 2009, I opened my own practice where I continue to focus primarily on family law cases. I have tried complex custody, domestic violence and child/spousal support cases. My focus is to educate my client about the law and life...

Practicing family law since 1981, Jeffery S. Graff boasts more than 35 years of legal experience. In that time, Attorney Graff has handled thousands of cases covering a variety of issues. He has a firm grasp on the Ventura County and Los Angeles County procedures in regards to child custody, visitation, support, and other similar matters. Most importantly, Attorney Graff understands the overwhelming emotion and frustration that can come into play in these types of cases. That is why he provides compassionate and personalized legal counsel every step of the way. Attorney Graff is there to answer any questions you...

A lawyer who understands the concerns you have and the situations you are going through, may be hard to find. As someone who has been through a divorce and heavily involved in the criminal justice system, attorney Heath L. Baker may understand your concerns regarding your family law, criminal law, and personal injury cases, more than you would expect. Mr. Baker understands what it is like to face emotionally difficult situations, which go beyond “winning” a case. Mr. Baker retired from the Riverside Police Department after obtaining years of experience with the courts, investigations, and the judicial process, seeing both sides of...

Elizabeth Swiller is an experienced Family, Divorce, and Juvenile Law attorney. She provides legal services to parents, relatives, foster parents and other caregivers throughout the San Diego area. Elizabeth is dedicated to zealous advocacy focused on accomplishing your goals and achieving the best possible outcomes.

Elizabeth offers smart, sensible and cost-effective solutions for your family law needs. She will passionately fight for your child and family.

Elizabeth is here to assist you in securing the brightest of futures for your child and family. Contact her for a free initial consultation.

Linda Jazo is an experienced and trusted Family, Divorce and Juvenile Law attorney. She is committed to quality advocacy, representing the best interests of children in California.

Linda is singularly focused on achieving her clients' goals. With passion and integrity, she is dedicated to ensuring the brightest future for your children and family.

Contact Linda today for a free consultation, and see how she can assist you with your legal needs.

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.

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...

Attorney Drucker has been practicing law for over 35 years! He has developed a unique and revolutionary Flat Fee model for Divorce and Family Law. Clients can purchase services on his website www.LegalActionWorkshopLAW.com or can speak with him by phone or in our Glendale office. Attorney Drucker also handles Probate and Estate Planning documents such as Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney.

Ashley L. Dudley is the owner, president and lead counsel at the Law Offices of Ashley L. Dudley, APC. Her law practice focuses on family law and estate planning. Her family law practice focuses primarily on high conflict child custody cases, child and spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, high value asset division. Her goal is to provide quality legal services not only to those who can afford it, but to all those who need an advocate to navigate the legal system on their behalf. Her first and foremost priority is to figure out the best avenue for helping her...

Attorney Thomas D Sands is a prominent and respected transactional and litigation attorney licensed in the State of California and Hawaii. Thomas is the founder and CEO of The Sands Law Group, and has dedicated his entire legal career to high-quality but cost-conscious representation to individual consumers and businesses in a variety of complex and challenging cases. Thomas is committed to serving his clients with attentive, timely, and effective representation. Throughout his career, Attorney Thomas D Sands has been a fierce advocate of those in need of legal representation. Thomas’ commitment has helped create a positive reputation in the legal and...

Attorney/mediator, Leslie Howell, offers evening and weekend appointments in person or via Zoom.

Leslie comes from a bi-racial, musical family. She was a jazz singer for several years before (and after) attending law school. She has also worked for years in a corporate setting. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, but has lived in New York City, Japan and Hawaii. Her background makes her approachable and she has insight that most other mediators and lawyers may not have. This insight allows Leslie to understand, as well as creatively think, about the concerns and issues at hand.

Leslie is a collaborative...

Patrick Baghdaserians is an attorney specializing in California Family Law. He grew up in the La Canada Flintridge area, attending St. Francis High School. Patrick then attended Loyola Marymount University and earned his law degree from Southwestern Law School. While in law school, Patrick had the distinct honor of working for renowned Federal Judge, the Honorable Robert M. Takasugi, as a full time legal extern. While serving the federal court, he was privileged to be involved in and witness dozens of federal trials and hearings.

Since 2007, Patrick has been a California licensed attorney, working exclusively...

MS. BASHAR obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in Management Information Systems in 1987 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona College of Law in May 1990. She joined the firm after 7 years as a sole practitioner focusing on civil litigation, business and family law. Prior to opening her own office, Ms. Bashar was an associate attorney in a civil litigation firm where she represented financial institutions as well as individuals with personal injury, fraud and contract matters. She has also worked as a Volunteer Attorney with the Family Law...

Marina Korol is a co-founder of The Law Offices of Korol and Velen. She is an attorney licensed to practice before all of the Courts of the State of California, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge in 1988 and her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School in 1992. Ms. Korol regularly sits as a Judge Pro Tem the Family Law Division of the Los Angeles County Superior...

Edwin J. Castellanos is the managing partner at Castellanos & Associates, APLC. He has significant experience in matters pertaining to family law, divorce, custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, and adoption. Mr. Castellanos was raised in Brooklyn, New York and received his Bachelor of Science degree from New York University's prominent Stern School of Business. In 1995, Edwin earned his J.D. Degree from Boston University School of Law where he graduated with distinction. After admission to the California Bar, Mr. Castellanos began his career as a solo...

Joseph A. Yanny was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and attended college and law school at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Yanny obtained a B.E. in Engineering in 1975 and his J.D. in 1978. Mr. Yanny began practicing as a patent attorney in Chicago, Illinois where he obtained his first million dollar judgment before moving to California in 1980. Prior to founding his own law firm in 1983, Mr. Yanny worked in the aerospace industry in California.

Mr. Yanny is a member of the Chicago, Beverly Hills, South Bay, Los Angeles County, Illinois State and American Bar Associations;...