Laguna Beach Family Lawyers

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.

Alphonse focuses on providing excellent client service and aggressive advocacy to clients in Family Law matters. Alphonse is a Certified Specialist in Family Law (CFLS) by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.

Alphonse graduated with a B.A. in Rhetoric with Honors and English Literature from U.C. Berkeley, where he gave the Commencement Address for the Rhetoric Department. He also received the honor of Distinction in General Scholarship. He graduated with a J.D. from U.C. Hastings in San Francisco with a concentration in Civil Litigation and was awarded for the best student in Trial Advocacy II by the CACI Institute.

Alphonse...

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...

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...

Brinda Gandhi, also known as Brinda Mehta, is the principal attorney at BG Family Law, APC, and a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS). With extensive experience in family law, she is dedicated to achieving meaningful outcomes for her clients. Brinda's broad-based knowledge, expertise, and courtroom experience enable her to quickly and adeptly address the unique aspects of each case, ensuring the best possible results for her clients. She is proficient in representing individuals in California and has significant experience with international divorce and custody issues. Licensed as an attorney in both India and California, Brinda provides seamless advice to clients with...

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...

Jeremy N. Roark brings over a decade of exclusive expertise in family law within the Inland Empire. His practice covers diverse facets of divorce cases, including child custody and support, asset division, spousal support, custody jurisdiction, and matters involving domestic violence and restraining orders. Certified as a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, Jeremy stands out for his demonstrated excellence in the field. He is also honored as the recipient of the Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award from the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Board of Directors and Members. As a...

Daniel has had substantial court experience in trying a variety of cases in civil and family law. Before bringing his expertise to the South Bay, he was an associate at a Century City civil law firm and handled high profile family law clients in Beverly Hills. His experience also includes exclusive work with Forensic Child Custody Evaluators (730 Evaluations) enabling him the unique opportunity to provide clients with the knowledge for a successful child custody evaluation. He received his Juris Doctorate from Western State University in 2006, graduating with a Witkins recognition for factual investigation, an award given to individuals...

Family Law Specialist Richard E. Bawden has been practicing law for over 30 years. He has had many personal accomplishments within the legal field, among which has been to serve as the San Bernardino County Bar Association President. Mr. Bawden's personal attention to clients, his knowledge of the law and trial expertise, along with his personal integrity, have all combined to make his practice well-known in the Inland Empire. He and Robert A. Kochis are dedicated to providing quality family and divorce law consultation services in the Redlands and Inland Empire area.

EDUCATION

Law School: University of Oregon, J.D., 1971
College:...

Hossein Berenji, owner of Berenji & Associates, is a seasoned divorce lawyer with a practice focused on complex, high net worth divorces. His commitment to providing aggressive, high-quality representation has led to consistent multi-million-dollar property settlements and countless favorable alimony and child support judgments throughout Los Angeles County. Whether it’s fiercely litigating a case through trial when the opposition is unreasonable or obtaining the best settlement for a client who wants to avoid a lengthy, painful court battle, he is known for using his vast courtroom and negotiation experience to attain optimal resolutions tailored to meet the needs of each client....

Linda L. McLarnan-Dugan, Esq. has over 29 years of experience in the legal field following her admission to the California State Bar. She handles all types of cases which deal with the family. Her practice include all areas of Family Law; Probate; Conservatorships; Guardianships; and Estate Planning. She regularly is appointed a Minor’s Counsel in Family Court and CAC Attorney in Probate Court. She is a member of the State Bar of California; Pasadena Bar Association, 2019 President of the Pasadena Bar Association, Chair 2011-2014 Pasadena Family Law Bar; Pasadena Tournament of Roses; and ...

Michael R. Young is a skilled divorce attorney from San Bernardino, CA.

Xinia L. Williams, a dedicated attorney at Holstrom, Block, and Parke, brings a wealth of legal experience and a compassionate approach to her clients. Before joining the firm, Xinia delved into a diverse range of Family Law cases, fearlessly tackling challenges in divorce, child custody, guardianships, unlawful detainers, bankruptcy, criminal cases/DUIs, and more. This varied background has shaped her into the compassionate, professional, and selfless attorney she is today. In the realm of Family Law, Xinia stands out for her real-world understanding, stemming from her role as a mother of two young children. She believes in being not just a legal advocate...

Burke & Domercq, LLP offers skilled divorce and family law representation to individuals, families and business owners in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Vista and throughout North County San Diego.

We have represented our clients before North County family law courts for decades. Whether you are facing life changes such as a divorce or child custody dispute, require modifications to existing child support or custody orders, face domestic violence allegations or wish to prepare a prenuptial agreement we are here to help accomplish your objectives.

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...

Edward Castro is a seasoned family law practitioner with an unwavering commitment to the field throughout his career. In 2021, he joined Holstrom, Block & Parke as a Partner, overseeing the San Diego County office. Initially focusing on domestic violence prevention, he collaborated with SDVLP and later directed FLAP, a courthouse-based family law clinic. At the YWCA Legal Advocacy Program, he served for six years as a senior staff attorney, handling diverse family law matters, emphasizing cases involving domestic violence. In 2010, Mr. Castro joined BLSAPC, where he became a partner in 2014. Specializing in high net-worth cases, he addressed complex...

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...

Mr. Varga’s experience as an Attorney in Los Angeles spanning four decades gives him a unique legal perspective. He graduated from Stanford University in 1975 with a BA in Psychology. Then, he pursued his law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California. After passing the bar, Stephen A. Varga began his legal career in 1980, focusing primarily on personal injury and criminal law. In 1982, Mr. Varga began practicing solo and opened his own law office. In 1999, he moved his practice to the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. With a wide variety of criminal defense...

I am a Certified Specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and a Member of the American Legal Specialists as well. I have been practicing in the Inland Empire for 40 years in Criminal Defense, Family Law and Personal Injury matters. I've spent many years in Private Practice and joined Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, one of the most well known firms in the Inland Empire, in 2007.

Jessica De Anda Leon is a sole practitioner in the Inland Empire. Ms. De Anda handles all her cases herself and is readily accessible. She has ample courtroom experience and is dedicated to serving others. She has been recognized for her talent, integrity, and knowledge. Ms. De Anda and her staff will treat you with courtesy and professionalism. Ms. De Anda is a personal injury lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, and family law lawyer and has the objective to produce the best results for her client's and their families. The firms practice areas include Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Immigration, and...

I focus on the area of family law, including divorce and related matters such as child custody, child support, paternity, spousal support and property division. I also represent clients in matters involving guardianship and dissolution of domestic partnerships. I will take time to learn about you, your family, and your goals. When taking your case, I want to learn what you hope to accomplish and what your family needs in order to get back on track. I will then develop a detailed case management plan designed to achieve realistic goals for you and your family. Throughout the legal process, I will keep...

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...

Colin T. Greene is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization with 25+ years of experience, and has significant experience is other areas of law, including immigration and estate planning, as well as civil ligation in the California state courts and the federal courts.

I am one of the few attorneys in California who is both a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With over 11 years of experience, I combine my expertise in family law and financial matters to provide strategic and efficient solutions for divorce, custody disputes, and complex property division. At the Law Offices of Eric S. Chung, PC, we offer dedicated representation in all areas of family law. Whether you’re facing a contentious divorce, navigating child custody challenges, or seeking a fair financial resolution, we are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you...

RoseAnn began working in the legal field when she was 18 years old and worked for some of the largest law firms in the Los Angeles area as a legal secretary and paralegal before she became an attorney. Using document-search programming, she worked on many complex, high-profile litigation cases and cases with voluminous e-discovery requirements. RoseAnn attended UCLA in high honors classes and graduated magna cum laude in 1994, and then worked another ten years to take care of her four grandsons as a litigation paralegal in many trials before attending law school. She attended Abraham Lincoln Law School to continue...

As a family law attorney, I know the emotional aspects of going through a difficult dissolution, a family law issue or a criminal matter. I will provide the time and attention into each individual case whether it is a family law or criminal case so that my clients can be assured that their case is being competently handled.

James Lawrence Knox is a partner at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP. For almost two decades, Mr. Knox has been providing aggressive legal representation to clients facing criminal charges, as well as individuals involved in family law issues or facing administrative law proceedings. Mr. Knox, along with the other members of our legal team, is firmly committed to putting the needs of clients first and has a long and distinguished track record to show that he is a skillful litigator and knowledgeable legal professional.

Whether you are getting divorced, have been charged with a crime, received a traffic citation, or...

Crista is the Managing Partner of The Haynes Law Firm, APLC located in Redlands, CA. The Haynes Law Firm, APLC is a boutique law firm offering clients legal assistance in the areas of Family law, Criminal law, and Juvenile law. Crista prides herself on offering empathetic, educated, and experienced legal services at affordable rates. Crista is a proud member of the Board of Advisors for the University of Laverne, College of Law, where she attended law school, she is a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Social Justice Advocacy Project, she volunteers her time...

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....

Michael Fischer is a licensed California attorney licensed to practice in both state and federal court. Mr. Fischer has handled hundreds of contested and uncontested family law matters. He is known for his ability to guide his clients through the tumultuous processes of family court in an aggressive yet compassionate manner. Mr. Fischer graduated Cum Laude from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensellaer Indiana with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a minor in Political Science. For twenty-two years he oversaw the growth of his photography studio and photo processing laboratory in Soldotna, Alaska as well as owning and...

At Renkin & Associates, we represent clients in all areas of San Diego and North County for family law cases. Divorces can have many complex issues, and we have experience handling a variety of issues, including marriage dissolution, property division, and move-away issues. Visit www.renkinlaw.com to learn how we can help you.

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...

The lawyers and staff who make up Morris & Morris are not that different from the people we represent. We encounter the same highs and lows and we share the same desire for happy and healthy families. Since the founding of our San Gabriel Valley law firm in 1997, those common interests have only served to reinforce our belief in what we do. We have children of our own and we can identify with both the difficulties and the benefits of raising a family in Southern California. We can help you ensure that your children are provided for whether...

Practice Areas: Estates & Trusts, Trust and Estate Litigation, Elder Abuse, Conservatorships, Real Property, Business Litigation, Family, Divorce, Custody, Support Ms. Wickers handles clients legal needs including representing clients in trial, and appeals. In 2020, Christina Wickers obtained a Top Attorney Avvo Rating of 10/10 and was selected by Super Lawyers, Rising Stars List, for Southern California, in both 2020 and 2022 – a top rated Trusts and Estates Attorney in Southern California. No more than 2.5% of attorneys in the State of California are named to the Super Lawyers, Rising Star List. Similarly, she has...

After seeing firsthand the stress and emotional pain inflicted on my clients and their families involved in traditional court-based litigation, I decided to practice law in a more transparent, supportive, and empowering way. Too often, the traditional court-based process of resolving a family law matter such as a divorce makes a difficult situation worse. It heightens conflict. It takes away your power to make decisions. And it makes your personal matters public. I provide effective ways for you to avoid these negative impacts, by providing collaborative and mediation services for: • Couples who are divorcing or dissolving their domestic partnership and need...

Meet Taylor Goldschmidt, an attorney known for her dedication, thoroughness, and empathy. She takes pride in guiding clients through the intricate legal process, prioritizing their voices and exceeding expectations. Originally from Colorado, Taylor earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her pursuit of legal expertise led her to Florida International University, where she earned her Juris Doctor with multiple Dean's List honors. Simultaneously, she volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem, competed in Moot Court, served as a Teaching Assistant, and co-founded the Mindfulness Association. Taylor, drawn to San Diego, passed the California Bar Exam on her first...

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