Bard Family Lawyers

Education Ms. Mayer graduated from the University of California, Davis with degrees in Political Science and Communications. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law with a Certificate in Public Interest and Social Justice. Awards and Honors During law school, Heather Mayer was recognized with the Award for Best Oral Advocate and the Pro Bono Award. Ms. Mayer is the recipient of the prestigious Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Wills & Trusts, Advanced Legal Writing, Interviewing & Counseling, and for the Advanced Practice Clinic of the Northern California Innocence Project....

Throughout her legal career, Vanessa has practiced exclusively in family law. With her legal training and knowledge, she provides compassion and advocacy for her clients. Vanessa’s experience working on a broad spectrum of family law matters include divorce, pre-divorce counseling and planning, premarital agreements, complex marital property issues, high conflict child custody disputes, child and spousal support issues and domestic violence prevention and defense. Vanessa protects her clients’ assets and the best interests of her clients and their children. She represents clients in public court and before private judicial officers. In addition, she serves as a consulting attorney for clients...

Crabtree Law PC is a full service, bi-lingual (SPANISH), family law firm dedicated to delivering personal, practical, and effective representation at an affordable cost. We are conveniently located in Walnut Creek, California. Attorney Maria Crabtree received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Communications from the University of California at Davis. She later returned to the University of California, Davis and earned her J.D. degree. As a sole practitioner, Ms. Crabtree is dedicated to helping families navigate through the complexities of the laws and policies that rule family law issues. Dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody...

For over 14 years, Mr. Baello has litigated high stakes family law actions in three of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States - the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York City. Through this diversity of experience, he has the expertise and adaptability to obtain favorable results through trial or settlement in varied situations and tribunals. Ernest is a Certified Family Law Specialist (“CFLS”) per the California Board of Legal Specialization. He is also a graduate of the renowned National Family Law Trial Institute. Mr. Baello provides comprehensive and strategic representation in complicated and high conflict cases. Prior to becoming...

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...

Edlin Martin is a founding partner of MacKay & Martin, LLP. Her practice focuses on family law and estate planning. Prior to founding her own practice, Ms. Martin was a senior family law associate attorney, where she specialized in litigation of high-conflict family law issues such as domestic violence restraining orders, move-away cases, and child custody and visitation arrangements.

Ms. Martin has devoted much of her career to helping children and other victims of violence in family law and related immigration matters. Ms. Martin is particularly proud of her contribution to the drafting of California bill AB-1678, which was signed...

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.

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

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...

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...

“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...

Emiliza San Diego practices family law, with experience in issues including divorce and child custody. She received her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law and completed her undergraduate work at University of California, Santa Cruz. Emiliza is well-regarded among her peers in the legal profession, having previously served as Vice Chair of the Solo, Small Firm & General Practice Section of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.

Emiliza chose a career in family law to guide people through difficult times in their lives. She takes pride in explaining complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner and providing clients...

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...

My practice is devoted to Family Law, Divorce, Custody and Visitation, Domestic Violence and Support. PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

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...

Experienced attorney with office located in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego. In practice in San Diego County for 15 years. Appeared in Los Angeles County, Riverside County and Orange County courts. My practice is limited to those counties.

Experience in Estate Planning arose from the connection that exists between the two areas of law practiced in my firm. Divorce causes change in estate plans, wills, asset allocation, beneficiary and Powers of Attorney designations. The two areas of law naturally go together. And even if they do not in your case, we have the skill and experience to assist you with your specific...

Scott Bowen, Esq brings legal experience in family law, special education law, and healthcare law matters. Scott also brings over 20 years of expertise in healthcare compliance, medical coding, and healthcare consulting to the firm. Representing clients in a wide array of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, spousal support modification, and special education matters, with more than 20 years of industry and legal experience, the advocates at Bowen & Kennedy leverage our industry and legal experience to assist clients by taking a comprehensive approach to the needs of our clients with understanding, care, and zealous advocacy. At Bowen & Kennedy,...

Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution....

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.

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...

Dahann Bowers was born in Panama and immigrated to Southern California at a young age. She is fluent in Spanish. She attended California State University San Marcos where she double majored in Political Science and Spanish. Dahann then attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. During law school, Dahann interned with the Department of Child Support Services where she gained insight into child support issues and parental rights. She began working at different family law firms and was exposed to the complexities of family law. At the end of 2022, Dahann took the step to go out on...

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...

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.

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...

Michael Perez serves as an Associate Attorney at Envision Family Law. Previously, he worked as an Associate Attorney at a prestigious Beverly Hills family law firm, where he handled domestic violence restraining orders, support matters, and dissolution cases involving complex property distribution. Michael holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from UCLA and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. During law school, he was actively involved in the Public Interest Law Foundation, dedicated to supporting underrepresented individuals in the legal system. He also participated in the Street Law Teaching Practicum, collaborating with Judith Schwartz-Behar, esq. from the Harriett...

The only San Diego State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist who was also a Former Federal and County of San Diego Prosecutor with Over 20 Years of Experience!

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...

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.

A’ja began her career in the entertainment industry with TV Guide and Lions Gate but soon found her true passion in law. She joined a leading Los Angeles litigation firm, focusing on family law, civil rights, personal injury, and criminal defense. A’ja has been a compassionate advocate for fathers' rights and has represented high-profile clients, including the Estate of Michael Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, DMX, Keyshia Cole, Freddie Gibbs, Faith Evans, and Christopher Wallace Jr. (the late Notorious B.I.G.'s son). Her achievements include a $1 million wrongful termination verdict, multiple six-figure settlements, a not-guilty verdict in a murder trial, and successfully handling...

Rivka Israel, Esq. is an experienced and knowledgeable internationally licensed attorney who has been practicing law for over 20+ years. Attorney Israel is admitted to practice in: State of California U.S. District Court - Central District State of Israel Rivka was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2000. In June of 2009, after years of working for large law firms, Rivka opened her own law office and redirected her focus to self-help assistance, uncontested divorces, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, individual assistance and personal guidance in the area Family and LGBT Family Law issues. Rivka also provides document drafting services...

Drew received his Bachelor of Arts from Queens University of Charlotte, where he majored in Psychology and served as captain of the university tennis team. After college, he attended graduate school at West Virginia University, where he earned master’s degrees in social work and public administration, and participated in many community outreach projects. He also demonstrated exceptional work ethic by completing two master’s programs while simultaneously working as a tennis coach to help pay for his education. He later received his Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, where he was a Dean’s List student and member of...

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...

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...