Johnstonville Family Lawyers

I was born and raised in Southern Calif with my beautiful Latino family (6 brothers & 2 sisters & parents) that taught me to love, respect and make the best of it, even with beans and tortillas at times. My migrant parents came from Texas in 1953 who later became a Gardener and a Professional House Keeper for the rich and beautiful Jewish families. They taught me and my brothers to love and respect our country. After obtaining High Honors at Indio High School, I attended UCLA and then went to Law School at Univ of West Los Ángeles...

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine. I concurrently worked as a research assistant for both a prominent sociology of law professor and white-collar and corporate crime professor. After receiving my B.A., I worked as a law clerk for a Bankruptcy and Taxation law office in Northern California where I gained extensive experience. I entered Whittier Law School where I was the runner-up in the competitive Susan E. McGuigan Oral Advocacy Competition and became heavily involved in the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. I received one of the highest...

Experienced Principal with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in trial advocacy, representing clients with business disputes, labor and employment law and family Law. Samira received her undergraduate degree with honors from University of California at Berkeley and obtained a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Santa Clara University School of Law, with a specialization in intellectual property. Samira practices in Federal Court, State Court and the Appellate Court.

Welcome to the Law Offices of Cathleen Norton, where compassion meets expertise in family law representation. Ms. Norton is a Certified Family Law Specialist and proud graduate of UCLA School of Law, and she brings nearly two decades of exclusive experience in family law matters to clients across Southern California. We are committed to making cost-effective decisions to ensure the most favorable outcome for our clients. We deliver personalized and strategic legal solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs and objectives. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Ms. Norton has demonstrated proficiency and expertise in handling various family law issues,...

Elizabeth Yang has been practicing law since 2007 and specializes in Intellectual Property Law, including Patent, Copyright and Trademark Prosecution and Litigation; Business Law, including corporate entity formation, contract drafting, contract disputes, litigation; and Family Law, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and asset division. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Elizabeth was admitted to the United States Patent & Trademark office in 2007. At the age of 19, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley in two and a half years. In 2011, Elizabeth founded Yang & Wang, P.C., a boutique...

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...

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...

As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Jim Hoover represents clients in all aspects of family law litigation, including but not limited to, domestic violence, child custody and visitation, property identification, characterization, valuation and division, spousal support, child support, breaches of fiduciary duties, reimbursement claims, dates of separation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and related matters. After many years of experience, Mr. Hoover skillfully settles and if necessary, litigates all of these issues. Mr. Hoover educates, advocates and acts in our clients' best interests on these issues. He pays particular attention to our clients' emotional and financial difficulties. Mr. Hoover attended Santa Clara University,...

DEBRA R. SCHOENBERG, ESQ., HAS A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER.
More than thirty years ago, she established her own firm, which has vast experience and expertise in the highly sensitive and complex practice of family law. Ms. Schoenberg has established a professional reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, keen attention to detail, loyalty, and dedication to client service.

Today Ms. Schoenberg handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates, to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions as well as aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, she also handles straightforward family law cases, pre- and post-marital agreements, and marital settlements. Ms....

Samantha K. McBride, a distinguished family law attorney, is revered for her adept writing, meticulous attention to detail, and energetic representation. Specializing in family law, domestic violence restraining orders, support, and complex custody cases, she offers clients a custom case plan grounded in sound legal advice and a profound understanding of individual rights, goals, and interests. Clients value her for guiding them through challenging times with responsiveness and compassion, reflected in her superb 10 rating on Avvo.com. Recognized as a California Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) by the California Board of Legal Specialization, Samantha's expertise is highlighted in publications like West...

With a progressive law practice since 2007, Mr. Ali Shahrestani is a bi-coastal litigation attorney representing international and domestic clients in state and federal legal matters in CA, NY, and MA. He has been featured in print and TV news for his legal expertise, is a recipient of multiple awards and a graduate of top rated universities with honors, and has donated much effort and time to public education, legal journalism, and social justice activism. 1) Education Law - K-12, College, Graduate, Students, Teachers, Schools 2) Divorce & Child Custody - High Conflict, LGBTQ, Father's Rights 3) Business, Contracts, & Real Estate Law...

Mr. Lederman is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Bar Association's Family Law Section and served as Section President in 2008. He is also a past State Bar Family Law Section Legislation Chair and is the 2017 Family Law Section Chair. He frequently speaks and writes on family law issues.

Mr. Krepelka specializes in all aspects of family law matters, such as property division, characterization, allocation, and valuation; reimbursement claims; spousal support; child support; breaches of fiduciary duty; business valuations; real property valuations and claims; post-judgment matters; enforcement of California orders, out-of-state orders, and international orders; contempt actions; all aspects of child custody and visitation; domestic violence issues; and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. He is seasoned in working closely with experts such as forensic CPAs, real estate appraisers, and child custody evaluators. He is a skilled litigator, handling numerous contested Family Law Trials of varying lengths. Travis Isaiah Krepelka obtained a...

“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....

Providing high quality legal representation to a wide range of clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area since 1993. I offer reasonable and highly competitive hourly rates where applicable. Prenuptial Agreements and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) are expertly prepared for one flat fee. The best interests of the children are the focus of the courts and of my law practice. Once your family law matter has resolved, you will not be abandoned. If modifications of any support, child custody or visitation orders are needed in the future, contact my office to reopen your file. I was...

Hills Law Group assists clients in identifying and maximizing assets in a divorce. If you are engaged in a divorce and wish to: * Create an accurate picture of your assets and debts * Understand what you are entitled to * Ensure that you pursue all possible assets and other claims * Achieve a beneficial division of your assets * Receive counseling as to what is in your best interest each step of the way * Work with an attorney who focuses on family law in your area I can help you. My practice is focused...

The U.S. Law Center is a nationwide, full-service immigration law firm that provides large corporations, small businesses and individuals with a full range of immigration processing and placement services. Attorney Mike Sethi earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills in 1995. He received his law degree from the American College of Law, where he graduated in the top three percent of his class and was awarded seven AM-JUR Bancroft-Whitney Awards. These awards are presented to those students attaining the highest grades in particular subjects. Attorney Sethi is a member of the Bar for the State...

Bettina Yanez is a CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST, Certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. The Orange County Divorce attorney firm represents and handles family law cases in both Orange County and Los Angeles. The Orange County family lawyer is located near the Orange County Family Law Court. She is a highly respected and knowledgeable OC attorney and Orange County domestic violence attorney. Attorney Yanez is a member of the California State Bar, Orange County Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association; Orange County Women Lawyers Association. Yanez is also "un abogado de divorcio y abogada de...

Michael E. Lonich is the managing partner of Lonich & Patton and has nearly 30 years of experience representing a wide range of businesses and individuals. His practice concentrates on Estate Planning, Business Law and divorce mediation. Mike draws upon his expertise and the firm's resources to partner with individuals and families to develop comprehensive estate plans and successfully represent clients in trust administration and probate litigation. From the creation of a simple will to a complex trust, family limited liability partnership or business succession plan, maximizing financial benefits as well as ensuring the peace of mind that an estate...

Ethan M. Weisinger is a California State Certified Family Law Specialist working in all of the Bay Area Counties. He represents clients in all aspects of conventional family law matters, (divorce/separation, child custody, spousal/child support, etc.) as well as dissolution of same-sex marriages, including Registered Domestic Partnerships. Ethan graduated with honors from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in English and Political Science. Ethan then went on to study law at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and graduated with honors, with an emphasis in Trial Litigation in 2010. From 2010...

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Marshall W. Waller is certified as a Family Law Specialist through the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. He is a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. A Certified Family Law Specialist must pass an extensive written examination in the subject area, be approved by a peer review process and show proficiency in this area by demonstrating experience handling a sufficient number of family law cases with varying degrees of complexity. Continuing education...

Because divorce is a problem to be solved, not a battle to be won, I focus on alternatives to the court system, through Collaborative Law and Mediation. I believe that most families and children are best served by being supported to work together in resolving their family matters. The fundamental goal in both Collaborative Divorce and Mediation is client empowerment.

With either mediation or the Collaborative process you will have control of the decisions that are made and will be firmly supported, legally and emotionally, in achieving a successful dissolution of your relationship. This not only allows but also encourages you...

Valerie Fenchel is the CEO and founder of Fenchel Family Law. Her legal services empower men and women to navigate marriage and divorce toward more vibrant futures. She advises clients, devises strategies, and works with therapists, actuaries, and forensic accountants to settle or litigate cases. As a witness to the damage caused by divorce over the course of her career as a family law attorney and educator, Valerie has gained extensive experience in helping families in crisis. Experience & Background Valerie is actively involved in the legal community. She is the lead attorney of Shalom Bayit’s Pro Bono Legal Panel, Secretary of...

Mitchell T. Ehrlich is a partner with Lonich and Patton and along with David Patton, he leads the Family Law practice. His practice focuses on all areas of Family Law including Dissolutions, Child Custody, Support Matters, Property and Business Division, Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements, Paternity, Registered Domestic Partnerships, Guardianship and Adoptions. In 2009, he became a California Certified Family law Specialist. Mitchell has over 10 years of experience as a civil litigator and trial attorney. Mitchell began focusing his practice exclusively on Family Law matters shortly after Lonich & Patton's Family Law practice was developed. Prior to that, he amassed significant...

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...

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.

Peter M. Walzer is the founding partner of the Southern California law firm Walzer & Melcher LLP focused exclusively on family law. He is a past president of the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a former chair of the executive committee of the State Bar Family Law Section. Mr. Walzer has been a Certified Family Law Specialist for 21 years and is a former president of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. He on the Legal Education Committee of the American Bar Association Family Law Section. He is on the executive committee...

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...

Meet Melissa Wheeler Hoff, a distinguished Newport Beach divorce attorney driven by a fascination with family law's intricate blend of psychological, emotional, and financial complexities. Specializing in high-asset divorce and high-conflict custody disputes, Melissa guides clients through every phase of marital dissolution, from mediation to post-judgment matters like enforcement and modifications. Her unique strength lies in connecting with clients, easing the discomfort of divorce litigation with mindfulness and empathy. Melissa firmly believes in dissolving marriages without destroying families, a philosophy encapsulated in her words: "You can dissolve your marriage without destroying your family if you are willing to take the high...

Nikoo N. Berenji is a legal luminary at Berenji & Associates, possessing over a decade of experience in high-stakes legal cases, having represented major corporations and individual defendants in state and federal courts in Los Angeles. Her educational journey started at UCLA and culminated in a full scholarship to Berkeley Law School, consistently ranked among the nation's top law schools. Nikoo embarked on her legal career as a federal judicial extern for the Honorable Judge S. James Otero, followed by an associate attorney role at Latham & Watkins LLP, a globally recognized law firm. At Berenji & Associates, Nikoo passionately channels...

I started my practice with the premise I would always attempt to facilitate a collaborative divorce. Before going to law school, I worked for several years at a family law firm, and saw firsthand the potential of increasing acrimony between spouses when the court system is used haphazardly. Growing up with separated parents, I think I understand the stress and frustration of a long drawn out family divorce. The courts should be a place of last resort - who wants a Judge who barely knows you to make decisions for you? That being...

Bringing a rich and diverse skill set to the legal arena, I specialize in an array of practice areas, including Family Law, Personal Injury, Abuse and neglect, Worker's Compensation, and Medical Malpractice. What sets me apart is the unique fusion of legal understanding and medical expertise, underlined by licenses from the California State Bar and the Board of Registered Nursing. My academic background reflects a commitment to excellence, holding a Juris Doctor with a Children's & Family Certificate from JFKU, School of Law. Further complementing my legal credentials is an MSN/BSN obtained from CSU, Dominguez Hills, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of...

Attorney James L. Arrasmith takes immense pride in his role of assisting the California legal community with its diverse legal requirements, regardless of the complexity or difficulty posed by each case. He practices in all California Counties. Mr. Arrasmith's unwavering pursuit of excellence underscores his approach. He ensures that cases are handled in a professional and timely manner, characterized by meticulous care and precision. When seeking a reputable attorney in California, Mr. Arrasmith's law firm stands out as the optimal choice. Renowned for his commitment to clients on both personal and professional fronts, Mr. Arrasmith has earned prominence in the legal...

Brinda Gandhi is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS). She has been an attorney for over 15 years and is licensed in both California and India. Brinda has dealt primarily in Dissolutions, Domestic Violence, Restraining Orders, and Custody cases. She also has experience with Cross-Border Divorce and Custody issues. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati and can speak, read and write beginner level French. In 2005 Brinda graduated from law school at the K.C. Law College, permanently affiliated with the University of Mumbai, in the top 10% of her class. After law school, Brinda worked...

Attorney James R. Dickinson fights for justice. He provides personalized service to each of his clients and works tirelessly to achieve desired results. Family Law: Divorce, Legal Separation, Spousal & Child Support, Child Custody & Visitation, Pre-martial Agreements, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Etc. Personal Injury: Automobile Accidents, Dog Bites, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death Actions, Etc. Civil Litigation: Breach of Contract, Business Disputes, Fraud, Real Property Disputes, Negligence, Interference with Economic Interests, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, Defamation, Etc.

Akbarian Law Group, APLC was established in December of 1997 in Glendale, California. A few years ago our office moved to Encino, California.  We represent clients in Family Law and personal injury related matters. We understand the dynamics of the emotional hardship in family law and personal injury related cases and how they can affect our client's quality of life.  It is our job to help our clients to bring balance back to their lives and protect their legal rights and interests.  Anie N. Akbarian is an experienced, capable and dedicated litigation attorney who is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to...

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: ...

Dorit L. Goikhman is a licensed attorney, with years of experience representing clients in business, real estate, and family matters. Dorit graduated Brooklyn Law School in 2012, with a certificate in business law. During law school, she served as a debate coach for underserved NY youth, and won the CALI award for future excellence in accounting. After witnessing numerous clients spend fortunes and waste years of their lives in litigation, Dorit became interested in mediation and all that it has to offer. Dorit is committed in helping parties work together to obtain a mutually acceptable solution to their disputes at a...

I believe that you, the client, first need to UNDERSTAND all your options. My first job is to educate you so you can make your own informed intelligent decisions. My law practice is based on this fundamental principle.