La Mirada Family Lawyers

I received my J.D. cum laude from Southwestern Law School, having earned my Bachelor of Science in International Business cum laude from the University of Southern California. Prior to opening my practice in the South Bay areas, I externed with the United States District Court Judge Dean D. Pregerson, interned with the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, Career Criminal Division, and practiced at Lawrence, Beach, Allen & Choi PC (Santa Ana, California) and Escandari & Michon APC (Beverly Hills, California). I am admitted to practice before the state bar of California, the United States District Court for the Central District of...

Tamara Shari Benefield is a top-notch family law litigator for over 20 years handling high asset divorces, contested custody proceedings, as well as providing aggressive and compassionate representation for all things family law from child support and spousal support hearings as well as international and interstate child abduction cases. Ms. Benefield is a highly skilled cross examiner and exceptionally gifted trial attorney. She knows the rules and laws regarding evidence and knows how to successfully raise objections and keep out certain evidence. She is a former professor at West Los Angeles College of Law and taught Civil Procedure to prepare students...

William Fitch, otherwise known as "Bill" is a senior attorney at Family Law Matters. Having a civil trial background for nearly two decades before joining the firm, Bill brings a unique knowledge of the law with him. He has tried hundreds, if not thousands, of cases over the years; and has conducted many jury trials. He also has extensive experience in discovery and law and motion issues. Bill's easy-going nature makes him easy to talk to, but do not underestimate his trial skills. Bill would always rather settle a case than try one one, because he recognizes the benefits to...

“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....

Attorney Heather Cullen is a Certified Family Law Specialist and practices exclusively Family Law. Attorney Cullen is a native Southern Californian who graduated Cum Laude with a dual bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Law and Society from the University of California, Riverside. Attorney Cullen then earned her Juris Doctor Degree from The University of California at Davis School of Law. Attorney Cullen is currently an active member of the State Bar of California. She is licensed to practice law in the State of California and the U.S. District Court Central District of California. Attorney Cullen is also an active member of the...

PHONE CONSULT AVAILABLE. I have personal experience with hundreds of bankruptcy cases, ranging from simple chapter 7 cases to complex chapter 13 cases. I work with the majority of the bankruptcy trustees in this district and have appeared in the 341a hearings hundreds of times. I know the process and the nuances of bankruptcy law. Few attorneys possess my background and extensive experience in this area of the law.

EXCLUSIVE PRACTICE. My practice is limited to bankruptcy cases only. I keep up to date on all the laws related to bankruptcy to make sure I give you the best representation...

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...

Fully Operational during covid-19 crisis: We are open. Telephone and video conferences available.

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...

Sandra Salinas is certified as a Family Law Specialist through the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. She is a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. Ms. Salinas represents clients in all aspects of family law litigation including domestic violence matters, custody and support issues and property division. She also has broad experience in Hague Convention cases and interstate and intrastate jurisdictional disputes. You will find that Sandra's understanding as a parent, her practical, no-nonsense approach, and her tenacity will help you protect your family, your best interests and your future. She is...

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...

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...

IDEAL CLIENT Business owners, celebrities, and trust beneficiaries across California turn to me for assistance protecting their most valuable assets in high stakes divorces. With deep experience in complex family law litigation and premarital agreements, I provide tactical representation in the most challenging family law disputes. ABOUT I understand the need to keep sensitive family matters private, having represented noteworthy clients in the largest divorce cases in California. My clients include A-list celebrities, executives, and tech company founders. Frequently, I am hired by other family lawyers as a consultant, expert, or co-counsel on significant divorce cases in...

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...

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.