Montecito Family Lawyers

I am an experienced Family Law Attorney serving Indio, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and the entire Coachella Valley.

The preservation of the family unit can be achieved, even after a divorce. My parents divorced when I was young, but remained friends throughout my life to this day. I believe, when children are involved, the best interest of the children are paramount. I strive to be fair and foster an equitable settlement. However, when the other side is being less than forthcoming, a more aggressive approach is often needed.

Whether you need a lawyer to provide an...

An understanding lawyer with compassion. Listens to his clients concerns and develops a plan to best meet them. My practice focuses on typical family needs. Family law, child custody, landlord tenant law and estate planning (wills and trusts).

I successfully represented clients in cases ranging from divorce to fraud investigations, for the last 30 years. As an economist, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)*, and California State Attorney, I can analyze cases from various angles so that I can determine reasonable resolutions to disputes and provide successful representation for all my clients. In addition to that, I can also communicate with you in Greek, French, Italian, and Spanish, in order to suit your needs.

My practice focuses on Family Law, Fraud Law and Worker's Comp (rated #6 in Rancho Mirage; rated top 10% of 1.5 million lawyers in MartinDale-Hubbell). I...

Put over 50 years of Family Law experience to work for you. I am a Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. I have extensive trial and divorce mediation experience which assists clients in getting their cases resolved with fewer court appearances, saving them money in legal fees. I have sat as a temporary judge in family law for over twenty years which has given me the experience of evaluating cases in my practice from a judge's point of view....

Dolores Contreras is a decorated San Diego business lawyer with multiple awards and nominations under her belt, including the National Business Woman Association Entrepreneur of the Year Award and finalist for San Diego Magaizine's Woman of the Year. Her accomplishments and dedication to every client has lead to a successful career representing clients in business litigation, real estate law and family law. Ms. Contreras is fluent in both English and Spanish and her expertise in cross-border litigation has made her a strong voice in the Spanish speaking community.

Admitted to the State Bar of California in 1993. Certified as a Family Law Specialist in 2002. Divorce, Property Division, Support, Custody and Visitation. Specializing in Move Away and Interstate Custody cases.
US Navy Veteran

I was born and raised in San Francisco and have been a San Mateo County resident for the past 34 years. I have been practicing law for over 20 years and understand the difficult time one goes through in a break up. No one can do better than I in achieving your goals and wishes.

Ethical family law and divorce attorney, handling high conflict divorces, but also amicable & simple situations. Divorce mediation and collaborative divorce is available through our mediation practice at http://www.DesertFamilyMediationServices.com. Mr. Arnold is a Certified Family Law Specialist.

Known for her expert representation of California’s senior executives and their spouses, Kiana protects her clients in high asset divorces and contested custody cases. In her twenty years of legal practice, Kiana has negotiated and litigated the full spectrum of disputes that occur in financially sophisticated divorces and contested custody cases. Kiana graduated Cornell Law School with a concentration in business law. Prior to finding her passion in family law, she was a business litigator at Reed Smith LLP one of the nation’s 20 largest global law firms. She has a B.A in psychology from UC Berkeley and has taken countless negotiation trainings at...

Mr. King began his legal career with the Sacramento County Public Defender's Office as a California State Bar Certified Law Student. He has defended juveniles during Sacramento County Juvenile Court detention hearings, assisted psychiatric patients placed on Conservatorship holds, and represented in-custody and out-of-custody clients during Sacramento Superior Court misdemeanor arraignments. Mr. King twice earned academic honors for his internship work at the Sacramento County Public Defender's Office. After graduation, Mr. King served as a Law Clerk and Deputy District Attorney in Del Norte County where he prosecuted felony and misdemeanor juvenile cases. As a prosecutor, Mr. King...

Amy's approach to estate planning is to focus on each client's unique needs and objectives. She strives to design a comprehensive plan for her clients that provides the maximum protection without compromise. Her broad experience enables her to provide keen insight for her clients. She is deeply commitment to her clients and the ethical standards of her profession. Amy has lived in Brentwood since 2001 with her husband and two daughters. She is a Director for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and in her free time, enjoys yoga, reading and golf.

Porrino Law PC operates under the guidance of principal Dominic H. Porrino, who entered law practice with the intention of protecting the assets and safety of citizens by helping them negotiate the complexities of the California legal system. The competitive spirit that prompted him to play lacrosse and rugby in his youth now drives development of strategies to protect the best interests of his clients.

Mr. Porrino, an attorney whose practice encompasses legal separation, divorce, child custody and support, estate planning and other civil matters, obtained his law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law and was admitted to the...

Mr. Happ is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and is licensed to practice in both the State of California and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Upon being sworn in to practice law, Mr. Happ immediately opened Happ Law Group P.C. Since its founding, Happ Law Group P.C. has been a firm exclusively devoted to representing individuals involved in family law disputes. Mr. Happ has prepared pleadings and discovery, negotiated settlements and litigated contested hearings/trials involving all aspects of family law, including, but not limited to, custody/visitation, child and spousal support, property characterization and division, enforcement...

I have represented clients in thousands of DUI cases, navigating the complex procedures and science involved. I have also defended clients accused of serious offenses, including sexual crimes and murder. Born and raised in Northern California, I have been practicing law in our local courts for over a decade, serving both as a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor. My experience on both sides of the courtroom has equipped me with a unique set of skills and knowledge, which I leverage to advocate for your interests. In August of 2024, my firm, Prentiss Law, incorporated and became Prentiss Law & Associates, Inc. Currently,...

Michael D. Raysor was born and raised in rural Shasta County, California. He is the son of a forester and a horticulturalist. He maintains a large vegetable garden and a small orchard with the goal of becoming self sufficient.

Mr. Raysor is a graduate of West Valley High School and Shasta College. In 2000, he moved to the Bay Area to attend UC Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Economics and History. In 2008, Mr. Raysor graduated from Golden Gate School of Law in San Francisco, where he earned a joint Juris...

As a mother of four children, Nikki Farris understands the pressure of being responsible and taking care of family. When you fall into debt, it's not only you but those who depend on your that are in danger of financial ruin. If you cannot handle the debt, Attorney Nikki Farris can help you file for bankruptcy and find debt relief through various means. Nikki is experienced in bankruptcy law, as well as estate planning and business law. As a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Nikki is held accountable to high standards of legal service for her...

Jaspreet Hundal is a premier Family Law Attorney and Owner at Hundal Family Law. His practice is limited to Family Law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division and domestic violence. He is known for his unique ability to settle basic to complex cases in Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, and Sutter County. He is a fierce and balanced litigator focusing on helping families have a way of life.

Matthew Roy graduated with a degree in Government from CSU, Sacramento and his J.D. from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. While living in Sacramento, Matthew has participated in various community groups and organizations. He has served on the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges after his appointment by Governor Gray Davis as well as the Board of Directors for the Camellia Symphony Association of Sacramento. Mr. Roy volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Women Escaping a Violent Environment (W.E.A.V.E.), the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Project, as well as oversees domestic violence prevention workshops...

Michelle Trigger is the owner/attorney of Trigger Law Office, located in Sacramento, CA. Ms. Trigger's practice focuses on criminal defense and family law matters, including representation on all misdemeanor and felony offenses, divorce, child custody and visitation, and restraining orders. Ms. Trigger primarily serves Placer and Sacramento counties, but will accept matters in El Dorado, Yolo, Sutter, Yuba, Butte, Lake, and most bay area counties on a case-by-case basis. Ms. Trigger's primary talent is in the court room, as she is a zealous advocate in all motions and hearings, and never afraid to take a matter to trial.

Susan Cohen graduated from the University of California at Davis School of Law. She holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Martin Luther King, Jr. School of Law at the University of California at Davis. Her Law Office is in Downtown Sacramento. Her practice experience includes Family Law, including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support and Property Division. She accepts Domestic Violence, and Civil Harassment cases. She also practices in the area of Employment Law, including Discrimination on account of race, racial harassment, sex, sexual harassment, sexual orientation discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination, ...

Kim Ma graduated with High Honors from UC Davis with a degree in Managerial Economics. She went on to attend the Santa Clara University School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate. After graduating from Law School and passing the bar exam, Kim was hired by the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. Kim worked as a Deputy District Attorney where she developed impressive trial skills. Kim went on the work for one of best criminal defense firms in California before eventually joining making the shift to family law. Kim is now a practicing family law attorney who can be...

Charlie has extensive litigation and trial experience, having litigated countless contested hearings and various jury trials. Although Charlie practices all areas of family law, his practice now focuses on complex and high-asset dissolutions, many of which require collaboration with business counsel, estate planning counsel, and/or criminal counsel. Charlie practices in all Bay Area Counties, including but not limited to San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and Alameda County. Charlie believes that no two family law cases are alike and that each case requires a clear understanding of his client’s needs and ultimate goals in order to achieve...

Attorney Gary D. Sparks is an accomplished lawyer who has successfully provided legal services and representation to families, husbands, wives, parents, military service members, and same sex partners for nearly two decades. Gary was a regular guest for several years on the former Ronn Owens Program on KGO-AM 810 in San Francisco, and has been interviewed by local and national publications in addition to publishing several of his own legal guides.

Gary graduated first in his class from John F. Kennedy University School of Law, where he was awarded magna cum laude honors for excellence in academic achievement and received...

Business and International Experience
Wayne started in Auckland New Zealand, graduating after completing a challenging combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in just 4 years, achieving top marks at his law school at Auckland University made up of 11,000 students where he was elected Student President in a landslide victory in his last year. Then recruited by a leading Merchant Bank, MARAC Corporation, Wayne moved to Citibank before becoming the founding Company Secretary for New Zealand's first publicly listed Investment Bank, founding Company Secretary for NZ’s first publicly listed Venture Capital company and a Director of a...

Christopher W. Dietrich is the principal attorney of Dietrich Family Law practicing in the areas of Family Law (including Divorce, Legal Separation, Annulments, Child Custody and Domestic Violence Proceedings), Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate Administration. Prior to establishing Dietrich Family Law Mr. Dietrich directed the Sacramento operations of the Modesto based firm the Law Office of Thomas P. Hogan practicing in the same areas of law. He is an active member of the Sacramento County Bar Association where he has served on several committees. He also volunteers his time for Empower Yolo in Woodland to assist low...

My approach to each family law case is specifically tailored to the needs of each client. Some cases require aggressive litigation, while other times, settlement is the best (and cheapest) choice for all involved. As your attorney, you can expect me to give you guidance based on the law, and to be transparent with you about your options. My role is to advise you, but not to make decisions for you. I enjoy partnering with my clients to get them their desired outcome. I am also very responsive to client communication. I pride myself on keeping you...

Sarah Arnott is an Attorney at Van Voorhis & Sosna LLP. Ms. Arnott was certified as a specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in 2015, and served as the chairperson of the family law section of the San Francisco Bar Association's Barristers Club in 2013.

A native of New York and North Carolina, Ms. Arnott moved to California to attend Santa Clara University School of Law, from which she received her J.D. Ms. Arnott has exclusively practiced family law since 2008. She is well-versed in all areas of family law, including dissolutions, custody,...

I am also a Certified Public Accountant and have been doing tax work in the Bay Area for 30 years. I specialize in helping people and businesses pay as few taxes as possible without getting audited. In the estate planning area I help people preserve their property for their families and pay as few estate taxes as possible. I also am the Probate Doctor who can help fix impossible situations when estates are stuck in the quagmire of California Probate.

Divorce lawyer and child custody attorney located in San Diego CA providing services in all areas of family law for the entire county of San Diego. Conveniently located in Mission Valley with plenty of free parking. Weekend and evening appointments available. Reasonable prices and payment plans offered. A divorce and family law practice that has been in business over 18 years with a primary emphasis on child custody litigation. Other areas of family law that we can assist you with include child support, spousal support, property division, and retirement division. Call now for free consultation.

Douglas Borthwick Esq. was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1965. He graduated with high honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Muskingum University in 1988 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business, Economics, and Religion. At Muskingum University he was the recipient of the prestigious Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award, and the Financial Executive Institute Award. Attorney Douglas Borthwick received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1991 from Capital University Law School where he was the recipient of an academic scholarship and was on the Dean's List. Throughout his time in Law School, he worked as an Intern at the...

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...

Sherrie A. Munson is a legal force, blending exceptional representation with healing support since joining the California State Bar in 2010. With over a decade as the Program Director for domestic violence at Fairview Hospitals in Minnesota, she transitioned to family law, driven by a passion for individual advocacy. Sherrie empathizes with the emotional toll of divorce, offering legal guidance and support to foster positive healing. Her experience in an emergency youth shelter informs her advocacy for those navigating the DCSS/foster system. Sherrie ardently represents clients in family law, handling high-stakes dissolutions, domestic violence, and child custody matters. Her pride lies...

Certified Family Law Specialist Attorney in Orange County, California with offices in Irvine and Rancho Santa Margarita.

Since 1996, Attorney Sven Buncher has helped families seamlessly move through complex family matters. He is committed to helping his clients achieve happiness by providing only top-tier legal services. Whether you are faced with complex divorce issues, have questions regarding palimony, or would like to discuss grandparent custody, Attorney Buncher can supply insightful guidance. Backed by years of experience, you can rest easily knowing that when you work with Attorney Buncher, he will be sure to cover every intricacy of your case to make the process as smooth as possible. Prior to founding The Buncher Law Corporation, Attorney Buncher...

Laurence J. Brock is an attorney and family law specialist based in Rancho Cucamonga, handling family law matters for clients located throughout the state of California. He was admitted to the California state bar in 1988, and today he possesses nearly three decades of experience litigating the issues that most impact families. Brock is backed by an extensive experience in litigation and the courtroom, having practiced family and divorce law since 1992. He has a tremendous wealth of knowledge in both of the previous areas, as well as spousal support, child support, legal separation, custody, and domestic violence. He...

Chandra L. Moss joined Dishon & Block as an Associate Attorney in 2009. She has solely practiced family law for the last nine years focusing on matters that include divorce, domestic violence, paternity, child custody, support and adoption. Ms. Moss is a Certified Family Law Specialist as designated by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to joining Dishon & Block, Ms. Moss was a Senior Family Law Associate with Violet P. Woodhouse, APC in Newport Beach and was a private practitioner in the Inland Empire, focusing on family law, civil litigation and criminal defense. Ms. Moss brings...

My family law career began in 2011 when I was hired as an associate attorney at the firm of Oyler & Woldman and the Law Offices of Donald N. Woldman, both family law practices. In 2016, after Mr. Woldman’s passing, I started my own practice, which has been a positive development for me. Working for myself allows me the flexibility to choose what I charge and whether or not I accept a particular case. I try to be as transparent as possible regarding the work I do for a client as well as honestly counseling them on likely outcomes of...