Montecito Family Lawyers

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...

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...

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....

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...

Family Law is an area of law that requires more than just an understanding of the law, it requires an understanding of people. When dealing with something as personal as family, emotions can run high and often impact a person's decision making process. At Swanson and Ruegg, we address your needs by helping you to determine what your best options are so that you can decide on which course of action is right for your family. Our Riverside law firm brings over 30 years of combined experience to every family law case we handle. That experience allows us to...

Like many people, I suffered through a difficult divorce. The hardest part for me was the constant feeling of being overwhelmed and no longer in control of my life. That experience truly transformed the way I practice family law. I have made sure that we do everything possible to help clients not feel the same way I did during my divorce by making customer service the hallmark of our firm. We will do whatever is necessary to reduce their anxiety and know that our firm will make their needs a priority. That’s why I make sure that we are available...

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...

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...

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

The Law Offices of Jennifer S. Morrison is a divorce law firm in Fresno, California that provides exceptional, aggressive representation to clients throughout the Central Valley, including Fresno, Tulare, Madera, and Kings Counties. At her Fresno divorce law firm, Jennifer Morrison represents clients in all aspects of family law matters, including but not limited to divorce, paternity, child custody and visitation rights, child and spousal support, and property and debt division.

Our motto is "Personal Attention—Aggressive Representation." We take this motto very seriously, and take great pride in the fact that among divorce law firms in Fresno we are especially attentive...

I understand the suffering families experience during divorce and have a passion for helping them through these difficult times. Divorce is one of the most difficult steps that anyone will ever have to take in life. The process has a profound emotional and financial impact upon everyone involved. Not only does divorce sever a couple's legal status as "married" and all of the benefits that flow from it, it necessitates significant real and personal changes in the lives of everyone involved whether anticipated or not. I am committed to helping clients through these difficult times and help them transition to...

Kimberly Madigan is a founding partner of Madigan & Lewis, LLP, family law firm representing clients throughout the Bay Area. She is admitted to practice law before all courts in the State of California. Ms. Madigan was named a "Rising Star" in family law by Super Lawyers on the basis of peer recognition and professional achievement for years 2012-2014. In 2014, Ms. Madigan was named as one of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys Under 40 in Northern California by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA). She is serving as the 2015 chair of...

My family law practice is entirely limited to mediation and coaching. After witnessing the financial destruction and emotional distress that accompanies a litigated divorce, I decided to devote my career to helping couples separate constructively, peacefully and with dignity. Not only does a mediated divorce typically cost tens of thousands less than a drawn-out courtroom battle, but it also maximizes the likelihood that the parties will enjoy a civil relationship after the legal work is done. This is critically important when children are involved. I handle the entire divorce process for my clients, from our initial meeting to drafting...

Lisa R. Murray has practiced law since 1987, and family law since 1989, assisting families through the difficult divorce process. Ms. Murray assists her clients in reaching amicable and equitable settlement by offering services as a mediator, Collaborative Practice lawyer, consulting attorney for clients in mediation, and negotiating settlements. Ms. Murray has served her community as a court-appointed child advocate representing children in divorce cases, and Judge Pro Tempore. Ms. Murray's focus on consensual dispute resolution, such as mediation and Collaborative Practice was borne from her experience of the destructive manner in which litigation separates parents' and...

Before merging her law office with Tammy J. Mercado’s, Mary Whipple opened her own law practice in the summer of 2008. Prior to that Mary was an associate attorney at the Law Office of Cummins & Holmes, a full-service civil litigation law firm in San Ramon. The majority of her experience is in family law, which includes divorce, custody, support, prenuptial agreements, and domestic-violence restraining orders. Mary has also represented clients in a variety of non-family-law cases, including juvenile dependency, probate, breach of contract, and employment disputes, to name a few. Previously, Mary worked as a contract attorney for O’Melveny...

Amy Laughlin has been achieving exceptional results for clients since 1992. After graduating with honors from The University of Michigan Law School, Amy joined the San Francisco office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP. While there, she counseled individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex financial matters. In 2013, Amy opened her own practice where she focuses primarily on divorce, business and entertainment law.

CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST At the Law Office of Dianne Drew Butler C.F.L.S., we have worked closely with men and women across the Central Valley in California since 1986. We know that the legal process can be complicated and take great care to carefully explain the law and process to you so that you have a realistic idea of what to expect. We will help you understand your rights and options so that you can make good decisions that are in your best interests. Our Credentials We offer clients extensive experience and knowledge in family law matters, having focused our practice exclusively...

We are built on meaningful connection with local communities and helping people. We focus on core legal services and extensive use of technology to cut down on legal costs. We believe in a compassionate approach that adds significant values to clients. We believe in strong and competent advocacy for clients.

Mark T. Koo’s work includes Corporate Compliance and Governance, Estate Planning, Family Law, Non-Profit Formation and setting up the 501c3 Non-profit designation. Mark also helps companies file incorporation as well as other corporate legal assistance. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mark T. Koo has been involved with Silicon Valley’s technologies such as data warehousing, wireless software and hardware technologies, and internet technologies. Mark is a graduate of McGeorge Law School and is a member of the California Bar. Mark received his bachelors of science degree in electrical engineering and masters of science degree in materials science from University of California,...

Ms. Szeto-Wong completed her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley. She obtained her law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law and has been litigating civil rights, family law, and employment cases in state and federal court since 2012. Ms. Szeto-Wong has a successful track record including favorable verdicts and awards in the millions of dollars. She is bilingual in English and Cantonese.

Michele Elizabeth Hales has been assisting clients with Family Law matters since her admittance to the California Bar in 1992. In addition to a successful litigation practice, she also offers Alternative Dispute Resolution services, such as Mediation, Collaboration and Unbundled Family Law Assistance. She is dedicated to providing experienced, skilled and knowledgeable representation, and pursuing the best possible outcomes for your family law needs. Michele received her B.A. from the University of California Davis in 1989. She earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1992. Michele is a member of the State Bar of California, Santa Clara...

Danella Rugile is a skilled family law attorney in San Jose and one of the founding partners at F & R Law Group. She dedicates her career to ensure that families in the community receive the representation they need during a divorce. Prior to starting work as a lawyer, she served as a Parent Facilitator at the Redwood City Child Development Centers. This experience gave her insight and a connection to the people she would serve as an attorney and pushed her to pursue her law degree in divorce law. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School...

CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Family Law Specialist
State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

BAR ADMISSIONS:
California, 1989
U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1989
U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 1989
U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1989
U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1989
EDUCATION:
University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, California, J.D.

Daniel Jensen has truly established himself as a top lawyer in Santa Clara County. In fact, Jensen has been selected five times by the San Jose Magazine as one of Silicon Valley's Best Lawyers in Criminal Law and Family Law. As a former police officer and sergeant, Jensen has great knowledge when it comes to effectively defending his clients in state and federal courts. If you or a loved one are in need of legal guidance, Daniel Jensen may be able help. Learn more by calling the The Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C. at (408) 296-4100.

-- Over 16 years experience in Family Law -- Certified Family Law Specialist -- Good Listener & Idea Generator -- Can Think Outside the Box to Help You Get Great Results -- Friendly Style Facilitates Settlements

Ahluwalia Law Professional Corporation is a general practice law firm located in San Jose, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Striving to achieve meaningful, long-lasting relationships with our clients, we offer affordable, efficient and personalized service. Attorney Madan Ahluwalia, Managing Attorney, has been providing his clients with legal representation since 1995.

I am one of a handful of Certified Family Law Specialists, as certified by the California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization, in the Stanislaus and San Joaquin area. Family law is my favorite area of the law as I greatly enjoy the ability to help people navigate through the court process. I know that I go to court every day but that my clients don't. I understand that this process can be overwhelming and often, emotionally driven. My job is to be certain that my clients understand best case scenarios and worst case scenarios so...

Joshua Robinett Jachimowicz was admitted to the State Bar in 2011. Mr. Jachimowicz began working with his father's firm as a law clerk while attending law school. He graduated the University of California at Santa Barbara with a bachelor's degree in Physics. Like his father, he received his law degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. While at Santa Clara, he received honors for his academic efforts in Wills and Trusts, Employment Discrimination and Trial Techniques classes. As a young attorney, he has handled numerous criminal matters, including petty thefts, drug offenses, and DUIs. Mr. Jachimowicz recently married...

Before starting my family law practice, I worked for 5 years at a non-profit, where I successfully litigated in court on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their children. I obtained Temporary and Permanent Restraining Orders, Child Visitation and Custody Orders, as well as Child Support. Since 2007, I have offered amicable, uncontested divorce and separation options for those who want to stay out of court, including high conflict and complex cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness. I provide services as a Mediator (neutral third party), Collaborative Divorce attorney (using a team approach),...

Attorney Stratte's passion is family law. She brings significant experience with trials, highly contested dissolutions with custody, division of high value assets, and alternative dispute resolution to assist her clients with compassionate resolution of these deeply personal legal issues. In addition, she has many recent wins at long cause trials in property division, domestic violence restraining orders, custody, contempt of court and fee awards, among other successes. Attorney Stratte received her Bachelor of the Arts from the University of California Berkeley in Women's Studies, located in Berkeley, California. Thereafter, she received her professional doctorate in law from Southwestern Law School located...

The Law Office of David A. Martin & Associates is a full service law firm specializing in family law disputes. This firm has been serving the greater Sacramento Valley and surrounding communities since 1995. Attorney David A. Martin has built a reputation on personally and successfully representing individual clients on thousands of divorce and child custody matters. Mr. Martin and his professional staff of paralegals and attorneys are here to help you with your legal needs. From the very beginning, the goal of the firm has been to provide conscientious, aggressive, and diligent legal representation to our clients on all...

Mr. Mastro was born in Oakland, grew up around the East Bay, and has spent his life living throughout the Bay Area, from San Francisco to San Jose. Mr. Mastro graduated from the Santa Clara University School of Law in May 2006. He then passed the California State Bar Examination in July 2006 on his first attempt. Thereafter, Mr. Mastro became a Deputy Public Defender in San Joaquin County, representing clients in all manner of criminal cases, in a high-volume capacity. In 2009, Joe decided to return home to open his own law firm. Since then...

Deborah Brown enjoys helping clients through a difficult period in their lives She strives to minimize the disruption and strife associated with family law issues, but can also be tough when necessary. Her approach is tailored to each client’s unique situation and the client’s goals. She believes in custom, not cookie cutter solutions.
Deborah offers a variety of limited-scope options as well as full representation to address family issues including divorce, spousal support, child custody and child support, parentage, adoptions and guardianships. She has handled domestic violence issues, in criminal as well as family court, and DUIs and other misdemeanors....