Thermal Family Lawyers

Michael Fischer is a licensed California attorney licensed to practice in both state and federal court. Mr. Fischer has handled hundreds of contested and uncontested family law matters. He is known for his ability to guide his clients through the tumultuous processes of family court in an aggressive yet compassionate manner. Mr. Fischer graduated Cum Laude from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensellaer Indiana with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a minor in Political Science. For twenty-two years he oversaw the growth of his photography studio and photo processing laboratory in Soldotna, Alaska as well as owning and...

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...

I am Koryn Sheppard, a State BAR CERTIFIED Family Law attorney based in San Diego. To achieve this certification, attorneys like myself must meet stringent experience and continuing education requirements, pass a formal examination, and provide professional references. Additionally, we are required to consistently participate in family law continuing education classes. Since 2009, I have been practicing family law, guiding families through the complexities of the legal system. My practice areas include divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and mediation. I have a significant amount of experience in handling military divorce matters and am often appointed by the...

James F. Sexton first worked as an attorney for the insurance companies he now opposes. Having worked this side of personal injury and worker’s compensation cases, James understands the goals, motivation, and tactics employed by the insurance companies and the lawyers who protect their interests. He uses that knowledge to better serve and protect his clients’ interests. As CEO of a company and owner of his own law firm, James Sexton’s success reflects the positive experiences his clients have had and continue to have at The Sexton Law Firm. His expertise is extensive and includes California bankruptcy law, California...

MS. HEISKALA joined the firm as a supervising attorney after spending 24 years as a sole practitioner in her own firm primarily devoted to family law. Ms. Heiskala obtained her Juris Doctorate from Western State School of Law (now Thomas Jefferson School of Law) in 1976. She was admitted to the State Bar of California and the Federal District Court for the Southern District in 1976, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeal in 1986 and became a Certified Specialist in Family Law in 1988. Ms. Heiskala is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, the Family Law Section...

Attorney Brian Michaels is a 23 year veteran of the California Criminal And Family Law Courts. Attorney Michaels spent the first 8 years of his career as a big city Prosecutor where he cut his teeth in the trial courts of Los Angeles where he earned accolades as a Top Prosecutor. Attorney Michaels worked for the Los Angeles Police Department during the height of the infamous Rampart Scandal as a Civil Defense Attorney. Michaels is unique among Attorneys in Southern California as very few have any Prosecutorial experience and most set out on their own straight out of Law School....

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...

Chalsie Keller is a skilled Family Law attorney licensed in California. She brings a strong background in civil litigation, having handled diverse matters from personal injury to complex contract disputes. Her legal career launched early—she was recruited to a civil litigation team in just her second semester of law school, quickly rising due to her creative strategy and sharp negotiation skills. Chalsie’s passion for advocacy began at California State University, Chico, where she earned her B.A. in 2010. While managing full-time work and studies, she supported Social Security clients through the Community Legal Information Center, gaining valuable experience in public speaking...

David K.Wilkinson is a Fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), and started his education when he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, one of the highest ranked undergraduate business schools in the United States. He was awarded membership to the National Dean’s List. David received his Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law School and graduated in the top one-third of his class. Co-founder of Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, David practices family law for the firm, handling all facets of the practice area, from straightforward negotiation...

Board Certified Family Law Specialist with more than 35 years of litigation experience. Attorney Scott represents clients in a wide variety of family law matters. This includes military cases, complex cases in contested matters of divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, paternity, representation of families of professional baseball and football players, business evaluation and division. Mr. Scott is skilled and experienced with the treatment of professional practices and separately held businesses in divorce.

Mr. Scott also has more than 35 years of litigation experience in the following family law areas of practice:

Domestic Violence
Post Judgment Family Law
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Grandparent Visitation Rights
Legal...

As the founder of the Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC, Attorney Michael D. Iverson provides knowledgeable and compassionate representation to his clients in family law, estate planning, and business and civil litigation matters. He has been named a 10 Best Attorney: Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™ in 2017 and 2018. Before entering law school, Mr. Iverson amassed extensive experience in varied fields. He worked as a dental technician, earned a paralegal certificate, climbed the ladder as a paralegal at a large personal injury firm in Salt Lake City, and obtained a real estate...

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

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...

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...

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...

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.

At Szeto-Wong Law, we are dedicated to protecting what matters most—your family, financial security, and fundamental rights. As an experienced divorce and family law attorney, I understand the complexities of cases involving child custody disputes, high-net-worth divorces, and asset division. Whether safeguarding investments or ensuring a fair custody arrangement, I provide strategic and compassionate counsel to guide you through the legal process. Beyond family law, our firm is committed to advocating for employee rights in cases involving workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, and retaliation claims. We believe in holding employers accountable and ensuring fair treatment for workers across California. With a...

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...

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...

For over a decade, Charrisse N. Smith has been a trusted advocate, guiding individuals through the legal system with skill and compassion. Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for her professionalism, dedication to advocacy, and exceptional negotiation and mediation abilities. Committed to changing the narrative surrounding attorneys, Charrisse upholds the highest standards of integrity both in and out of the courtroom. She approaches each case with the same level of dedication and care she would expect for her own legal matters. Charrisse is passionate about family law, finding great fulfillment in helping individuals navigate one of the most challenging periods...

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....

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...

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.

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...

“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...

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.

Edward Castro is a seasoned family law practitioner with an unwavering commitment to the field throughout his career. Initially focusing on domestic violence prevention, he collaborated with SDVLP and later directed FLAP, a courthouse-based family law clinic. At the YWCA Legal Advocacy Program, he served for six years as a senior staff attorney, handling diverse family law matters, emphasizing cases involving domestic violence. In 2010, Mr. Castro joined BLSAPC, where he became a partner in 2014. Specializing in high net-worth cases, he addressed complex issues like business valuation disputes, income analyses of large business owners, and asset protection trusts. He gained...

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...

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.

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!

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...

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...

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...

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...

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