Family Law. Practitioners. Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers. On Social Change and Family Law

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1 Special Advertising Supplement brings you Family Law Practitioners 2013 Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers On Social Change and Family Law The Miller Family Law Group Compassionate and Effective Representation page 2 A SPECIAL Advertising Supplement to the A SPECIAL Supplement to

2 Family Law Practitioners 2013 The Miller Family Law Group Special Advertising Supplement Amy Cantrell From left: Evelina Miller, Matthew Miller he Miller Family Law Group is a family-owned and -operated law firm established to provide individuals and families with compassionate, T honest, and effective representation in all areas of family law. The firm s partners, the husband-and-wife team of Evelina and Matthew Miller, are dedicated exclusively to the practice of family law, and have been throughout their careers. We want to positively impact people s lives, and family law provides us with the unique opportunity to directly and constructively impact what is most important to all of us, our families, Matthew says. At the firm, lawyers hold sacred their clients trust, and they foster that relationship by providing specific, clear, and honest assessments of what their clients can expect in their pending cases. In addition, they always maintain direct lines of communication with their clients: This type of communication allows each client to prepare for and cope with the emotional aspects of family law cases, and it enables them to make informed decisions in matters that will undoubtedly have a drastic effect on their lives and the lives of their family members, Evelina says. The Miller Family Law Group believes strongly in advocating for the rights of domestic violence victims. Prior to founding the firm, Evelina served as a certified sexual assault counselor in Orange County, providing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with crisis intervention counseling and emergency assistance; she also accompanied victims to courts and hospitals for forensic examinations. Matthew, meanwhile, authored a critique of the California criminal and evidence statutes, which examined the negative impact of the statutes on domestic violence victims. This article, The Silent Abuser; California s Promotion of Misdemeanor Domestic Violence, was published in the Western State University Law Review; it has since been cited as an authority in a friend-of-the-court brief that was submitted to the United States Supreme Court in the case of Dwayne Giles v. State of California. The Millers represent clients in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. They are known for skillfully handling family law matters of varying complexities, including marital dissolutions; annulments; adoptions; high-conflict custody cases; international child custody disputes involving application of the Hague Convention; interstate child custody disputes and move-away requests; division of marital property; and domestic violence matters. THE MILLER FAMILY LAW GROUP 810 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA ph: fax: themillerfamilylawgroup@gmail.com

3 AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LISA HELFEND MEYER OF MEYER, OLSON, LOWY & MEYERS LLP around. Then there s the confidentiality aspect; while using a private judge doesn t mean your file is sealed, however, there s less likelihood of the public hearing testimony in your case. Finally, you, along with opposing counsel, are able to select the judge who will decide the case, likely one who has years of experience with family law. In addition to budget cuts, same-sex marriage is another national issue that is particularly relevant to California; how has the patchwork nature of state and federal laws impacted divorcing same-sex couples? LHM: I ve been practicing for a long time, and I think the law is finally starting to catch up with life s realities. The law is becoming increasingly flexible in regard to giving non-biological parents and therefore many same-sex parents legal rights. And California now also has domestic partnerships. Still, I hope Proposition 8 is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court because same-sex couples deserve the same legal rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Are there any other social changes that have affected divorce law? LHM: The big one would be the rise of women in the workforce, which has had a significant impact on custody arrangements. In a blog post I wrote for The Huffington Post called Child Custody and the Working Mom, I discussed how, essentially, I ve found that courts are awarding more time to dads in cases involving working moms. Since I equally represent men and women in my practice, I know that women with demanding careers often find this disheartening; however, the most important point to remember is that the custody arrangement should focus on what s best for the children. Tracey Morris What are some strategies working moms can use to prepare for custody litigation? LHM: I always advise parents to keep a journal of their schedule; that way, they can show their involvement with their child, when they travel, what their work hours are, and whether there s flexibility in their schedule. We like to remind parties that you can t just work at your job; you have to work at being a parent, too. Lisa Helfend Meyer of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers has exclusively practiced family law for more than 30 years and is certified as a family law specialist by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She concentrates her practice on high-conflict child custody litigation, while also representing high net-worth individuals in complex dissolutions. Her clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and accomplished business executives. Legal Leaders: Lisa, as a family law specialist, what do you believe are today s most pressing family law issues? Lisa Helfend Meyer: In California, budget cuts have impacted public courts statewide, closing down courtrooms and significantly increasing judges daily dockets. As a result, we re seeing more and more people deciding to use private judges. Looking beyond California, are there any emerging issues that could gain traction here? LHM: In Florida, there s a movement to eliminate lifetime alimony, and I find that really interesting because in California the rule of thumb is if you have a long-term marriage, you could conceivably receive support until death or remarriage. The law in California is both parents have an obligation to support their children and become self- supporting. Still, I don t see the courts in this state ever eliminating permanent spousal support, particularly in Los Angeles County. To be a great advocate and achieve the best decisions and settlements for your clients, you have to remain apprised of changes in the law and anticipate legal trends in and out of the courtroom. At Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, we try to stay one step ahead of the judicial system and the legislature. LL: What are the benefits of using a private judge? LHM: For starters, if you use the public court system, you could end up waiting all day for your case to be heard, and that becomes very expensive for clients when they re paying professionals to wait MEYER, OLSON, LOWY & MEYERS LLP Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1425, Los Angeles, CA ph: fax: Los Angeles Family Law Practitioners 3

4 Family Law Practitioners 2013 Every day there are families and individuals who are looking for counsel to help guide them through some of the toughest times in their lives. From divorce to annulments; spousal support to child support; child custody to visitation; pre- and post-nuptial agreements to name-change cases; adoptions to emancipations parties are always looking for the proper representation from an attorney or mediator. But the road to the courtroom or mediation table need not be as arduous as you have heard. Keep this premiere issue of Southern California s Family Law Practitioners as a guide, as it features many dedicated lawyers and professionals whose aim is to make these transitions as seamless and as congenial as possible. This publication provides the opportunity for you to become acquainted with the leading family law firms, attorneys and specialists in the Southern California area who may be available to represent you during the good times as well as the difficult ones. Lester Goodman director of custom projects, alm media, llc LGoodman@alm.com Cover Photo By Tracey Morris Lisa E. Brandon With more than 25 years of professional experience, Lisa has practiced in downtown Long Beach since She is a 1987 graduate from the SCALE Program at Southwestern University School of Law and has been certified as a family law specialist by the California State Bar since She and her firm have been AV Preeminent rated by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. Ms. Brandon has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer by Los Angeles Magazine. She was included among Forbes Magazine s Southern California Women Business Leaders in September Ms. Brandon and her firm provides family law and related civil litigation, as well as mediation services. STANTON LAW CORPORATION HAROLD J. STANTON and MARIAN L. STANTON are husband and wife partners in their Encino, California Family Law Litigation Practice. Harold and Marian also offer Family Law Consulting and Mediation Services to minimize the adverse financial impact, as well as the emotional trauma inherent in the litigation process. Consultations are confidential and available on an hourly basis to help develop perspective and understanding regarding all aspects of Family Law, from pre-dissolution counseling in preparation for an anticipated divorce, to charting a course of action through the complex legal maze of the divorce process. Marian has a M.A. Degree in Education from UCLA, and taught elementary school for a number of years before graduating law school Magna Cum Laude. She is a Martindale-Hubbell AV rated Preeminent Attorney and has served as a Mediator and Judge Pro Tem in the Los Angeles Superior Courts. BRANDON LAW GROUP 200 Oceangate, Suite 1500 Long Beach, CA ph: For more information see our website: To schedule a consultation, call (818) Harold was a UCLA Law Review Senior Editor, a California Deputy Attorney General, and has an extensive background in business law and civil litigation. He has been a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1979, currently serving on its Board of Governors, and has been designated a Super Lawyer in Family Law for 10 consecutive years. 4 Los Angeles Family Law Practitioners

5 Harris Ginsberg llp Harris Ginsberg LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Southern California. Specializing in high networth and complex family law matters, the 12-lawyer firm provides unparalleled service to a wide range of clients. We bring a strength to the legal process that empowers our clients to achieve the best possible results while maintaining integrity for themselves and their family, says Larry Ginsberg. With offices in both Los Angeles and Pasadena, the firm specializes in all aspects of family law and strives to adapt the process to fit each client s needs. No matter the situation, Harris Ginsberg LLP provides strong legal representation. The firm commands the highest respect among its colleagues and the family law bench, and it is known for its ability to work through all available means to achieve the best result. People come to us to resolve significant and high-profile cases behind the scenes, knowing that if the case proceeds to court, they will be in the strongest hands possible, says Suzanne Harris. We offer expert representation whether in litigation or through the development of creative resolution outside of the courtroom. Ginsberg and Harris are fellows of the American and International Academies of Matrimonial Lawyers and are AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, partner Fahi Takesh Hallin is a fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Ginsberg, Harris and partner Andrea Balian are Certified Specialists, Family Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. IMAGE TK From left: Andrea Balian, Suzanne Harris, Larry A. Ginsberg, Fahi Takesh Hallin All four partners were selected for inclusion in this year s edition of The Best Lawyers in America, and Ginsberg, Harris and Hallin have all been named Southern California Super Lawyers by Los Angeles Magazine for the past several years. The firm and many of its lawyers are involved in public interest and charitable organizations that provide pro bono family law and domestic violence legal services, including the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law. HARRIS GINSBERG LLP 6420 Wilshire Boulevard, 16th Floor* Los Angeles, CA ph: fax: * Effective August 1, 2013 Pasadena Office: 70 South Lake Avenue, Suite 1000 Pasadena, CA ph: Violet P. Woodhouse, APC Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Financial Planner, Violet P. Woodhouse has become one of the A nation s leading authorities on divorce through her unique combination of family law expertise and financial knowledge. This dual certification gives me an added edge in dealing with many dissolution matters, she notes, as it provides me with a greater understanding of the financial and tax aspects of a case. Woodhouse received her financial planning certification from the University of Southern California College for Financial Planning in By the time she graduated from the Western State University College of Law in 1993, she had already gained a deep understanding of the financial implications of divorce: Initially as a Certified Financial Planner I prepared tax analysis on the consequences of dividing property and assets under different scenarios, she explains. So becoming a family law attorney was an expansion of the work I was already performing. In 1997, she received her certification as a family law specialist from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. In addition to being a skilled trial attorney, negotiator, and financial advisor, Woodhouse is a noted author, educator, and speaker. Her Nolo bestseller, Divorce & Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce, was described by New York Newsday as the most comprehensive financial planning guide for divorcing couples available ; and she has been widely quoted in many prominent national publications. The key to my longevity is that I enjoy working with clients and handling their complex issues, Woodhouse says of her 20-year career. It s always rewarding to see my clients grow and become better people. VIOLET P. WOODHOUSE, APC 2 Corporate Plaza, Suite 250 Newport Beach, CA ph: fax: Amy Cantrell Los Angeles Family Law Practitioners 5

6 Family Law Practitioners 2013 Special Advertising Supplement John J. Gilligan, CFLS ohn J. Gilligan, founding partner of J Brandmeyer Gilligan & Dockstader, LLP, has extensive experience specializing in California family law, probate litigation and estate planning since Prior to becoming a founding partner for Brandmeyer Gilligan & Dockstader, LLP, Mr. Gilligan founded Gilligan Law Corporation. Since 1985, Mr. Gilligan has served as Judge Pro Tem in the Superior Court for family law and domestic violence matters. He is certified to serve as a Superior Court Mediator, having received his mediation credential from Pepperdine Law School. He is also qualified for service as Court Appointed Minor s Counsel. Mr. Gilligan is a member of the American Bar Association, Los Angeles and orange Bar Associations, Irish-American Bar Association, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Association and Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Gilligan has lectured extensively on family law matters, authored numerous articles focusing on legal issues that stem from divorce and is the author of three Court of Appeal published opinions. Mr. Gilligan is certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, as a certified family law specialist since Only 10% of California s family law attorneys have earned this additional education and title. BRANDMEYER GILLIGAN & DOCKSTADER, LLP One World Trade Center, Suite 2150 Long Beach, CA ph: fax: JGilligan@BGDLawyers.com Seated, from left: Carrie Rubi, Angela Woolard. Standing, from left: Marissa McArthur, Jeffrey Harris, Meryl Fox, Gerald McMahon, Amanda Harris, Christina Peralta, Lisa Sundry. Since its founding in 1948, Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek has been dedicated to client service, providing a full range of business and litigation services. SCMV s Family Law Department is no exception. Comprised of five attorneys and four paralegals experienced in the full range of family law issues, both personal and financial, the family law team at SCMV works diligently to achieve the best decisions and solutions for its clients and their families. as difficult personal dimensions are almost always overlaid with major financial considerations involved in representing high-networth individuals, SCMV s ability to offer a broad range of legal services allows for collaboration on the various and complex matters that arise in family law, including estate, tax and business issues. Working closely with SCMV s tax, pension, corporate and estate planning attorneys, SCMV s family law attorneys provide informed and insightful counsel. Their goal is always the amicable resolution of the issues involved, yet their resourceful and informed litigation team stands ready to use their experience to attain swift and successful resolutions. 750 B STREET, SUITE 2100 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (619) Christian E. Markey III ith more than 28 years of trial W experience in family law, complex business and entertainment litigation, Markey is uniquely situated to provide the personal assistance necessary to achieve your family law goals. His strong and smart advocacy complements his unbending dedication to his clients to ensure a successful attorney-client relationship. Founder of the Law Offices of Christian E. Markey III and Of Counsel with Hersh, Mannis & Bogen, LLP, Markey handles divorce, prenuptial and post-marital agreements, child custody, marital property division, domestic violence, spousal and child support. Markey is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale- Hubbell for ranking at the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards. He graduated from UC Berkeley (highest honors), USC Law School and is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and all California state and federal courts. The Beverly Hills Courier featured Markey as one of its Top Attorneys for Settlement through mediation or arbitration is always preferable, but if not possible, Markey s clients are wellserved by his trial experience, focused, effective, and aggressive trial approach, when necessary, to attain his clients objectives. After competing in 15 marathons and more than 100 triathlons, including finishing Ironman California (142.6 miles), when it comes to toughness, compassion, commitment and experience, Markey has what it takes to go the distance for his family law clients. LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTIAN E. MARKEY III 9150 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 209 Beverly Hills, CA ph: fax: cmarkey@markeyplc.com Paula Kane he Law Office of Paula Kane Trepresents clients in a range of divorce and family law matters in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. With more than 30 years experience and a background in business and accounting, Los Angeles divorce lawyer Paula Kane brings exceptional experience and knowledge to every case. The office represents a broad range of clients, including business executives, professionals, and entertainment personalities, in all areas of family law, including complex business valuations, spousal and child support, paternity, custody, post judgment support modifications, and preand post-marital agreements. The office has experience working with expert witnesses, including financial experts, vocational counselors, and other professionals to give our clients the best representation possible. Ms. Kane has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the organization s highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. The Law Office of Paula Kane provides a personalized focus on each client s unique needs. LAW OFFICE OF PAULA KANE 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2000 Los Angeles, CA ph: fax: Richard Ross Conveniently located in Westlake Village, Woodland Hills and Oxnard, Richard Ross Associates is proud to serve clients in both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Richard Ross is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has been practicing law since This experience, combined with a background in psychology and interpersonal relations, provides him a unique perspective which helps clients to resolve their cases in an effective and efficient manner. As a specialist, Mr. Ross has the experience to handle larger, more complex cases that may occur when a couple owns several homes or a business together. His in-depth experience encompasses a wide range of legal disciplines, including civil, criminal, business, bankruptcy litigation, personal injury, workers compensation, corporate law, and real property law. This knowledge is invaluable to our clients and in the handling of their case. At Richard Ross Associates, we specialize in Family Law so you don t have to. RICHARD ROSS ASSOCIATES 2801 Townsgate Road #212 Westlake Village, CA ph: info@richardrossassociates.com 6 Los Angeles Family Law Practitioners

7 Law Offices of Peter A. Lauzon APLC Peter A. Lauzon Esq Century Park East, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA Ph: The Law Offices of Peter A. Lauzon, APLC is headed by its founder, Peter Lauzon. The professionals and staff at Mr. Lauzon s firm are adept at handling all aspects of family law matters including dissolution of marriage, child custody, spousal and child support, property division, international and interstate custody matters and move-aways, where one parent decides to move from the home state with the parties child or children. The method of the enterprising is to plan with audacity and execute with vigor. The attorneys at the firm recognize that the parties in a family law matter should Christian Bovee not deplete their assets to pay their attorneys in order to resolve their outstanding issues. The firm utilizes a cost benefit approach to resolve the client s matters to their benefit. In the event that litigation is necessary, the attorneys at Mr. Lauzon s firm are prepared to represent their client s position in court with skill and professionalism. Mr. Lauzon and his litigation team have tried a number of international custody trials and have successfully litigated court cases involving the countries of Canada, Mexico, Finland, France, Norway, Italy, Australia, Hungary, India and Thailand utilizing the international laws regarding child custody and child abduction The Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The professionals and attorneys of the Lauzon firm will employ tactics and procedures that are specific for that client s matter recognizing that every case as well as the needs and goals of a particular client is different. Throughout the representation, the client will be informed and educated as to the status of their matter so the client fully understands the status of their case and remain knowledgeable about the anticipated results. Mr Lauzon has been chosen as a Super Lawyer every year since 2005 and is AV rated (the highest rating possible) by Martindale-Hubbell. ALM LEGAL GROUP Director, Custom Projects: Lester Goodman Director, Sales & Business Development, Custom Projects: Carrie Tuck Account Executives: Bridget McDonald James D Imperio Laura Gunawan Alicia Upchurch Marcy Palacios Jason Romano George Schwimmer Chris Knapp Graphic Designers: Sammy Elfatrany Ashley McKevitt Content Manager: Justin Smulison Profiles Writer: Sean Stonefield Vice President, Inside Sales: Steven R. Andreazza Senior Vice President: Kevin Vermeulen CoMing THis JuLy PRESENTS 2013 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN For more information, contact Legal Leaders at or LegalLeaders@alm.com Los Angeles Family Law Practitioners 7

8 Amy Cantrell Claery & Green, LLP t Claery & Green, LLP, partners Lance Claery and Jim Green have built one of ASouthern California s foremost family law firms by carefully selecting a group of experienced and dedicated legal professionals. With its broad collective expertise, this team of advocates is able to offer knowledgeable counsel in the full range of divorce and family law issues, including complex matters such as move-away and child support cases. When clients come to us, they re going through a rough period in their life, and we want them to feel like they have someone on their side during this stressful time, Claery says. The benefit of having a team is that not only do we have the resources to handle their matters, but we can also ensure that they feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Both of the firm s partners have been handling family law matters for more than a decade. Claery, who has focused in the field throughout his career, first became interested in family law while completing his undergraduate degree in family studies at the University of Maryland. As part of the school s internship program, he volunteered for the Hope Housing project, which helps families in the poorest sections of Washington, D.C. Working with families in these low-income areas, I saw that what they really needed was help with their legal issues, and that s what turned me on to the law, he notes. From Left: XXXXXXX, XXXXXXX, XXXXXXX Green, meanwhile, has a diverse background that includes serving as a military attorney in the U.S. Marine Corps. In that role, he handled family law issues as well as a myriad of other legal matters. After three-and-a-half years of practicing every area of the law, I found that family law was the one that interested me the most, so when I left the military I went directly into that field, he says. Green also has a wide-ranging educational foundation, having earned an LL.M. in taxation and a master s degree in business administration in addition to his J.D. Given their broad expertise, Claery and Green represent people across the economic spectrum, from multimillionaires to clients of more modest means. Claery notes that having this varied client base allows them to empathize with each client s situation. For family law attorneys, being able to communicate with clients is essential to being successful in their cases, he explains, and we can always relate to where our clients are coming from. CLAERY & GREEN, LLP ph: toll free: Century City, Los Angeles Address: 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2900 Los Angeles, CA From left: James Green, Lance Claery Mission Valley, San Diego Address: 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 370 San Diego, CA