Top Best Family Lawyers

Nick started his legal career by clerking for a prominent firm in Columbus, Ohio in 1997.  He then went on to Law School at Capital University graduating in the Top 10% of his class with honors.  He currently represents both individuals and businesses before numerous Courts in Ohio including Common Pleas Courts, Courts of Appeal, Federal District Courts, and the Ohio Supreme Court.  He also practices before administrative agencies in the State of Ohio.  He focuses primarily on employment and family law, juvenile law, and contract disputes. Nick approaches law with his professional concept that attorneys should not only perform as legal counselors acting as "problem solvers" but also must be proactive, preventing problems before they occur.

I am a home grown attorney who attended high school at Westerville South, college at Denison University, and law school at Capital University. I am an avid sports fan and was inducted into the Denison University Athletic Hall of Fame in September of 2012.. As an attorney, I take pride in representing my clients to the fullest extent possible and informing them of their rights and options as the case progresses. I practice almost exclusively in the Family Law Arena, but I also represent cleint for step-parent adoptions.. Please feel free to contact me to discuss if I am the right attorney for you!

Eric grew up in Worthington, Ohio. He graduated with honors (cum laude) from The Ohio State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts. Eric then graduated with honors (magna cum laude) from Capital University Law School in 2007.. Eric is admitted to practice law in all Ohio state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Eric has been practicing domestic relations law, exclusively, since 2007. Accordingly, he handles matters in all areas of family law including divorce, dissolution, custody proceedings, post-decree matters, child and spousal support cases and appellate matters. Eric is an OSBA Certified Specialist in the practice of Family Relations Law, which requires passage of a written examination in the field of family relations law, demonstration of a high level of substantial involvement in family relations law and favorable evaluations by colleagues and judges / magistrates familiar with his work. Eric has also been selected to the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys “Top 10 Under 40 Attorney Award for the state of Ohio,” which is by invitation and is extended to those attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill, experience, expertise and success in their practice of family law. Eric has presented at a number of seminars, including the Fifth Annual Family Institute in 2017 and the Domestic Relations Judge & Magistrate Winter Conference in 2016. Eric is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association.

As an attorney, I focus predominantly on family law. I serve as the Editor-in-Chief of ADR Times, the premier online community and print platform for news, information, and commentary concerning Alternative Dispute Resolution. While earning a Masters in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute, I mediated disputes and spent time in London working at the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. With a diverse background and experiences in cross-cultural settings, I apply communication and negotiation techniques on a daily basis.

Brian D. Mullen is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego and California Western School of Law. After law school he served as a law clerk to a veteran San Diego attorney whose family law practice deals with primarily heavily contested custody matters before family law and juvenile courts, domestic violence Restraining Orders, guardianships, complex dissolution of marriage cases involving division of assets and debts, and criminal defense. After passing the Bar Exam, Mr. Mullen joined another law group in San Diego for several years. At that firm, Mr. Mullen handled straightforward and complex divorce matters from inception to judgment, including motions for child support before the Department of Child Support Services and Family Support Division. Mr. Mullen also served as lead counsel to several civil matters. In September 2009, he temporarily joined another well-known family law firm, which also handles complex dissolutions and contested child custody matters including guardianships. Mr. Mullen recently prevailed in a highly acrimonious guardianship matter. The case went to trial in November 2009, and at trial the court ordered permanent guardianship to Mr. Mullen’s client, who was the paternal grandmother.. Mr. Mullen’s experience in family law matters helps him as an effective advocate for those who strive to enforce their rights in the California family law courts. He assesses each client’s goals, fights for their priorities and returns telephone calls promptly. Mr. Mullen is familiar with the Family Law and Family Support Division courts in Orange County, as he appears before these departments regularly.. Mr. Mullen is a partner at Wilkinson & Finkbeiner and represents Spanish-speaking clients.

Certified Family Law Specialist (certified by the California State Bar of Board of Legal Specialization) Stacey Stone was raised and currently resides in South Orange County.. Stacey’s clients include high net worth and high-income individuals in complex, contested family law cases, although she prefers to settle cases of all types whenever settlement is possible. She helps resolve issues involving custody, visitation, support and domestic abuse. Stacey has had extensive experience and is particularly skilled with valuations of businesses and division and characterization of community and separate property assets.. Stacey studied Political Science and Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA!!!), where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in 2001. She subsequently earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2005.. Stacey has been practicing family law for more than a decade. Prior to joining the firm, Stacey was the managing attorney at one of the largest family law firms in Orange County. Before shifting her focus to family law, Stacey practiced law civil and business litigation in Orange County, where she gained experience in all phases of litigation including propounding and responding to discovery, law and motion, trial preparation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, and trial.. In her spare time, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family, attending her twin sons’ sporting events, going to the beach, skiing and reading.. Education:. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bachelor of Arts, Political Science – 2001Loyola Law School, Los Angeles Juris Doctorate – 2005

Shiry Tannenbaum is Principal at Tannenbaum Law, and provides contract and consulting legal services in the areas of family law and business litigation.  Shiry has practiced family law since 2015, and focused her first seven years of practice to business litigation for boutique law firms.. Shiry served as co-chair of the Women’s Educational Committee of the Center for Investment and Weath management at UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business.  Shiry served on the Dean's Executive Board at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law.  She was Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers and Chair of the Public Law Center's annual Volunteers for Justice Dinner Silent Auction Committee from 2013 to 2015. Shiry served as Vice President of the Orange County Jewish Bar Association from 2010 to 2012, and as an active member of the Dean's Campaign Cabinet at UCI Law and the Orange County Bar Association's Community Outreach Committee.. Shiry earned her J.D. degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, where she was named Pro Bono Graduate of the Year. Shiry served as an Articles Editor for the Santa Clara Law Review and was an Honors Moot Court participant. She served as a judicial extern at the United States District Court, Northern District of California, the California Court of Appeal, and the California Superior Court of Santa Barbara and Santa Clara Counties. Shiry earned her B.A. degree in Law and Society, with Honors, from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Melinda received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of California at Davis.  While at UC Davis she was actively involved in local non-profits assisting survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault with various legal issues.. She later earned her Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School in 2009, where she received the 2007 Public Interest Scholarship from the California Bar Association for her continued volunteer work.  While at Whittier law school she served as the President of the Hispanic American Law Student Association while also competing and serving as the Vice President of the Trial Advocacy Honors Board.. While in law school she worked with Amnesty International in their Stop Violence Against Women Project as well as at the District Attorney’s offices in San Diego and Orange County.  Upon graduating from law school she was awarded the Center for Children’s Rights Certificate, Trial and Appellate Practice Certificate, and Criminal Law Certificate due to her courses and active participation in school programs.. Melinda is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Orange County Hispanic Bar Association, and continues to assist in advocacy and policy development for survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault through her work with the California Partnership for Domestic Violence (CPEDV) and Human Options.. As an attorney, Melinda has been involved in many high asset and high conflict custody and dissolution matters during her career.  Her ability to advocate for her clients with up to date advice and compassion allows  her to obtain client centered results in the most efficient manner possible.

One must love what they do to truly excel at it! Passion is key. As a divorce lawyer, I love what I do because I get the incredible opportunity to work alongside people to help them (and their families) through tough emotional times, while resolving their financial and/or custody issues. Seeing people get a fresh start at the end of a case is rewarding. This makes me passionate about my clients and their lives. The faster and more efficient I am, the faster my clients get that fresh start. I am even more dedicated and passionate in Court, (if that is what is necessary), because it means someone or something has blocked a resolution.  These are the motivations that make me tick, not to mention I am also an active dad who is passionate about his kids, and active in his community, plus a fan of outdoor sports.. My credentials and experience match my passion. Board-certified as a specialist in family law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, I have more than 17 years of legal experience, and I provide outstanding representation, advice and support to my clients throughout Orange County who are going through a divorce or other family law issues.. I am uniquely situated to handle divorce litigation with both business litigation and transactional experience in the first decade of my legal career.  I have achieved considerable success helping my clients make the best-informed financial and custody decisions that will affect their families for years to come, while also aggressively representing them in Court (when the circumstances of their case warrant it).. My early practice was in the banking finance industry in matters of regulatory compliance and securities offerings. Subsequently, before joining Minyard Morris, I practiced state and federal litigation in matters of bad faith insurance, employment and contract disputes, real property litigation, and personal injury actions on both the plaintiff and the defense side. My high-stakes civil-litigation experience, combined with complex securities and financial transaction experience, add unique insight to my advice and recommendations.. I now limits my practice to family law matters in Orange County. My success in family law is measured not only in terms of the number of trials and contested hearings on nearly every focus area in Family Law, but also in the number of successful resolutions leading to stipulated Judgments or Orders. These earned me the designation of a certified specialist in the minimum time permitted by The State Bar (i.e. 5 years), and I has continued to build upon that foundation since.. I have also received several commendations for my pro bono and volunteer work for the poor and disadvantaged, including serving as a Board Member for Community Legal Aid SoCal, volunteering with pro bono legal clinics, and a perennial volunteer for the Constitutional Rights Foundation mock trial competition. On the weekends, I also find time to volunteer with my community in youth sports, including coaching and refereeing.. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree at Point Loma Nazarene University (summa cum laude) and my Juris Doctorate at American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. While in D.C., I interned for the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Litigation and Enforcement Division, and also participated in a fellowship in the Office of The Curator of the Supreme Court of the United States. During my undergraduate studies, I studied abroad at the Nizhni-Novgorod State University in Russia, after previously serving as a full-time English teacher for a public school in Moscow. I am admitted to practice before all Superior Courts in the State of California as well as the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Central Districts of California as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

My name is Cameron Fernandez. I have been certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, as a Certified Family Law Specialist. In fact, I am a second-generation Certified Family Law Specialist. I work hard to protect my clients' rights, and advance their causes.. In addition to my professional success, I am a proud family man.  My wife and I have been married for almost 17 years and have blessed with 5 fantastic children.  We enjoy sports, the beach and traveling.  I work hard as a family law attorney in order to provide for my family.  As ironic as it is being a divorce lawyer, I am absolutely pro-marriage and pro-family.   We are very active in our church and do our best to be good Christians.. I enjoy most sports, but love playing baseball, basketball and surfing.  Once a year my dad, my brother and I travel around the country and play in hardball tournaments in various major league stadiums.  I play basketball one evening a week and surf as often as I'm able to squeeze it into my schedule.. I have been practicing family law as an attorney for over 10 years. That said, I began working in a family law firm before I started law school. I was fortunate enough to work in a family law firm all through law school, and to be mentored by my mother, another Certified Family Law Specialist, which enabled me to obtain years of practical and substantive legal experience before I began practicing law.. If you believe you need a family law attorney, I invite you to schedule a consultation to meet or speak with me.  I am always happy to help and give you my best advice.

Attorney Brian A. Bayati is the founder of Bayati Law Group.  Brian is a graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.  During law school, Brian was a judicial extern to the United States Court of Appeals (9th Circuit), and was active as a public service mediator.. Prior to founding Bayati Law Group, Brian was legal counsel for a national corporation; and, thereafter, member of a prominent Los Angeles based civil litigation firm with numerous offices throughout California and various other states. Prior to committing his practice exclusively to litigation of family law issues, Brian's practice involved litigation of complex civil lawsuits.. Brian's numerous involvements and affiliations within the legal community include, but are not limited to, being an active member of and member of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Bar Association, member of the State Bar of California Family Law Executive Committee, member of the Orange County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service committee, an active member of the Orange County Society of Fellows, an arbitrator for the Orange County Bar Association's fee dispute arbitration program, and a graduate of the Orange County Bar Association College of Trial Advocacy.. Brian's practice at Bayati Law Group is focused exclusively on family law litigation.  Brian incorporates into his legal practice his experience in real estate, finance, and asset valuation to add practicality to various legal strategies, which can otherwise turn into ineffective approaches to dispute resolution.. Brian has various legal industry recognitions, which include, but are not limited to, being named amongst Orange County's top family law attorneys by OC Metro Magazine in 2009, 2010 and again in 2014. In 2015, the American Society of Legal Advocates selected Brian as one of the "Top 40 Under 40" family law attorneys in the State of California. In 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, Brian was named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyer Magazine (a yearly recognition bestowed upon up to 2.5% of the attorneys in a specific legal practice in Southern California). In 2016 through 2022, Brian was named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer Magazine (only 5% of attorneys in Southern California are selected to Super Lawyers).  In 2014, the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys recognized Brian as one of the "Top 10 Under 40" family law attorneys in Southern California. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys recognized Brian as a "10 Best" family law attorney in the State of California for "Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service".

David Dworakowski is the founding partner of Quinn & Dworakowski, focusing exclusively on family law. He is one of only two attorneys in Orange County to hold dual certification by the State Bar of California as both a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Appellate Law Specialist—a rare distinction that underscores his expertise in handling the most complex family law and appellate matters.. David has successfully tried more than 350 cases and authored more than 150 appeals and writs in both state and federal courts. His exceptional advocacy has earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer for over 15 consecutive years, as well as honors such as Top 100 Trial Lawyer in America and Best Lawyer in Orange County. He is also highly rated by AVVO for client satisfaction.. A graduate of Temple University School of Law, where he served on the Law Review, David combines academic rigor with decades of courtroom experience. Beyond his practice, he serves as a lecturer at Chapman University School of Law and as a Board Member of Mardan School in Irvine, a school for special needs kids, making David uniquely qualified to handle custody cases invloving children with special needs.. Born in Buffalo, he is a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan and now resides in Laguna Beach with his wife, Anita, and their five children. David is also an active member of Saddleback Church.

Michael A. Anderson concentrates his law practice in the broad area of Matrimonial law. This includes emphasis in original divorce actions, as well as, post-divorce actions of contempt, modifications, and appellate work.. Mr. Anderson understands that while divorce matters are inherently unpleasant and emotional, it is important for clients to fully understand how the process works so that they may make the best decisions for themselves and their children as their case is either negotiated for settlement or ultimately litigated before the court.. Mr. Anderson’s focus and philosophy revolves around case preparation. Whether it be preparing the case and client for mediation, for deposition or trial, the ultimate success will reflect that preparation.

Tara L. Whitaker is a family law and divorce attorney with a practice located in downtown Birmingham.  Tara is known for her dedication to her clients, her hard work and her professionalism both in and out of the courtroom.  Tara is further known for her adaptive nature as a fierce competitor to obtain the best possible result for her clients.  Tara is a savvy negotiator and a quick thinker, which helps her have such a competitive edge in fighting for her client’s rights.  Although Tara may be fierce in the courtroom, she develops a trusting relationship with her clients and goes the extra mile in making sure her client not only feels comfortable in speaking with her, but also ensuring that each client is treated as a top priority.  Tara understands that family law related matters, such as divorce, child custody, visitation, alimony, etc. are very sensitive in nature and her goal is to not only achieve the best result possible, but to also relieve some of the stress her clients may be experiencing.

David has been representing clients in Alabama for more than a decade and is the founder of Thomas Family Law. He focuses his practice solely on domestic relations and family law matters, representing clients in Alabama, in divorce, child custody, child support, modifications, alimony, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, appeals and other family law related matters.. David has obtained favorable results for clients in more than thirty-five counties throughout the state of Alabama. He understands that divorce and child custody matters can be stressful and can leave a person feeling lost. David diligently guides his clients through that stressful time and works hard toward achieving a favorable outcome. He strives to make sure clients are comfortable with the strategy being pursued on their behalf and believes that a key part of that process is providing detailed communication to each and every client he serves. David is an advocate for his clients, and he ensures that each client receives the time, dedication and attention that they deserve.. Prior to founding Thomas Family Law, David worked as a Litigation Manager with a large domestic relations firm that has more than 100 offices throughout the country. Before devoting his legal practice to domestic relations and family law matters, David practiced in domestic relations, criminal defense, appeals, wills and estates, personal injury, wrongful death and general civil litigation.. David graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law. While studying at Cumberland, David received the Scholar of Merit Award and was a member of the Dean’s List.. When he is not working, David enjoys spending time with family, being in the outdoors, waterskiing, and cycling.

Matthew S. Buttacavoli was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1972.  Matthew graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine (B.A., 1995) and cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law (J.D., 1999), where he served as Executive Editor of the San Diego Law Review and received the General George W. Hickman, Jr. Award for excellence in Constitutional Law.. Matthew was admitted to the California Bar in 1999, and was admitted to the United States Supreme Court Bar in 2003.  He was also admitted to the United States District Court for the Central and Southern Districts of California. Matthew is an alumnus of the Family Law Trial Institute, a nationally preeminent program which for more than twenty years has provided advanced education, training and instruction in trial practice. He is also an alumnus of the Advanced Business Valuation Institute.  He has been named a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.. In June 24, 2014 after being nominated by the Public Law Center's Board of Directros. Mathew S. Buttacavoli was awarded the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for pro bono legal services by the State Bar of California Board of Trustees in recognition for his voulantary provision of legal services to the poor or disadvantaged, improving the law and the legal system and increasing access to justice.. Matthew’s publications include “Must Post-Termination Procedural Due Process Include a Full, Trial-Like Evidentiary Hearing? A Critique of Townsel v. San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board,” San Diego Law Review, Vol. 36, No. 4 (Fall 1999).  Matthew has also been a guest speaker for the Litigation Section of the Orange County Paralegal Association.. Matthew is a member of the Board of Directors of the Constitutional Rights Foundation - Orange County.  He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Veterans Legal Institute. Matthew is a member of the Orange County Bar Association Family Law Section, and is a Past President and curernt Board Member of the Italian-American Lawyers of Orange County (Lex Romana).  He sits on the Resolutions Committee of the Orange County Bar Association and is a Founding Fellow of the Society of Fellows of the Orange County Bar Foundation.  Matthew has also served on the Orange County Public Law Center’s Volunteers for Justice Dinner Committee and its Silent Auction Committee and served as the Silent Auction Committee’s co-chair through 2013. Matthew is an Ambassador Member of the National Italian-American Foundation, a member of the Federalist Society, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Region 85.. Although, Matthew currently limits his practice to Family Law, his previous legal experience includes general civil litigation, business and contract disputes, complex products liability and construction defects, real estate, title and escrow, mortgage and finance, wrongful death, torts, and appeals.