Education

Law School/Year: J.D., California Western School of Law, 1993

Other Graduate School/Year: LLM-Taxation, University of San Diego School of Law, 1999

College/Year: B.A., Tulane University, 1989

Bar Admissions

California

Practice Areas

Family & Domestic Relations     

Major Cases

I believe every client is unique and every case is “major” because of the impact it has on the client’s life. Each case provides an opportunity for me to help people, which is why I became an attorney in the first place. I am skilled in all areas of family law: child custody (including high conflict and move-away cases), high net worth marital estates, child and spousal support, prenuptial agreements, post-judgment modifications and domestic violence restraining orders. Clients appreciate my straightforward approach as I negotiate, mediate or litigate to secure their interests and achieve the best possible outcome. As I help each client navigate through a challenging time in the legal system, I strive to bring their matter to a speedy and beneficial conclusion.

Professional Background

I have devoted my practice to family law for more than 16 years, and am proud to say I have been honored as a Top 10 Attorney in 2008, 2009 and now 2010. I operated a family law practice from 1994 until 2005 and concurrently worked toward a master’s in law in taxation, which I achieved in 1999. In 2005 I began working as an independent contractor in family law. In 2009 I joined the AV-rated firm of Ashworth, Blanchet, Christenson & Kalemkiarian, where I am part of Lesa Christenson’s team. Christenson is an accomplished and award-winning family law specialist. Clients appreciate that no matter how complex their case, I devote the attention, experience and creativity needed to effectively guide them to reach their objectives.

Professional Affiliations

I am a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and the Family Law Section. I served for many years on the SDCBA Client Relations Committee and lectured in 2001 for the National Business Institute. I have been on the Superior Court’s Minor’s Counsel panel from 2000 to present and in the past sat as Judge Pro Tem in Small Claims Court. I am admitted to practice before all courts in the state of California and the U.S. Tax Court.

Personal Affiliations

I am in the process of developing my passion for decorating nurseries and kids’ rooms into a business called Trick My Crib.

Personal Background

I am fortunate to be able to balance my career with family. I have a wonderful husband and three children, Tanner (6), Cooper (4) and Montgomery Claire, (2). I am involved in school activities as a class mom and fundraiser for the Encinitas Education Foundation. Most non-working hours are spent with my family and keeping fit. I enjoy tennis, staying up on current events and getting involved in local politics.