Strategy and advocacy to find the right solutions

“I have seen almost every kind of legal and personal issue you can think of, and even in the darkest days, we can always find a light to move forward.”

Every one of us have been impacted by family law in some way. During this tumultuous time in people’s lives, we guide them toward solutions designed for their individual situations. I want clients to understand that I’m in their corner during every step in the process. They can literally tell me anything and I will listen without judgment. I really love helping people find their voice, planning for their future, and advocating for them to get there.

While I am a strong advocate for my clients, I also believe there is no need to be nasty to get your point across. In more than 25 years of practicing family law, I have found that approaching a matter with professionalism and respect makes a greater impact than acting like a bull in a china shop. Many of my referrals come from parties I’ve opposed in cases, and I think that proves the effectiveness of combining advocacy with respect and kindness.

I like to work directly with my clients and listen to what they need. Sometimes, my role as their guide is to tell them news they don’t want to hear. But they deserve honest information so they can make informed decisions. That is part of the healing process.

Having been divorced myself many years ago, I can empathize with my clients. It is truly something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I want my clients to know that they are not alone and that we will take care of them.

We built our firm to operate as a team. We openly discuss cases and brainstorm together. While we assign particular attorneys and paralegals to cases that fit their skill sets, we all collaborate to ensure clients get the best advice for their individual situations.

My Bio

Born and raised in New Mexico, I grew up surrounded by the family business. That allows me to understand the dynamics in family law cases that involve businesses and complex financial arrangements.

But I did not want to stay with our family business. I always knew that I wanted to be a lawyer to advocate for others. When I was 16, I secretly got a job in a law firm, and I worked in different legal practices throughout high school, college, and law school so I could learn as much as possible.

I finally narrowed my focus to family law as the best way to make a positive impact on people’s lives—especially children. Since then, I have only become more committed to serving people as they face some of their greatest challenges. 

While I have decades of experience litigating family law matters, I also practice collaborative law and am a firm believer in resolving disputes through peaceful means whenever possible. Often the best way to settle a case is to show that you are prepared for trial.

A few of my qualifications and honors include:

• Diplomat with the American College of Family Trial Lawyers
• Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers

I graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico and after earning my B.A., continued on to earn my J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law.  I also completed special training as a Collaborative Attorney in 2001.

To serve the legal community and keep abreast of developments in the field of family law, my volunteer activities include:

• American Bar Association, Past-Chair of Family Law Section and New Mexico State Bar Delegate to the House of Delegates
• American Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chair of 2023 Strategic Plan and Vice-Chair of Admissions
• New Mexico State Bar, Chair of Legal Specialization Commission
• NM Collaborative Practice Group, Board Member
• Leadership New Mexico, Life Fellow