Child Custody Experts 2025

Family law attorney with 20+ years of business leadership experience, focused on divorce and child custody advocacy.

Cathleen Norton is a California Certified Family Law Specialist and the founder of the Law Offices of Cathleen Norton. She has practiced family law exclusively for over 20 years, handling high-conflict divorce, custody, domestic violence, and complex property matters in Los Angeles County. A UCLA School of Law graduate, Cathleen is known for translating complicated legal issues into clear, practical guidance for parents and families navigating emotionally charged legal disputes.

Whitney L. Antoniono, Esquire and WLA Family Law's mission is to stand by every client during their most challenging times, providing compassionate and effective legal representation, and fighting tirelessly for justice . Whitney L. Antoniono, Esquire is licensed to Practice Law in the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York and Texas (Texas license currently inactive). Client Focused Approach Attorney Whitney Antoniono believes in taking a client-focused approach to each case, ensuring that clients are informed and involved throughout the legal process. Attorney Antoniono is available to answer questions and provide guidance at every stage of your case, and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. child custody attorney divorce attorney family law attorney A Passionate Advocate As a passionate advocate for my clients, Whitney Antoniono, Esquire has successfully represented clients in a variety of legal matters, with a focus being on family law and Protective Order matters. Attorney Antoniono will work tirelessly to ensure every client receives the representation and justice they deserve.

Tricia D. Goostree is the founder and managing partner of Goostree Law Group, P.C. in St. Charles, Illinois. Since 2002, she has focused her practice entirely on family law. She represents clients in divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, paternity, maintenance, complex financial disputes, and appeals. Her background in moot court, legal writing, and courtroom advocacy helped shape the clear, strategic approach she brings to every case. Tricia helps clients make sense of difficult family law problems and take practical steps forward. Whether you are dealing with a contested divorce, a custody fight, or a complicated financial issue, she works to protect your interests and present your case effectively. She is known for being prepared, direct, and compassionate with clients who are facing stressful and deeply personal situations. In addition to her work in court, Tricia has served her community through legal service, bar association leadership, and mock trial programs. She has also earned recognition from Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and other respected legal organizations.

Specialties: Board Certified Family Law Specialist

If you are going through a high-conflict divorce or custody matter, you're likely overwhelmed by the thought of losing the things that matter most to you - your children, your money, your home, or your business. Having a lawyer on your side from the moment you think you may be heading toward court in a family law matter makes a huge difference in giving you the confidence and security of having someone in your corner - to guide you, fight for you, and help you protect what is most important to you and move from a bad situation into a life that you will love. Call us today at 774.314.4725 and get us on your side now so you can sleep better tonight knowing you're protecting your future.

Renee Bauer is a nationally recognized family law attorney and the founder of Happy Even After Family Law, where she helps clients navigate divorce and custody matters with clarity and confidence. With decades of courtroom and negotiation experience, she is known for combining sharp legal strategy with a modern, client centered approach to resolving complex family disputes.

Scott Levin, known as the Chief PeaceKeeper™, is a leading San Diego divorce lawyer and mediation expert. As the founder of San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law, Scott helps couples achieve amicable divorces without the stress of court battles or high legal fees. With over 20 years of family law experience and a magna cum laude degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, Scott is dedicated to providing affordable, peaceful resolutions for families. Scott's clients typically reach amicable out of court agreements in months for a fraction of the cost of a contested litigation. Scott’s expertise as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ ensures a fair division of assets and debts, while his problem-solving approach has earned him recognition as one of San Diego's top family law attorneys, including awards from San Diego Business Journal, Super Lawyers, Mediate.com, and San Diego Metro Magazine. Scott is proud of his and the firm's compassionate approach to separation empowering families to resolve all aspects of divorce with dignity. To learn more about Scott and mediation law services, call 858-255-1321

Dr. Favaro is a master of human relationships, having spent more than 40 years as a court-appointed forensic psychologist and custody evaluator in over 6000 high-conflict divorce and criminal cases. Dr. Favaro has taught anger management, conflict resolution, civilized co-parenting, and in Bad People Bible, how to identify and remove toxic individuals from your life. As a pioneer in healthcare and AI, Dr. Favaro’s early work contributed to the development of artificial intelligence applications in medicine and diagnosis, which he presented at a 1984 world conference at Harvard University. Soon after, he created Activision’s Alter Ego, the first life simulation game developed by using interviews with hundreds of people about their most memorable life experiences. This passion for AI led him to develop Bad People Bible’s AI therapy coach and digital community on Teachable. Dr. Favaro has authored dozens of books on conflict resolution, anger management, parenting, relationships, and clinical and child development. You may have seen him on ABC with John Stossel, Fox’s The Morning Show with Mike and Juliette, on the Montel Williams and Geraldo Rivera shows as the resident guest psychologist, and on dozens of local and international news shows. He is the executive director of SmartParenting: The Family Center, a clinic that delivers court-related services to high-conflict individuals and families, and is the founder and CEO of the Center for Improved Human Relationships, an organization that promotes civility, respect, and conflict resolution at home, in the workplace, and in the community.

I am the founder and principal mediator of the San Diego Family Mediation Center. We are located in Del Mar, California at 445 Marine View Ave., Suite 305, Del Mar, CA 92014. Please visit me at www.SanDiegoFamilyMediation.com. My primary goal is to educate people of the benefits of mediation, not only in family law matters, but in all matters. I have been mediating divorces for over 17 years. I believe that families deserve more than family court can give them. Sure, divorce is a legal process, but it is also a family matter and should be treated as such. Too many professionals lose sight of the fact that each "side" is still part of a whole unit. One that will, more often than not, have to continue in a relationship together. This process MUST include empathy, understanding and clear communication. Without them, our clients suffer, and if our clients suffer, their children suffer more. Specialties: Family mediation, pre-marital & post-marital mediation & agreements, dissolution of both marital and non-marital relationships. Mediations are generally completed using only one mediator, however, team mediation will be provided upon request or when necessary.

W. Scott Hanken is a Springfield, Illinois criminal defense and DUI attorney with 37 years of legal experience, including service as a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney. I was born in and have remained a lifelong resident of Springfield, Illinois. I attended Griffin High School and completed my undergraduate degree at Marquette University. While growing up, I had frequent interaction with local attorneys and judges, which played a large role in my decision to pursue a career as an attorney. I attended Creighton University School of Law and earned my Juris Doctor in 1989. After law school, I served as a legal clerk and intern at several firms in Omaha and completed a 711 internship in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, which led to my appointment as an Assistant State’s Attorney. As a former prosecutor, I tried a wide range of criminal, traffic, and DUI cases and developed the skills needed to navigate the criminal justice system from both sides. I entered private practice in 1990, and my work has centered on criminal, traffic, and DUI defense ever since. Over 37 years of practice, I have defended cases ranging from routine traffic matters to capital murder charges. My goal in every case is the same: to listen, communicate, and provide the strongest possible defense for clients facing criminal charges. Education Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska - J.D. - 1989 Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - B.A. - 1985 Honors: Political Science Bar Associations Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Member Member Since: 2004 - current Illinois State Bar Association, Member Member Since: 1989 - current Sangamon County Bar Association, Member Member Since: 1989 - current Sangamon Country Bar Association, President Member Since: 2004 - 2005 Sangamon Country Defense Bar Association, President Member Since: 1993 - 2005 Sangamon Country Bar Association, Director Member Since: 1992 - 1993 Sangamon Country Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, President Member Since: 1990 - 1991 American Association for Justice, Member Member Since: 1991 The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member Member Since: 1990 Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Member Member Since: 1990 Past Positions Attorney/Partner at Rabin, Myers & Hanken, P.C., 1996 to 2011 Public Defender at Sangamon County Public Defender, 1997 to 1999 Associate at Long, Morris, Myers and Rabin, P.C., 1994 to 1996 Associate at Pfeifer & Kelty, P.C., 1990 to 1994 Assistant State's Attorney at Sangamon County State's Attorney Office, 1989 to 1990 Certified Legal Specialties Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Capital Litigation Bar, 2004 Classes & Seminars Gaining The Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, NBI, 2009 Aggravated DUI - Resent Developments, ICLE, 2008 Published Works Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, Attorney Continuing Legal Education, 2009 Current Employment Position Solo Practitioner Honors Super Lawyer - DUI/Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers, 2007 Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Superb 10.0 Rating, Avvo, 2010-2014 Avvo Lawyers Rating 10, Avvo, 2011 Client's Choice Award - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2012 Top Contributor - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2013 Top 200 DUI Attorneys - Illinois (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), 2013 Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Illinois (American Society of Legal Advocates), 2014 Avvo Rated 10 Superb, Avvo, 2014 Superior DUI Attorney (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), 2016 Ten Best Attorneys - Criminal Defense (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys), 2016 Best DUI Attorney - Top Rated, Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer, 2017 Ten Best Attorneys - Criminal Defense (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys), 2017 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2017 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2018 America's Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry, 2018 Three Best Rated - Best Business, DUI & Criminal Defense, ThreeBestRated.com, 2018 Client's Choice Award - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2018 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2018 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2019 America's Most Honored Professionals - Top 10%, The American Registry, 2019 Nations Premier - Top 10 Ranking (National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys), 2019 Best of Springfield - Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2019 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2019 Best of Springfield - Law Firm, Illinois Times, 2020 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 5%, The American Registry, 2020 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2020 Top Ranking Attorney - Criminal Defense (American Association of Attorney Advocates), 2020 Three Best Rated - Best Business, ThreeBestRated.com, 2020 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney - Best of the Best, 2020 Nations Premier - Top 10 Ranking (National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys), 2020 Lawyers of Distinction, 2020 Top Attorney - Annual List of Top Attorneys, Premier Lawyers of America, 2020 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Client's Choice Award, Avvo, 2020 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 1%, The American Registry, 2020 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2021 America's Most Honored Lawyers, The American Registry, 2021 Lawyers of Distinction, 2021 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2021 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Superb Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2021 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2022 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 10%, The American Registry, 2022 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2022 Top Ranking Attorney - Criminal Defense (American Association of Attorney Advocates), 2022 Top 10 Law Firm, National Recognition, 2022 Three Best Rated - Best Business, ThreeBestRated.com, 2022 Lawyers of Distinction, 2022 City's Best Award, Springfield, 2022 Elite Lawyer - Top Attorneys, Criminal Defense, Elite Lawyer, 2022 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Superb Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2022 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2023 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 3%, The American Registry, 2023 Most Awarded Lawyers, American Registry, 2023 Top Law Firm - Criminal Defense, America's Best Advocates, 2023 Top 10 Attorneys - Criminal Defense, America's Best Advocates, 2023 Best of the Best Attorneys - Top 10, 2023 Best DUI Lawyer - Springfield IL, Expertise.com, 2023 Three Best Rated - Best Business, ThreeBestRated.com, 2023 City's Best Award, Springfield, 2023 Ten Best Attorneys - Criminal Defense (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys), 2023 Lawyers of Distinction, 2023 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Client's Choice Award, Avvo, 2023 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2024 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 3%, The American Registry, 2024 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, 35th Anniversary Recognition, Martindale-Hubbell, 2024 Avvo Client's Choice Award & Top Contributor, Avvo, 2024 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2025 Community's Choice Award - Springfield (SJR / Official Community's Choice Awards), 2025 Top 3 Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers, ThreeBestRated.com, 2025 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 3%, The American Registry, 2025 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2025 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Superb Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2025 America's Most Honored Lawyers, The American Registry, 2026 Top 10 Criminal Law Firm Dedicated to Justice - Illinois, 2026 Avvo Top Contributor & Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2026 Lawyers of Distinction, 2026 Law Eagle of America, 2026 Super Lawyers - DUI/Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers, 2007-2026 (20 consecutive years) Avvo Superb Rated Lawyer (10.0) & Top Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2011-2026 Avvo Top Contributor - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2012-2026 30th & 35th Anniversary Recognition - Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, Ongoing Nation's Top One Percent (National Association of Distinguished Counsel), Ongoing Top 100 - The National Trial Lawyers, Ongoing Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Illinois (American Society of Legal Advocates), Ongoing Top 200 DUI Attorneys - Illinois (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), Ongoing Premier Lawyers of America - Top Tier Lawyers, Ongoing

Julie Colin brings more than three decades of experience in family law, representing clients in divorce, custody, and related matters. She is widely recognized for her courtroom experience, practical guidance, and child-focused approach in complex and high-conflict cases.

I’m a divorce attorney with 13 years experience litigating exclusively in Family Law in Virginia courts. I built a social media following on TikTok and Instagram of more than 100,000 followers by sharing practical and modern divorce strategy. I’m now embracing the challenge of entrepreneurship by growing a Family Law firm in one of the most competitive legal markets in the United States.

Dr. Marni Feuerman, is a nationally recognized relationship expert, licensed psychotherapist, author, and media contributor with more than 30 years of experience helping people build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. She specializes in couples and marriage therapy, attachment, emotional intimacy, communication, dating, infidelity, divorce, and the psychological dynamics that shape modern relationships. As a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Therapist and Supervisor, Dr. Feuerman combines evidence-based clinical expertise with an engaging, accessible communication style, making complex psychological concepts understandable for the public. Her insights are grounded in decades of clinical practice, research, and extensive work with individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges. In addition to her private psychotherapy practice, Dr. Feuerman is the author of Ghosted & Breadcrumbed: Stop Falling for Unavailable Men and Get Smart about Healthy Relationships. She is also a freelance writer, speaker, and sought-after relationship commentator who regularly provides expert analysis on relationship dynamics, dating trends, marriage, divorce, emotional health, attachment, and interpersonal psychology. Dr. Feuerman has been featured or quoted in numerous national and international media outlets, including TIME, HuffPost, Glamour, Women's Health, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Bustle, The Cut, and many others. She has contributed to television and digital video projects as both an on-camera expert and scriptwriter and has appeared on podcasts, radio programs, and news interviews discussing the latest research and trends in relationships. Journalists value Dr. Feuerman for her ability to translate nuanced psychological research into practical, compelling commentary that resonates with readers while remaining clinically accurate. Whether discussing dating apps, relationship red flags, attachment styles, emotional availability, infidelity, communication, or emerging social trends, she offers thoughtful, evidence-informed perspectives that are both quotable and actionable. To explore additional media appearances, interviews, and Dr. Feuerman's extensive library of 100% original relationship articles, visit her website and blog.

Kelly Bezerra is a baby care expert with over 10 years of experience in infant and toddler care. She is the co-author of "How to Care for Children: From Birth to Age 2," published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Kelly specializes in newborn care, infant health, baby development, and postpartum support for families. She writes about baby care and child development at balance-and-life.com and vidaequilibrio.blog.br, reaching parents in the US and Brazil.

Attorney Michelle Villanueva-Skura is a criminal defense attorney who represents individuals facing sex crimes and serious felony charges. She is deeply committed to protecting individual rights, personal freedom, and ensuring fairness within the criminal justice system. Michelle approaches every case with focus, determination, and a clear understanding of what is at stake for her clients. Before becoming an attorney, Michelle worked as a licensed litigation examiner, where she handled thousands of complex personal injury and wrongful death claims. This experience gave her a practical understanding of how cases are evaluated and challenged, skills she now applies to defending her clients. She later earned her Juris Doctor, graduating at the top of her class and receiving multiple academic awards. Licensed to practice in Arizona, Michelle is an active member of several criminal defense and trial advocacy organizations. She is bilingual and values clear, honest communication, helping clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process. Known for her assertive yet thoughtful advocacy, Michelle is dedicated to standing by her clients and protecting their rights at every stage of their case. VS Criminal Defense Attorneys 1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202 Mesa, AZ 85202 Office: (480) 923-9001 Email: info@vsattorney.com Website: https://www.vsattorney.com AZ Sex Crimes Attorney 1425 S Higley Rd #101 Unit 2 Gilbert, AZ 85296 Phone: (480) 676-1919 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/ Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer 3919 E Potter Dr Phoenix, AZ 85050 Office: (480) 933-2326 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/areas-we-serve/phoenix/ Phoenix Sex Crime Lawyer 1100 E Washington St Suite 154 Phoenix, AZ 85034 Office: (602) 805-1212 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/criminal-defense/phoenix-sex-crime-attorney/ Read Our Blog: https://www.vsattorney.com/blog/ Find Un on Google: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=5681824913806737984 Follow Us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/VS_Attorneys Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vsattorney Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vs_attorney Follow Us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vsattorney Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VSCriminalDefenseAttorneys Listen Us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQeJEHCsxNfIG6vVCwUOb Meet the Owner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-skura-3244133a Connect With Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vs-criminal-defense-attorneys Follow Us on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vs-criminal-defense-attorneys-mesa Find Us on BBB: https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/criminal-lawyer/vs-criminal-defense-attorneys-1126-1000064899 Follow Us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vsattorney

Erik Wheeler has helped hundreds of couples go through divorce more peacefully and at much lower expense than battling it out in court. Holding a Master's degree in Mediation, Erik works in both Vermont and Colorado, specializing in divorce and family mediation. His calm, reassuring approach that helps couples reach agreements even in emotionally charged situations. He prepares all court-required paperwork for uncontested divorces, guiding clients through the process from initial agreement to final filing without the adversarial dynamic of litigation. Erik is available to comment on topics including divorce mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the financial and emotional costs of contested divorce, co-parenting agreements, asset division, and how couples can avoid the family court system. He serves everyday families, military couples, and cases involving complex asset division.

Virginia Family/Matrimonial AttorneySpecialties: family law, matrimonial law, divorce, separation, child custody, parenting time/visitation, prenuptial/antenuptial agreements, parenting time, visitation, spousal support, equitable distribution, child support, mediation, litigation, business valuation, proofreading, research, writing