Most people don't call a family law attorney because things are going well.
They call because something has shifted — a marriage ending, a custody arrangement falling apart, a safety issue that can't wait. They're stressed, confused, and often unsure who to trust.
I started practicing family law in 2012 because I believe people in those moments deserve straight answers, not sales pitches. I won't tell you what you want to hear. I'll tell you what the law actually allows — and then I'll help you figure out the best path forward from there.
How I Practice Law
Clarity Over Comfort
I don't sugarcoat legal realities. If something is going to be difficult, I'll tell you. If there's a simpler path, I'll recommend it. You deserve honest information — not false hope.
Communication, Always
Clients shouldn't have to chase their attorney. I keep you updated, explain what's happening, and make sure you understand your options every step of the way.
Resolve Fast, Fight When Needed
I'm not interested in billing for unnecessary conflict. If we can resolve your case through negotiation or agreement, I'll push for that. If we need to litigate, I'll show up prepared and ready.
Bilingual, Bicultural
I don't just speak Spanish — I understand the cultural context behind many of my clients' situations. That matters. Real trust requires more than translation.
I've been practicing family law in San Diego since 2012. Before that, I interned with the ACLU, worked on cases before the European Court of Human Rights in Moscow, and spent time in Spain learning how other legal systems approach justice. That breadth of experience shaped the way I think about the law — and the way I show up for my clients.
Today, my practice focuses on divorce, custody, domestic violence and restraining orders, and international abduction cases — including matters under the Hague Convention. I've also taught family law at California Western School of Law, serve as a consulting attorney for the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, and work as a County Hearing Officer — a role that puts me on the other side of the bench and sharpens how I build cases.
I'm not the attorney who makes big promises or goes quiet when things get complicated. I'm the attorney who reads what you send, tells you the truth, and shows up prepared.
Beyond the Courtroom
Family Law Professor
Adjunct Professor of Law
California Western School of Law
Taught family law in the Latin American Institute of Law and Justice — a master's program for licensed attorneys.
Mexican Consulate
Consulting Attorney
Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego
Provides legal advice and representation to Mexican nationals in family law matters — a role that deepens his cross-border expertise.
County Hearing Officer
Adjunct Professor of Law
California Western School of Law
Conducts administrative appeals hearings and renders written decisions — experience that sharpens how he builds and presents cases.
Ben's commitment to his clients extends beyond the courtroom. He has served on the boards of some of San Diego's most respected legal, civil rights, and arts organizations.
Current
ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties — Board of Directors
Cygnet Theatre — Vice President
Consulting Attorney, Mexican Consulate San Diego
County Hearing Officer, County of San Diego
Past Roles
San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association — Board President
Tom Homann LGBT Law Association — Co-President
National LGBT Bar Association — Board of Directors
ABA House of Delegates — Delegate
No Silence No Violence — Board of Directors
Education & Background
Legal Education
J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law
San Diego, CA
Study Abroad: International Law
Zhejiang University, China
Study Abroad: International & Comparative Law
Moscow, Russia
Undergraduate
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Education
UC Irvine
Study Abroad
Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Bar Admissions
State of California
United States District Courts of California
Early Career
Legal Intern — ACLU San Diego
Legal Intern — California Innocence Project
Legal Intern — Centre for International Protection (Moscow)
Legal Intern — Spain's Justice Department (Barcelona)
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Serving the following Southern California counties: San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.
