Business Details
Your Trusted Family Law & Estate Planning Partner in Los Angeles
FMBK has dedicated three decades to providing comprehensive legal solutions in family law and estate planning. Our firm combines the resources of a large practice with the personalized attention of a boutique team, ensuring each client receives tailored representation. With 12 Certified Family Law Specialists and a partner-level team constituting half our attorneys, we offer unmatched expertise in navigating complex legal matters. Our commitment extends beyond individual caseswe actively support community organizations through pro bono work and advocacy. From prenuptial agreements to probate litigation, our strategic approach prioritizes efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of client care.Our attorneys, recognized as SuperLawyers and leaders in legal associations, bring decades of combined experience to every case. We invest in emerging legal talent through our nationally renowned summer associate program, ensuring continuous innovation in our practice. Whether resolving custody disputes or crafting estate plans, we focus on protecting client interests with compassion and precision. Our three California offices serve families across Southern California, blending local knowledge with national standards of excellence.
Services
Family Law
Estate Planning
Probate Litigation
Prenuptial Agreements
Child Custody
Trust Administration
Domestic Violence Cases
Guardianship
Will Contests
Conservatorships
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years of experience in California family law and estate planning
- Our team includes 12 Certified Family Law Specialists
- We pair clients with attorneys matching their specific legal needs
- We combine large-firm resources with small-team personalized service
- Our attorneys include SuperLawyers and former legal association leaders
Associations and certifications
- Certified Family Law Specialists (CFLS)
What people say
Expeditiously handled
Fantastic experience
Efficient process
Exceptional support
Highly recommended
Services
Family Law
FMBK's family law practice handles all aspects of marital dissolution, child custody, and spousal support. Our 12 Certified Family Law Specialists provide strategic representation for complex cases. With 30 years of experience, we prioritize negotiated settlements while maintaining trial readiness to protect client interests.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized strategies to protect assets and family interests. We draft wills, trusts, and advance directives while addressing tax implications. Donna Shapiro leads this practice with compassionate guidance, ensuring plans meet both legal and personal objectives for clients across California.
Probate Litigation
FMBK resolves contested probate matters including will contests and trust administration disputes. Our team handles complex crossover issues between family law and estate matters. With decades of litigation experience, we protect client interests in contested proceedings while seeking cost-effective resolutions.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft comprehensive prenuptial and postnuptial agreements tailored to individual circumstances. Our attorneys address asset division, spousal support, and other critical issues. The firm's expertise ensures agreements withstand legal scrutiny while protecting clients' financial futures during life transitions.
Child Custody
FMBK represents clients in child custody matters with focus on children's best interests. We develop parenting plans addressing visitation, decision-making authority, and relocation issues. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with sensitivity to help families navigate custody arrangements during challenging transitions.
People
Steven A. Mindel
Managing Partner
Certified Family Law Specialist with decades of experience in complex family law matters. Leads FMBK's strategic growth while maintaining active client representation. Recognized as a SuperLawyer and legal association leader.
Donna L. Shapiro
Senior Associate
Estate planning specialist known for compassionate client guidance. Develops tailored wealth preservation strategies with focus on minimizing tax implications. Brings warmth and practical expertise to complex estate matters.
Megan E. Green
Partner
Certified Family Law Specialist handling high-stakes custody and dissolution cases. Combines aggressive advocacy with nuanced understanding of family dynamics. Active in legal education initiatives.
Tyrrell Nuez
Partner
Experienced negotiator in complex family law disputes. Focuses on equitable asset division and spousal support matters. Recognized for resolving contentious cases through mediation and litigation.
Gregory A. Girvan
Partner
Equity partner with expertise in crossover family law and probate matters. Mentors emerging legal talent through FMBK's summer associate program. Handles complex estate litigation cases.
Questions
What areas of law does FMBK specialize in?
FMBK focuses on family law and estate planning, including divorce, child custody, prenuptial agreements, probate litigation, and trust administration.
How does FMBK match clients with attorneys?
We pair clients with attorneys based on specific needs, case complexity, and personality fit through an initial consultation process.
What experience does FMBK have in family law?
With 30 years of experience and 12 Certified Family Law Specialists, we're one of California's largest family law practices.
Does FMBK handle estate planning for complex assets?
Yes, our estate planning team creates strategies for substantial estates, charitable giving, and complex asset protection scenarios.
What locations does FMBK serve?
We serve clients across Southern California from offices in West LA, Pasadena, and Calabasas.
How does FMBK approach contested legal matters?
We prioritize negotiated settlements but maintain trial readiness, combining strategic thinking with aggressive advocacy when needed.
