Business Details
49 Years
experience
Family Law & Estate Planning Experts in Orange
Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde has been passionately representing clients in Orange County for over 35 years. Our client-centered approach prioritizes personalized strategies tailored to each case, combining courtroom strength with skilled negotiation to achieve optimal results. With deep expertise in family law and estate planning, we guide clients through complex legal challenges while maintaining a commitment to integrity, ethical practice, and community service.Our attorneys boast decades of combined experience, including specialized knowledge in trust litigation and family law matters, ensuring clients receive informed, strategic counsel. Located in Old Towne Orange, we pride ourselves on responsive service, transparent communication, and a proven track record of success in both litigation and out-of-court resolutions.
Services
Divorce Representation
Child Custody
Estate Planning
Trust Litigation
Spousal Support
Child Support
Uncontested Divorce
Probate Disputes
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of combined experience in family law and estate planning
- Client-centered approach with personalized case strategies
- Proven courtroom success and skilled negotiation capabilities
- Deep community ties and local legal expertise
- Transparent communication and ethical legal practices
What people say
Exceptional legal guidance
Highly responsive team
Successful case outcomes
Personalized attention
Trustworthy representation
Services
Family Law Representation
Our attorneys provide comprehensive family law services including divorce, child custody, and spousal support. With decades of courtroom experience, we develop tailored strategies to protect clients' rights while minimizing conflict. Our approach combines aggressive advocacy with practical solutions for complex family law matters.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans that preserve wealth and prevent family disputes. Our multi-layered approach ensures assets are protected and client wishes are honored. Services include trust creation, beneficiary planning, and comprehensive legacy documentation tailored to individual needs.
Trust Litigation
Handling complex trust and probate conflicts with expertise gained from 35 years of experience. We represent beneficiaries and trustees in disputes over asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and trust administration. Our goal is to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting clients' inheritance rights.
Child Custody Advocacy
We advocate for clients in custody matters with a focus on children's best interests. Our attorneys help establish parenting plans, modify existing arrangements, and resolve disputes through negotiation or litigation. We emphasize maintaining family relationships while protecting clients' parental rights.
Uncontested Divorce
Facilitating amicable divorce resolutions through collaborative processes and mediation. We guide clients through property division, support agreements, and custody arrangements while minimizing emotional stress. Our streamlined approach reduces costs and preserves relationships for post-divorce co-parenting.
People
Julie M. Lopiccolo
Partner
With over 11 years of experience, Julie specializes in family law and estate planning. She focuses on creating customized solutions for high-net-worth clients and has successfully resolved numerous complex cases without litigation. Her approach emphasizes client education and proactive planning.
Dana M. Heyde
Partner
Dana brings extensive expertise in trust litigation and estate planning. With experience handling hundreds of depositions and trials, she helps clients create comprehensive estate plans and resolves trust disputes efficiently. Her practice emphasizes personalized service and strategic problem-solving.
Questions
How long does a divorce typically take in California?
Legally, a divorce can be finalized in six months, but complex cases involving children, property division, or support issues often take longer.
What factors determine child custody arrangements?
California courts prioritize the child's best interests, considering factors like age, health, educational needs, and existing parent-child relationships when determining custody.
How are child support payments calculated?
Support calculations consider both parents' incomes, health insurance costs, tax implications, and the child's specific needs using state guidelines and specialized software.
What distinguishes your estate planning services?
Our approach combines trust creation with litigation experience to prevent future disputes. We focus on preserving wealth across generations while addressing both tangible assets and family dynamics.
Can I modify an existing custody agreement?
Yes, modifications require demonstrating significant changes in circumstances affecting the child's best interests, such as relocation or changes in work schedules.
What happens if my spouse isn't disclosing assets?
California requires full financial disclosure. Incomplete disclosures can result in penalties, including payment of the other party's attorney fees or loss of asset claims.
