OUR TEAM
The breakup of a marriage is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face. At ABC Family Law, you can count on us to guide you through the divorce process with compassion and expertise, so you can come out the other side prepared and confident to enter the next phase of your life.
Our lawyers bring over five decades of experience to your case, including extensive business and civil litigation experience other Family Law attorneys do not have. This is especially beneficial to our business owner clients.
We offer both litigation and mediation services to our clients.
Legal Services
Divorce & Legal Separation
- Marital Dissolution (Divorce)
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Child Custody and Parenting Plans
- Child and Spousal Support
- Move-Away Requests
- Property Division
Mediation Services
- Start to Finish with Parties Only
- Parties and Their Attorneys Present
- Post-Judgement Mediation
Post-Divorce Legal Services
- Modifications of Child Custody
- Modifications of Child Support
- Modifications of Spousal Support
- Enforcement Challenges
Other Family Law Services
- Stepparent Adoptions
- Pre-Nuptial Agreements (review only)
- Post-Nuptial Agreement Review
- Grandparent Visitation
- Special Master (Expert) Services
- Paternity Actions
- Parenting Coordinator Services
Business Minds. Compassionate Hearts.
Our experienced attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists* who received extra training and took an additional California bar exam in Family Law. We are committed to practicing law with the highest degree of integrity. As a firm with deep roots in the San Diego legal community, established in 2000, we are well-known and highly regarded by the Court. We are as adept at handling cases with sophisticated financial issues as we are at resolving complex custody disputes.
Combined Years
CFLS* Attorney
Meet Our Attorneys
Lesa Christenson, CFLS*
Principal Attorney & Mediator
When it comes to divorce and Family Law, Lesa Christenson keeps clients focused on what matters most – achievable results that put her clients in the best position possible to move forward with their lives. Lesa has nearly 40 years of legal experience. Her current focus is on mediation after decades of litigating cases. Lesa regularly collaborates with Senior Associate Attorney, Heidie Trautwein, on litigation strategy.
Lesa knows that cases often change course during the divorce process. While a case may start out amicably, it may need more aggressive representation if critical issues, such as custody or child support, cannot be settled. Lesa is well-prepared to change course when appropriate and works with Attorney Trautwein when litigation becomes necessary.
Heidie Y. Trautwein, CFLS*
Senior Associate Litigation Attorney
A Certified Family Law Specialist*, Heidie Trautwein is passionate about her work and supporting her clients during the course of challenging Family Law matters. While she is settlement minded, if an amicable resolution is not possible, she is a fierce advocate. She is detailed-oriented and provides thoughtful yet aggressive representation to achieve results.
Heidie joined ABC Family Law in 2019 bringing over a decade of complex litigation experience to the firm. Practicing since 2010, she has extensive experience in all Family Law matters. Prior to joining the Firm, Heidie worked at a local Family Law firm and at a national law firm in the civil litigation department. She has experience handling high net worth Family Law cases. Heidie’s current focus at the firm is litigation, though she is also trained as a Mediator.
giving thanks & acknowledgement
Sharon Blanchet
Retired Attorney & Co-Founder
Retired in January 2022, Ms. Blanchet was a Certified Family Law Specialist* who brought a voice of reason and creative solutions to the highly charged atmosphere surrounding divorce. As a founding partner of ABC Family Law, formed in 2000, she was highly regarded and accomplished during her career.
Today, the firm continues to serve her past clients as needed, and welcomes the opportunity to be of service to anyone from her community. Although we miss her deeply, we are thrilled she is off enjoying retirement.
Thank you for your service.
Paralegal
Jodi Ruiz
Jodi has been a paralegal for ABC Family Law since 2008. She began working for retired Partner, Kathryn F. Ashworth, in 1991, in the firm’s predecessor. She provides skilled and compassionate support for the Firm’s clients during their legal proceedings.
Jodi is regularly complimented on her legal skill, professionalism and organization. She has two children, including an adult son who proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps.