Brian D. Mullen, CFLS

ABOUT BRIAN D. MULLEN — CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST, ORANGE COUNTY & LOS ANGELES

Brian D. Mullen is one of the most credentialed family law attorneys in Orange County. He holds the designation of Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) as granted by the State Bar of California — a credential held by fewer than 1,000 attorneys statewide that requires passing a rigorous written examination, extensive peer review by judges and opposing counsel, and demonstrated experience handling complex family law proceedings at the highest level. Brian earned his CFLS designation in 2018 and was recertified in 2024, confirming that his expertise remains at the highest level the State Bar of California recognizes. In 2026, he was further honored in Best Lawyers in America — one of the oldest and most prestigious peer-review distinctions in the American legal profession, awarded through a pure attorney-to-attorney nomination process in which only approximately 5% of U.S. attorneys are recognized. The combination of a CFLS credential and Best Lawyers recognition places Brian among the most independently validated family law practitioners in the entire Southern California region.

A born-and-raised Orange County native who has practiced exclusively in family law since 2007, Brian brings nearly two decades of concentrated experience to the most demanding child custody, financial litigation, and family law appeals that Southern California produces. He earned his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego (1999) and his J.D. from California Western School of Law (2003). He is admitted to the California State Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, both since 2007. He speaks fluent Spanish, extending his ability to serve the diverse communities of Orange County and Los Angeles.

BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA 2026 & CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST

The Best Lawyers in America recognition is awarded through a pure peer-review process — nominated and evaluated exclusively by fellow practitioners with no client-review or self-nomination component. Brian’s inclusion in the 2026 edition reflects the deep professional respect California family law attorneys hold for his litigation ability and legal knowledge.

His CFLS credential — held by fewer than 1,000 California attorneys — requires passing a comprehensive written examination, substantial peer review by judges and opposing counsel, and demonstrated experience handling complex family law matters. Recertified in 2024, Brian’s CFLS combined with his Best Lawyers recognition places him among the most credentialed family law attorneys in the entire Orange County and Los Angeles region.

FAMILY LAW APPEALS: TAKING CASES BEYOND THE TRIAL COURT

Brian’s appellate practice is one of his most distinctive capabilities. Most family law attorneys effective in trial court are not effective appellate practitioners — the skills of record review, legal research, brief writing, and oral argument before the California Courts of Appeal are distinct and demanding. Brian’s appellate work allows Reel Fathers Rights clients to challenge incorrect trial court rulings before the Fourth District Court of Appeal, which covers Orange County and Riverside County cases.

Whether the issue is a mistaken custody determination, an improper support calculation, an erroneous evidentiary ruling, or a procedural violation, Brian brings the analytical depth and appellate writing skill to effectively challenge the ruling. California’s Notice of Appeal deadline is generally 60 days from service of judgment — fathers who receive an adverse ruling should consult an appellate attorney immediately.

LANDMARK CASES: GERMANY RELOCATION WIN & FIRST-EVER RECEIVER FOR SPOUSAL SUPPORT

In July 2024, Brian prevailed at trial in a highly contested case seeking permission to relocate children from Orange County to Germany — over strenuous opposition. Move-away cases under California Family Code Section 7501 are among the most difficult in family law; Brian won. In another landmark matter, he convinced a long-tenured family law judge to appoint a receiver to collect unpaid spousal support — the first time that judge had ever ordered such a remedy. Brian’s creative, aggressive strategies routinely produce outcomes that conventional approaches cannot.

ORANGE COUNTY & LOS ANGELES FAMILY COURTHOUSES

Brian appears regularly before the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange at 341 The City Drive South — the primary Orange County family law venue. For Los Angeles County matters, he appears before the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles, the Long Beach Courthouse at 415 West Ocean Boulevard, and the Pomona Courthouse South at 400 Civic Center Plaza serving the eastern San Gabriel Valley.

Fathers in Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Orange, Mission Viejo, Long Beach, and throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County facing complex divorce, contested custody, spousal support enforcement, or family law appeals will find in Brian D. Mullen an attorney whose CFLS credential, Best Lawyers recognition, and nearly two decades of exclusive family law practice represent the highest available standard of representation. Call 951-339-3826.