Benjamin Valencia II is a top-rated family law attorney based in Los Angeles, California, with expertise in handling a wide range of family law matters. He has been recognized multiple times in Rising Stars and Super Lawyers, highlighting his exceptional legal skills. Benjamin completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA and earned his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School in 2001, becoming a licensed attorney that same year. In 2016, he was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. With over 17 years of experience, including 10 years as a partner at a large law firm, Benjamin co-founded Valencia-Taghavi LLP, where he combines a big-firm approach with personalized, boutique-style client service.
Fluent in multiple languages and attuned to the cultural nuances of international and immigrant clients, Benjamin stands out for his ability to navigate complex divorce and custody matters with sensitivity. He represents a diverse array of clients, from celebrities and professionals to single parents, tackling cases of all sizes and complexities. Known for his dedication, professional work ethic, and client-centered advocacy, Benjamin is a trusted name in family law. Outside of his practice, he enjoys spending time with his family, collecting saltwater fish, and curating a remarkable collection of shoes, ties, and cuff links, reflecting his meticulous approach to both his personal and professional life.
What steps do you take to make new clients feel comfortable and confident in their decision to work with you?
To ensure new clients feel comfortable and confident in their decision to work with our firm, we take a personalized, comprehensive approach. The first step is making clients feel heard by having an initial meeting where we listen to their background and the specifics of their case—understanding key details like the family dynamic, any safety concerns, or history of domestic violence. This helps us assess the situation before discussing strategy in a follow-up meeting. During this time, we present multiple options, allowing clients to choose the path that aligns best with their goals, while also offering our professional advice on what we would recommend.
Our firm stands out by providing a team-based approach, assembling experts who can support the client throughout the process. This includes forensic accountants, child custody consultants, private investigators, and even therapists to help clients cope with the emotional aspects of their case. We also offer additional services, such as personal stylists and shoppers, especially for clients coming from abusive situations who may need a confidence boost before facing their spouse in court. Our goal is to treat the client holistically, creating a supportive, family-like environment to ensure they feel empowered and confident as we work toward the best possible outcome.
What practical tips do you give clients to help them handle the emotional stress of the divorce process?
When dealing with the emotional stress of family law matters, such as divorce or other personal challenges, one of the most important things is to ensure clients feel supported. As family lawyers, we often become more than just legal advisors—we serve as confidants and emotional support during one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. The key to helping clients manage stress is providing a safe space for them to vent their frustrations while also offering sound, experienced advice based on legal knowledge. This combination of empathy and expertise enables clients to approach their situation with confidence.
Knowledge is power, and empowering clients with a clear understanding of the process—whether it’s how to communicate with their spouse or how to navigate the legal system—helps them feel more in control. Instead of letting fear of the unknown take over, clients can approach their case with clarity and strength, knowing they are informed and supported every step of the way. This approach can significantly reduce emotional stress and make the challenging process more manageable.
What are some steps couples can take to protect their assets during a marriage or in the event of a separation?
To protect assets during marriage or in the event of a separation, the most crucial step is full disclosure. Both partners must openly share their assets and debts before marriage, a requirement for a valid premarital agreement. While many couples avoid discussing financial matters due to discomfort or idealistic views about their partner, it’s essential to understand each other’s financial obligations, such as student loans or credit card debt, before entering a marriage. Without this transparency, unforeseen financial strain can affect the couple’s ability to achieve goals, like purchasing a home or traveling, especially if one partner’s debts limit their financial freedom.
In addition to disclosure, couples should consider a premarital agreement, which can protect their assets if properly executed. If one party is unaware of the other’s financial situation, the agreement may be invalidated in the future. The key is ensuring both partners fully understand what they are agreeing to, including what assets or debts they may be waiving. This transparency can prevent complications in the event of a divorce and help secure a fair resolution for both parties.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?*
One of the most significant setbacks in my career occurred during a lengthy evidentiary hearing that did not go as I had anticipated. Despite putting in extensive preparation, the outcome was not what I expected, and I felt the judge’s ruling was incorrect. Over time, I’ve come to understand that not every factor in a case is within your control, particularly when it involves subjective decisions like those made by a judge. In this instance, I recognized that my confidence in a particular outcome might have hindered my ability to consider alternative possibilities. From that experience, I now approach cases with a mindset that prepares for every potential outcome, including unfavorable ones, allowing me to better manage setbacks. The key takeaway has been the importance of staying flexible, adjusting to unforeseen situations, and ensuring I am ready for whatever challenges may arise.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career? Please explain how.*
One strategy that has significantly contributed to my professional growth and career advancement is holding myself and others to the highest standards, even when it may not be the most popular approach. I am my own toughest critic, and I extend that same level of accountability to the professionals I hire, my team, and the work we produce. I expect nothing less than excellence from my clients as well, providing them with the tools and guidance they need, while requiring them to follow the strategies I believe are in their best interest. If they’re not willing to commit to that, I’m prepared to advise them to seek another lawyer. This approach is not about rejecting clients but about staying true to my principle that only the best work should be done. By surrounding myself with skilled individuals and holding everyone, including myself, a