Roxana Taghavi co-founded Valencia-Taghavi LLP with her partner, Benjamin Valencia. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) recognized by the State Bar of California, a certification held by only about 1% of family law attorneys in the state. With over 20 years of experience, including nearly 10 years at the nation’s largest family law firm, Roxana specializes in resolving contentious custody and complicated financial disputes. Known for her dynamic approach to both settlement negotiations and courtroom litigation, Roxana puts her clients first and forges new paths when they feel underrepresented. She graduated cum laude from UCLA with degrees in English and Philosophy and earned her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. She has been selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star and as a Super Lawyer since 2019.
Roxana has extensive experience in high-asset divorce cases, complex custody matters, and interstate and international jurisdiction issues. Her practice includes handling cases involving restrictive gatekeeping, alienation, estrangement, domestic violence, and special needs children. As a mother, Roxana brings a parent’s perspective to her practice, negotiating child-centered custody agreements that help minimize future conflicts. Some of her notable cases include settling a $20 million marital estate, restoring near-equal custody for a father after his imprisonment, and overturning a premarital agreement that many other lawyers had refused to challenge. Passionate about making a difference, Roxana’s expertise and dedication have made her a respected figure in family law.
What unique strategies do you bring to cases involving high-net-worth assets or complicated custody disputes?
In handling high-net-worth and high-conflict custody cases, I believe my ability to connect with people is essential. I genuinely care about my clients, and I think that’s where my strategy begins—I aim to understand my clients on a personal level, which builds trust and helps me determine the best course forward. I want my clients to feel we are on a team together. This isn’t something I necessarily learned as a family law attorney; it’s a skill that’s developed over time, based on natural curiosity, compassion, and attention to detail, and it’s been strengthened through my work.
I’m also very competitive and love to win, but I find great reward in settling a case without the need for litigation. I’m mindful of being reasonable in my approach to every case and prioritize being transparent with my clients. It’s important to manage expectations so people don’t waste time and money attempting to attain unrealistic results. Beyond that, I have access to a network of experts in and outside of Los Angeles, which is an invaluable resource. From forensic accountants to mental health professionals and private investigators, I’ve been able to shape my case strategies with the best support available, which is critical for achieving the best results for my clients.
What steps do you take to make the divorce process as smooth as possible for clients, especially when emotions run high?
To help clients through the divorce process, I focus on understanding each client’s unique needs, whether they’re coming to us at the start of their case or after a previous experience with another attorney. We often refer clients to therapists and support groups, especially if they’ve experienced challenges like domestic violence.
We also organize cases so clients are supported both in the courtroom and personally, addressing their emotional and mental health needs. For clients who may have been left in the dark about finances in their marriage, we work with financial experts to help them understand and manage their own money. This dual approach—providing both emotional and financial empowerment—makes clients feel more in control and engaged in the process. These steps not only simplify what can be an overwhelming experience but also ensure clients feel genuinely supported.
What are the main factors that judges consider when making child custody decisions?
In California, child custody decisions center on what best serves the child’s interests—a guiding principle shaped by extensive statutes, case law, and judge training. Key considerations in these cases include any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues involving either parent, and each parent’s historical involvement in the child’s life. Courts also evaluate each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs under the circumstances, which vary on a case-by-case basis. It’s a complex, nuanced process, but the child’s welfare is always the primary focus.
Can you share a story about a time when you helped a client navigate a challenging situation and come to a positive resolution?
I’ve had several cases where the divorce process, tough for anyone to navigate, has been complicated by a client’s underlying mental health challenges. In situations like these, it’s essential to build trust with the client and assemble a strong team. One memorable case involved a client who was so overwhelmed I became concerned she may not be able to meaningfully participate in her case. Recognizing this, we brought in a mental health professional to evaluate the client and assess her competency, make recommendations, including referral to an in-patient mental health rehabilitation program.
It wasn’t an easy journey. It took time and patience to help the client get back on track, but once she began to receive the right care, she became more engaged, focused, and motivated. By addressing not only the legal issues but, most importantly, the client’s underlying mental health needs, we ultimately achieved positive results in her case. Not every case with mental health challenges resolves this way, as it requires the client’s full commitment to the process, but when it does work out, it’s incredibly rewarding to see a client come through such a challenging time stronger and in a better place, both legally and personally.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?*
I don’t have any regrets, but if I could change one thing, it would be having the confidence to become my own boss sooner. Early in my career, I hesitated to make the leap from being an employee to a business owner, even though I had the necessary skills. However, I believe the timing worked out as it was meant to, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding. If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to be brave, embrace risks, and not settle for just a paycheck.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career? Please explain how.*
For me, hard work is the key to success. Growing up with two working parents, including an immigrant father who with my mom built a beautiful life here, basically from scratch, I learned that no challenge is insurmountable. I believe success levels in any profession are determined by hard work versus complacency, holding yourself to the highest standards versus accepting mediocrity. I routinely analyze how I may have done better at the conclusion of each of my cases, and I welcome constructive criticism from others as well. This ongoing self-reflection is what informs ongoing improvement, which leads to excellence. No excuses—hard work is everything.