Practice Areas

If you or someone you know is trying to navigate difficult and confusing times and needs an experienced and steadfast legal advocate, contact Nina Salarno Besselman.   She provides professional, compassionate and tenacious representation, at reasonable fees.  

Family law cases are often contentious, emotional, and challenging. We help with all the legal issues that arise within domestic relationships – from married spouses, domestic partners, to same-sex couples.
  • Separations
  • Annulments
  • Uncontested Dissolutions (Amicable Divorces)
  • Paternity Actions
  • Child Custody
  • Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
  • Adoptions
  • Guardianship
  • Juvenile Dependency (CPS Cases)
  • Termination of Parental Rights
  • Wills and Trusts
Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, mental or even economic abuse. We have a tremendous amount of experience in using restraining orders to keep you safe. Restraining orders are designed to protect you from being harmed, abused or harassed by an abuser. It can also keep an abuser from the scene of domestic violence, which may include your home or where you work.  Family orders affect are used for cases involving child custody, family residences, pets, etc. while civil orders are secured in situations where there is no familial relationship between parties. While it’s rare, restraining orders have been used inappropriately with false information and we can defend against them.
  • Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
  • Orders of Protection
  • Civil restraining orders
  • Defense of restraining orders
Being a victim of crime and navigating the criminal justice system can be a frightening and confusing experience. We will help.
  • Victim Advocacy
  • Enforcement of Constitutional Rights
  • Personal Injury
  • Parole Hearing Representation
  • Criminal Trial/Investigation Representation
Crime victims (and relatives of crime victims) who have suffered physical injury or threat of physical injury can apply to the California Victim Compensation Program for compensation for crime-related losses.  This is a confusing process and our office has a specialist to assist you in the process of obtaining compensation for:
  • Medical Expenses
  • Funeral Expenses
  • Relocation Costs
  • Security Systems
  • Mental Health
  • Appeals of Denials
Whether you’ve been bitten by a dog or got yourself involved in a car accident, Nina Salarno Besselman will work hard for you and your family.  She is tenacious and dedicated to making things right for you.
  • Accidents
  • Slip and Fall Incidents
  • Product Defects
  • Dog Bites
  • Wrongful Death
  • Assault and Battery
A skilled and experienced civil litigator must be well-familiar with the rules of civil procedure, rules of evidence, substantive law, and procedures. In addition, you need a lawyer who is also skilled at persuasion.  We will take you through the entire process of filing and pursuing a non-criminal lawsuit. Nina can also advise you on whether your case is best suited for court, or can be handled better outside of the courtroom.
  • Alimony
  • Personal injury
  • Debt settlement
  • Discrimination
  • Real property disputes (land)
Even the toughest cases can often be resolved through mediation and the process can be effective in reducing the time, money, and adversarial nature associated with traditional court-based proceedings. Often Nina partners with retired Judge Dirk Amara to effectuate settlement and mediation work. Nina can represent you or be a neutral mediator meets with both sides to help promote a settlement.
  • Marriage
  • Separation
  • Divorce
  • Parenting Schedules
  • Child Support
  • Alimony
  • Property Division
  • Elder Care
  • Education Rights
Nina has been involved in legislative work for decades, both from the “inside” and “outside” and can help with lobbying efforts in regards to:
  • Public Safety
  • Crime Victims Constitution
  • Marcy’s Law Constitutional Amendment
  • Amber Alert (co-author)
  • Domestic Violence Bills
  • Crime Legislation
  • Prison Reform
  • Human Trafficking
  • Child Abuse

In her role as President of Crime Victims United, Nina Salarno Besselman recently created a podcast series aimed at helping victims and the public through the safety challenges facing our communities. She sits down with community leaders to talk about current events and ways to assist crime victims, in addition to helpful information on general topics.

View the podcasts >

What Clients Say
When I realized my life would never be the same and I was definitely at an extremely low point in my life, I needed a Lawyer. Where would I turn? I shared my circumstances with a friend and he recommended Nina.

I got my appointment, we met and discussed my situation. I couldn’t have left that office feeling any more relieved, knowing that Nina would protect me with her knowledge of the law. She has definitely exceeded my expectations and my trust in her is unwavering. The Staff has also been very responsive to my needs on all levels and I cant thank them enough for all that they do.
Craig Gilmore
You can hire any attorney to speak for you in court, or you can choose to partner with Nina and her team, who will invite you in with open arms and fight till their last breath to keep your family safe. Thanks to Nina, our children can finally sleep at night.
Gabe Haney
Gabe Haney
Nina made a very difficult process much easier.

She handled every aspect of the legal matter from start to finish; paperwork, filing, negotiations, and court appearance. Her professionalism, accessibility, and perseverance set her apart.​
Jason Oliver
Jason Oliver
Nina Salarno Besselman is a truly compassionate woman with the strength, intelligence, patience, and presence of a true Goddess. She is diligent at protecting one's rights.

I am a gentle and sensitive mother who has endured much undue stress related to my complex custody situation. Nina, along with her team of professionals, have supported and nurtured me through the traumatic experience of family court. Nina's wisdom and meticulous dedication in delivering the truth with integrity is her greatest gift. I cannot express my gratitude for all she has done for me and my family.

Nina WILL successfully get the job done no matter how complicated it is!
KT Harrison, CST, CMT
KT Harrison, CST, CMT
Recently my family found itself in crisis with the custody of my children at stake. After interviewing several lawyers, we felt helpless. They all had the same answers and we felt defeated. Shortly after that I was referred to Nina Besselman by a family friend. We left our first meeting with all the hope and security we were looking for. Nina not only delivered on everything she said she could do for us; she also brought peace and security back to our family.

In a matter of weeks Nina aggressively made all of our issues go away and we resumed normal life as a family thanks to her and her wonderful staff. You could not ask for a better lawyer or a finer person to be on your side during a crisis.
Ty Wolfe
Ty Wolfe
Nina is a great attorney she has been a blessing in my life! She is very passionate about her work and representation for her clients. Once you meet her you will end up having a friend for life.
Jenny Kiggins
Jenny Kiggins
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