Selecting the right legal firm to handle a divorce is critical. We believe that Michel & Rhyne is the right legal firm to consider. Both Karen A. Rhyne and Michael L. Michel are board certified specialists in Family Law, and we have over 25 years of experience in these matters. Moreover, the firm of Michel & Rhyne takes a multidisciplinary approach to family law. Partners and associates have been involved in research and have studied associated disciplines in psychology and business to provide the best possible advice to our clients.

We invite you to call us at (949) 553-1223 or (949) 553-1224 to schedule an appointment.

Karen A. Rhyne earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from California State University Fullerton, in Fullerton, CA. In 1985, she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Western State University School of Law in California.

Karen Rhyne was admitted to the California bar on June 11, 1985. She is an active member of the California Bar Association (member number 118645).

Ms. Rhyne was an Associate at the law firm of Tovstein & Kraetzer from 1985 through 1987. Since 1987, she and Michael Michel have been Partners at their own firm, Michel & Rhyne.

Karen has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 1990. From 1991 to 2005, she was an Adjunct Professor at University of California at Irvine, teaching Family Law courses every quarter at the University of California Irvine Extension.

Other honors, activities, and publications include the following:

• California State Board Certified Specialist, Family Law
  (1990 to present).
• Arbitrator: Orange County Bar Association — Fee Dispute resolution
  (1999 to present).
• Editorial Board: Journal of Child Custody
  (2004 to present).
• Harbor Commissioner: Newport Beach Harbor Commission
  (2006 to present).
  
  
• “American Jurisprudence” honors in Criminal Procedure and Torts.
• Member: Orange County Bar Association Professionalism Committee.
• Member: Future Search, Orange County.
• Co-Author: “Grant my ExParte” — Orange County Lawyer.
  

Michael Lampton Michel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He Attended Tulane University in New Orleans, graduating with a B.A. degree in Political Science in 1961 and a Doctorate of Law in 1965.

Mr. Michel served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1970, receiving the Veteran’s Service Medal and The Department of The Air Force Commendation Medal for exceptional performance of duty in Southeast Asia during 1967 and 1968.

Mr. Michel was admitted to the California bar on June 26, 1970. He is an active member of the California Bar Association (member number 46983).

In 1970, Mr. Michel began service with the Orange County Public Defender’s office. He progressed to Supervising Deputy, overseeing some 35 lawyers.

In 1974, Mr. Michel set up his own private law practice in Newport Beach, California, specializing in Criminal Defense work.

In 1980, after taking post-graduate courses in the field, Mr. Michel began practicing Family Law, specializing in difficult child custody cases.

Other honors and activities include the following:

• Admitted to practice in Louisiana (1965)
• United States District Court and 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (1965)
• Admitted to practice in California (1970)
• United States District Court, Southern District of California (1970)
• California State Board Certified Specialist, Family Law (1992 to present)
• Lecturer: Family Law child custody issues, State Bar of California, education series.
• Member: Orange County Bar Association.
• Member: Orange County Family Law Section.
• Member: California State Bar Family Law Section.
• Director and Officer: Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section.