Licensed for 17 years Virtual consultation available

Valerie Lee Murphy

Family Attorney at Riverside, CA

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Great Attorney

Valerie represented me in my divorce case. The entire staff at the Law Office of Heather Cullen took care to put my needs first. The biggest complaint I have heard from my friends (besides how expensive a divorce is) is that they can never get ahold of their attorney. I did not experience this. I had ongoing contact with the firm and always talked to a live person. If I had to leave a message for my attorney – my call was always returned within one day. I never felt alone in the process and my outcome was great also.

Thank You!

About Valerie

Learn Valerie’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST

Valerie L. Murphy is a certified family law specialist and partner at Cullen Family Law Group. Attorney Murphy, a native Southern Californian, who joined the Cullen Family Law Group as an Associate Attorney in early 2008. Attorney Murphy's legal focus is on family law matters including divorce, termination of domestic partnerships, custody, and visitation, the establishment of parental relationships (paternity), domestic violence, division of community property, child support, and spousal support. Attorney Murphy has also taught Community Property at California Southern Law School.

Attorney Murphy has extensive experience and personal knowledge of issues regarding the United States Military and Family Law. Her experience includes issues relating to divorce, child and spousal support, the Soldier and Sailors Relief Act, as well as application of Federal regulations in a family law matter.

Attorney Murphy has over 25 years of experience in family law. She started her legal career as a legal assistant in 1993 before becoming an attorney in 2005. Her legal career has continuously focused on matters involving family law, and she takes great care in providing for clients' legal and emotional needs. Attorney Murphy has the extensive legal experience that has been obtained in the private sector with private law firms located in the Riverside area as well as the public sector with the Riverside County Department of Child Support Services.

Attorney Murphy earned her Juris Doctor Degree from California Southern Law School in 2005, where she graduated in the top 1% of her class. She also completed her bachelor's degree in the area of Political Science at California State University, San Bernardino.

Awards

Client's Choice

2014

Photos and videos

Licensed for 17 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 2005

Updated 04/23/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Valerie

Cullen Family Law Group

(951) 565-4316 Office

(951) 715-4601 Fax

4094 Chestnut Street

Riverside, CA, 92501

CullenFamilyLawGroup.com/

Message Get Directions

Valerie Lee Murphy

(951) 565-4316 Office

28465 Old Town Front Street, Suite 321

Temecula, CA, 92590

Message Get Directions

Hide locations

Reviews

Write A Review

5.0 / 5.0

16 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Marc | August 21, 2014

Great Attorney

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Marc, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Kristen | February 3, 2014

Thank You!

Thank-you Heather Cullen and your entire office. Your office was supportive and kind when I felt alone and helpless. I was afraid that I would lose my children and my home in my legal battle. But, with the help of the Law Office of Heather Cullen (including Heather, Valerie and Jillian) I stayed in my home and kept my children with me. I am grateful for everything that your office did for me and I am thankful that I did not have to go through my divorce alone.

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Kristen, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Maria | April 15, 2021

Great Team!

I went through a hard time with my case !!! I was very happy with the help i recieved from Cullen and Murphy . I like to express a special thanks to Rachel !!! days that I was confussed or just frustrated she was thier to calm my mood and help me through this case . All the staff were very helpful !!

Posted by Maria | March 10, 2021

All the staff were very helpful!!

Posted by Neel | February 21, 2017

Straight Forward Solution

If ever you need a straight forward plainly solution then you better contact The Law office of Heather Cullen. It was great job they did for me. Frankly speaking their notes and advice were just perfect to put everything on track to make the other party ask for dismissal, they were very generous regarding it, they put all their efforts in clearing my name. I am grateful to Mrs. Murphy the lawyer who took all the stress and restored everything out for me. Her faith, knowledge and determination were something that solved my worries.

Read less

Posted by Margarita | January 19, 2017

Outstanding!

Valerie was a great attorney and the Law Office of Heather Cullen helped me stay in control of my divorce. The office made sure I had all of the documents that came in and out of the office. I never felt confused or overwhelmed. I also loved that they gave me chocolate every time I went into the office – what a great way to help with stress! The office was outstanding and I would refer them to anyone in need of a family law attorney.

Read less

Posted by Nicole | August 17, 2015

Incredible, aggressive and professional!

I saw an article about the successes of the Heather Cullen Law firm and decided to make an appt. I was given an appt with Valerie Murphy. My case was complicated and I was worried I would have trouble getting the court to modify my existing order. Valerie assured me I had appropriate cause to modify and helped me establish an effective game plan going into court. Valerie was prepared, agressive when needed, and let the other party speechless. I am incredibly blessed and happy to have worked with her. I can't thank her enough for being so professional and making me feel important. If I ever need to return to family law court I will not have anyone else on my team but Valerie. Thank you for all your hard work!

Read less

Posted by Gracie | March 26, 2015

Wonderful!

The legal team at The Law Office of Heather Cullen is wonderful. Heather Cullen and Valerie Murphy were great! My issues included divorce, kids, domestic violence, support and property. I never felt alone. I never got caught up in the phone system pressing buttons – a real person answered the phone and helped me every time. I did have to borrow money to get my case going – but the legal part of my case never got tangled up with the money part. This is a great office and I will always have them on my side.

Read less

Posted by Joyce | November 3, 2014

Recommend!

I went to the Law Office of Heather Cullen during a very difficult time of my life. Valerie was one of the attorneys who worked closely on my case and provided excellent representation as well as thorough legal advocacy! I definitely recommend Valerie and the entire team!

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Joyce, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Lenny | October 21, 2014

Great Legal Team!

Heather, Jillian and Valerie make a great team! The Law Office of Heather Cullen represented me in my divorce and I couldn’t have asked for better representation. Heather Cullen, Jillian Duggan-Herd and Valerie Murphy worked together and provided me with the best legal team! I definitely recommend the Law Office of Heather Cullen!

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Lenny, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Paul | March 11, 2014

I Recommend this Lawyer

I chose Valerie Murphy of the Law Office of Heather Cullen to represent me in my custody and support modification. She did a stellar job. My case took about a year and it was a smooth year. I provided my information to the office and they did the rest. I am happy about my choice of attorney and I would recommend Attorney Valerie Murphy and the Law Office of Heather Cullen team for any child custody and support matter.

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Paul, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Cole | January 15, 2014

I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THIS OFFICE BY MY SIDE

I recommend Heather Cullen and her entire staff, including Attorney Valerie Murphy, for any family law court issues. I started my case on my own while I was in another state. I signed everything and just wanted the case done. Then I went to Heather to try to fix what I had screwed up. I actually did this twice before I learned. I thought I could handle my case on my own because an attorney costs so much money. I decided to let Heather go and represent myself. Again, I went back to Heather to fix what I had screwed up. She was very patient and understanding. She immediately went into court to fix my errors. Because I had signed a few things without an attorney helping me I had quite a bit of work to do to get back what I had lost. But, her whole office helped me get through the process and at the end of it all I was happy with the outcome. Sadly, my divorce included custody issues so I will be needing Heather’s services for many more years. But, I have learned my lesson and I will never go at the family law process alone again – I will always have Heather or one of her attorneys by my side.

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Cole, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Tim | December 30, 2013

The Law Office of Heather Cullen fought for me

I would recommend the Law Office of Heather Cullen to represent any of my friends or family in any type of divorce or custody case. Everyone in her office was pleasant to deal with. I received help from all of the attorneys in the office, including Attorney Murphy, and I was always treated respectfully and received quick responses to all of my questions. No one ever wants to have to hire an attorney. But, if you have to hire attorney this office is the way to go.

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Tim, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Sandy | December 12, 2013

Remarkable Office

Heather and her remarkable staff, including Attorney Valerie Murphy, helped me with my divorce and custody case. They were there for every step of the way. I felt very alone in the court process until I hired her office. I felt that “I got what I paid for”. The whole staff was professional and supportive.

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Sandy, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Frank | December 2, 2013

Review of Valerie Murphy

Heather has been my attorney for many years. My case started as a legal separation, converted to a divorce and then stayed a custody case. I feel like Heather is not only my attorney but also now a friend. I trust her to do what is best for me. Valerie is an associate attorney who work for Heather – she also appeared with me in court and I feel like she represented me just as strongly as Heather.

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Frank, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

Posted by Tamara | November 19, 2013

GREAT OFFICE

My attorney was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was very hesitant to hire an attorney because I've heard so many horror stories. Once I hired the Law Office of Heather Cullen I knew it was the right thing to do. They kept me informed about everything every step of the way. If I ever needed an attorney again I would definitely hire them again.

Read less

Response from Valerie Murphy December 3, 2015

Tamara, Thank you for the excellent review. I am glad you had a successful and great experience with our office. As you are aware, our relationships with our clients are the foundation of our business and we work hard daily to provide each client excellent representation and clear communication. I am thankful for your kind words. Thank you again.

Read less

View all reviews

View less reviews

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner & Attorney at Law
Cullen Family Law Group
2008 - Present

Professor
California Southern Law School
2011 - 2019

Education

California Southern Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2005

Caliifornia State University, San Bernardino
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2000

Legal Cases

IRMO of Smith (Name replaced to protect Client)
Client obtained permanent restraining order while maintaining custody (including move-away) and increase in support

IRMO of Jones (Name replaced to protect Client)
Status judgment granted. Primary physical custody of children with both child and spousal support. Attorney fees award granted.

Associations

United States District Court for the Central District of California
Member
2013 - Present

State Bar of California
Member
2005 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association
Member
2005 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
2005 - Present

San Bernardino County Bar Association
Member
2005 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Best of the Best, Lawyer Awards
Inland Empire Magazine
2023

Top Lawyers Showcasing Inland Empire Attorneys
Inland Empire Magazine
2022

Leading Lawyer
Inland Empire Magazine
2022

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2022

Best of the Best
Inland Empire Magazine
2022

Family Law Top 10 Firm
Attorney & Practice
2022

Annual Best of the IE - Lawyers Awards
Inland Empire Magazine
2022

Client Champion
Martindale-Hubbell®
2021

Best of The IE: Lawyers Awards
Inland Empire Magazine
2021

Client Champion - Platinum Distinction
Martindale-Hubbell®
2020

Leading Lawyer
Inland Empire Magazine
2020

Industry Leader
Inland Empire Magazine
2020

Lawyer of Distinction
Lawyers of Distinction
2020

Best of the Best
Inland Empire Magazine
2020

Client Champion - Platinum Distinction
Martindale-Hubbell®
2019

Leading Lawyer
Inland Empire Magazine
2019

Top 10 Family Law Attorney for California
American Jurist Institute
2018

10 Best Attorneys - California
American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2018

Senior Attorney at Top Lawyer Firm
Inland Empire Magazine
2018

Senior Attorney at Top Lawyer Firm
Inland Empire Magazine
2018

Client Champion Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

Top 10 Best Attorney re: Client Satisfaction
American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

5.0 Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

Senior Associate Attorney at Riverside's Top Law Firm
Inland Empire
2016

Top 10 Best Family Law Attorney in California
American Institute of Legal Counsel
2016

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

Top 10 Law Firm re: Client Satisfaction
American Institute of Legal Counsel
2015

Preeminent Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Client's Choice
Avvo
2014

View all awards

Publications

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Guardianship
2017

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
Memorandum of Points and Authorities re Dismissal of Action
2016

Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
Memorandum of Points and Authorities re Quash or Order and Change of Venue
2015

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
Memorandum of Points and Authorities re Division of Omitted Assets
2015

State of California, County of Riverisde
Memorandum of Point and Authorities re Attorney Fees and Sanctions
2014

State of California, County of Riverside
Memorandum of Points and Authorities re Petitioner to Terminate Guardianship
2011

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property Charges and Credits
2016

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property
2016

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Separate Property
2016

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Real Property
2016

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property Charges and Credits
2015

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Separate Property
2015

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Real Property
2015

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property
2015

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property Charges and Credits
2014

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Real Property
2014

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Separate Property
2014

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property
2014

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Real Property
2013

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Separate Property
2013

Seminar: California Southern School of Law
Community Property
2013

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (30)

Given (70)

Endorse Valerie

Catherine Schwartz

Family Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Murphy is an excellent attorney who is highly skilled in family law matters. I highly recommend her."

Richard Lawson

Family Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ms. Murphy. She is an excellent resource for family law matters in her community. You are well-served with Ms. Murphy on your side."

Alexandria Jaquay

Family Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Co-worker

"Attorney Murphy is dedicated to provided excellent family law representation. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist and is knowledgeable in all areas of family law from a simple divorce to a highly contested custody matter. Attorney Murphy is a pleasure to work with because her breadth of knowledge is so vast as she is able to apply the law clearly and precisely to her cases."

Mariana Hevia-Cockrell

Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lindsey Alverson

Divorce and separation Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Murphy provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions provided herein. Attorney Murphy provides a needed service by providing voluntary and free legal assistance to the individuals herein who are in need of immediate legal answers."

Walter Hnot,

Child support Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Valerie is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

Gregory Cade

Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Valerie is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With her extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, she is bound to invest her time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity."

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats

Family Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is well respected in the community."

Giacomo Behar

Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A top-notch attorney, highly respected in the legal community."

Kris Crawford

Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Valerie is a very competent and compassionate attorney. As well as helping residents in her community she also teaches law students Community Property."

Alexander Segal

Family Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Valerie Lee Murphy is a solid, knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney in a very difficult state. I recommend her without hesitation."

Renee Hykel Cuddy

Child support Attorney | Feb 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Ms. Murphy. She is a smart and detail-oriented family law attorney who contributes very thoughtful responses in our community. She will go the extra mile for your case."