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Valerie Lee Murphy

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Valerie Lee Murphy
Valerie Lee Murphy
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About Valerie

California Certified Family Law Specialist

Valerie L. Murphy is a certified family law specialist and partner at Cullen & Murphy.  Attorney Murphy, a native Southern Californian, who joined Cullen & Murphy 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, 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 with 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 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.  

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Practice areas

Divorce and separationChild supportFamily
  1. Family: 34%

  2. Child support: 33%

  3. Divorce and separation: 33%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

299677 1578524510

Contact

Cullen & Murphy

4094 Chestnut Street
Riverside, CA, 92501

Website
https://www.CullenandMurphy.com/ 

28465 Old Town Front Street, Suite 321
Temecula, CA, 92590

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200502/14/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers32
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Best of The IE: Lawyers AwardsInland Empire Magazine2021
Lawyer of Distinction [Firm Attorney]Lawyers of Distinction2021
Client Champion - Platinum DistinctionMartindale-Hubbell®2020
Leading LawyerInland Empire Magazine2020
Industry LeaderInland Empire Magazine2020
Lawyer of DistinctionLawyers of Distinction2020
Best of the BestInland Empire Magazine2020
Client Champion - Platinum DistinctionMartindale-Hubbell®2019
Leading LawyerInland Empire Magazine2019
10 Best Attorneys - CaliforniaAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2018
Top 10% Law Firm in Country [Senior Attorney]Lawyers of Distinction2018
Senior Attorney at Top Lawyer FirmInland Empire Magazine2018
Senior Attorney at Top Lawyer FirmInland Empire Magazine2018
Top 10 Family Law Attorney for CaliforniaAmerican Jurist Institute2018
Top 10 Family Law Firm (Client Satisfaction) [Firm Attorney]American Institute of Legal Counsel2017
Client Champion AwardMartindale-Hubbell2017
Divorce Lawyer of the Year 2017-Riverside County [Firm Attorney]North America News2017
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys [Firm Attorney]American Jurist Institute2017
10 Best Attorney re Client Satisfaction [Firm Attorney]American Institute of Family Law Attorneys2017
Leading Lawyers (Firm Attorney)Inland Empire Magazine2017
Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Law Lawyers [Firm Attorney]The National Advocates2017
Top 100 Lawyers (Firm Attorney)American Society of Legal Advocates2017
Who's Who of the Inland Empire (Firm Attorney)Inland Empire Magazine2017
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
Top 10% Law Firm in Country (Firm Attorney)Lawyers of Distinction2017
Inland Empire MagazineTop Lawyer Law Firm (Attorney)2017
Top 10 Best Family Law Attorney in CaliforniaAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2016
Senior Associate Attorney at Riverside's Top Law FirmInland Empire2016
5.0 Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2016
Client Distinction AwardMartindale-Hubbell2016
Top 10 Best Attorney re: Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2016
Client Distinction AwardMartindale-Hubbell2015
Top 10 Law Firm re: Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Legal Counsel2015
Senior Associate Attorney at Riverside's Top Law FirmInland Empire Magazine2015
Client's ChoiceAvvo2014
Preeminent RatingMartindale-Hubbell2014
Senior Associate Attorney at Top Lawyer FirmInland Empire Magazine2014
Advanced Application of Community PropertyLaw Office of Heather Cullen2014
Senior Associate Attorney at Top Attorney Law FirmInland Empire Magazine2013
Outstanding Client AdvocateLaw Office of Heather Cullen2013
Excellent Provider of Client ServiceLaw Office of Heather Cullen2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Partner & Attorney at LawCullen & Murphy2008 - Present
ProfessorCalifornia Southern Law School2011 - 2019
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember2013 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember2005 - Present
Riverside County Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
Riverside County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2005 - Present
San Bernardino County Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Superior Court of California, County of RiversideMemorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Guardianship2017
Superior Court of California, County of RiversideMemorandum of Points and Authorities re Dismissal of Action2016
Superior Court of California, County of San BernardinoMemorandum of Points and Authorities re Quash or Order and Change of Venue2015
Superior Court of California, County of RiversideMemorandum of Points and Authorities re Division of Omitted Assets2015
State of California, County of RiverisdeMemorandum of Point and Authorities re Attorney Fees and Sanctions2014
State of California, County of RiversideMemorandum of Points and Authorities re Petitioner to Terminate Guardianship2011
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
California Southern Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor2005
Caliifornia State University, San BernardinoBA - Bachelor of Arts2000
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property Charges and Credits2016
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property2016
Seminar: California Southern School of LawSeparate Property2016
Seminar: California Southern School of LawReal Property2016
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property Charges and Credits2015
Seminar: California Southern School of LawSeparate Property2015
Seminar: California Southern School of LawReal Property2015
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property2015
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property Charges and Credits2014
Seminar: California Southern School of LawReal Property2014
Seminar: California Southern School of LawSeparate Property2014
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property2014
Seminar: California Southern School of LawReal Property2013
Seminar: California Southern School of LawSeparate Property2013
Seminar: California Southern School of LawCommunity Property2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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.

Reviews

(16)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Valerie Murphy

Great Attorney

Posted by

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.
Valerie Murphy's response: 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.

Thank You!

Posted by

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.
Valerie Murphy's response: 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.

Great Team!

Posted by

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 !!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

All the staff were very helpful!!

Posted by

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 !!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Straight Forward Solution

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Valerie Murphy's response: Thank you so much for the kind words. Your case was distinct as you are aware and I am glad that we were able to obtain such an exceptional outcome. Take Care.

Outstanding!

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Valerie Murphy's response: Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so glad that I was able to help you during this difficult time. Family law is such an emotionally and financially difficult area of law and we do our best to help our clients through this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything in the future. Take care.

Incredible, aggressive and professional!

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Valerie Murphy's response: Nicole, 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.

Wonderful!

Posted by

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.
Valerie Murphy's response: Gracie, 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.

Recommend!

Posted by

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!
Valerie Murphy's response: 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.

Great Legal Team!

Posted by

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!
Valerie Murphy's response: 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.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(30)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Catherine Schwartz, Family Attorney on Aug 22, 2014
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 on Aug 21, 2014
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 on Jul 14, 2020
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 on Oct 3, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lindsey Alverson, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 8, 2018
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 on Apr 7, 2017
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 on Jan 24, 2017
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 on Sep 9, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Giacomo Behar, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 29, 2016
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 on Mar 25, 2016
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 on Feb 25, 2016
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 on Feb 16, 2016
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.

Pascal Schunk, Family Attorney on Jan 31, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.I endorse this lawyer. Valerie provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions posted.

Matthew Lenza, Family Attorney on Jan 29, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Valerie is spot on with her answers in the AVVO community and is easily endorsed.

Amanda Naples, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 18, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

Attorney Murphy is a skilled advocate and represents each of her clients with knowledge and experience.

Mark Murad

I endorse this lawyer.

Rachel Laborde, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I highly recommend Atty. Murphy. She is a fierce and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated to her client's best interest.

Judd Nemiro

I endorse this lawyer.

Jill Rogers

Hardworking and determined. I endorse this lawyer.

Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Dec 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

George Limbeck, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly recommend Atty. Murphy. She is a well respected and knowledgeable attorney.

Kelsi Cottle, Family Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Atty. Murphy is knowledgeable and compassionate about her client's needs.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$150-$500/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

    Recent Posts

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