$ 150-430 per hour
Richard Gaines Heston
About Richard
Biography
The law firm of Heston & Heston emphasizes the consumer aspects of both Bankruptcy and Family Law, as well as Probate and Estate Planning. With each having over 41 years of legal experience, Richard Heston and Halli Heston are able to bring together experience, knowledge and expertise in dealing with their clients' needs. As Board Certified Specialists in Bankruptcy Law, their credentials provide the utmost assurance of their qualifications to meet your legal needs. And with fees and payment options tailored to accommodate the consumer, proven expertise is affordable.
Richard Heston, certified as a specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification since 1995, and a specialist in Family Law by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California from 1992 to 2017, focuses his practice on both fields, including litigation and the often complex inter-relationship between the two specialties. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine and Southwestern School of Law, Mr. Heston has been admitted since 1979.
Halli Heston, certified as a specialist in Personal and Small Business Bankruptcy by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California since 1994, emphasizes Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 practice, both in consumer and small business cases. In addition, she handles probate and estate planning matters. Also having graduated from the University of California, Irvine and Southwestern School of Law, Mrs. Heston has practiced law since 1979.
Benjamin Heston emphasizes Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 practice, both in consumer and small business cases. In addition, he handles probate and civil matters. Having slso graduated from the University of California, Irvine and Southwestern School of Law, Benjamin Heston has practiced law since 2014.
Conveniently located near John Wayne Airport in Irvine in Orange County, Heston & Heston offers regular and after-hours appointments to accommodate the demands of your schedule. Initial consultations concerning filing bankruptcy, as well probate and estate planning matters are free, and there is a modest fee for bankruptcy consultations other than as a potential debtor, such as creditors or non-filing spouses affected by the commencement of a bankruptcy.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Bankruptcy and Debt
100%
47 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 46 years
State: California
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
Location
Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law
19700 Fairchild Road, Suite 280, Irvine, CA, 92612
Heston & Heston, Riverside Office
4192 Brockton Avenue, Suite 100, Riverside, CA, 92501
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Richard Gaines Heston's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 44 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
1. Exceptional Service! 2. Highly Recommend Mr. Heston’s Office. 3. Friendly & Professional Experience 4. Top-Notch Service
Mr Richard gaines Heston office was professional (( including Ms Yani )) fair, and thorough in a friendly and family oriented environment ❤️✝️❤️
Posted by I. b. | April 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly rated for a reason !
Richard and his team made me this experience of which me and my wife were terrified about so comfortable . They helped us understand the process and helped us finally start this new chapter in our life’s ! Thanks so much Richard and team , you guys are amazing people and deserve the recognition!
Posted by D.B | April 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
if you're looking for someone who genuinely cares and will fight for the best outcome for you, look no further than R. Heston
I can't recommend Richard Heston highly enough. navigating bankruptcy is never easy, it's emotional, overwhelming and filled with uncertainty. From the very first consultation he made the entire process feel manageable, walking me through every step with patience and clarity. He responded quickly t...
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Survey
Very professional and easy to work with. Made it very easy to filled my bankruptcy.
Posted by Cathy | September 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Effective bankruptcy representation
I met Mr. Heston for a bankruptcy consultation. He walked me through the process, offered recommendations for my specific situation, and calmed my nervousness about making what seemed to be a daunting decision. Now, after hiring him, and at conclusion of the bankruptcy process, I find that what he pr...
Richard Gaines Heston's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Heston for Bankruptcy and Debt cases. Why? Because his responses to Avvo questions are so thorough and complete. One can see why his Client Reviews are stellar."
"I endorse this lawyer. He was reasonable in working out discovery issues and very responsive to emails and phone calls."
"Having seen hundreds of answers given by Mr. Heston, I have found them to be legally sound, but more importantly, very useful and practical. I endorse this lawyer."
"The answers of Mr. Heston are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. This is not surprising given the double "expert" certification of Mr. Heston. These are the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred several clients to him, including family members and he has Rovided outstanding service."
"Richard is a professional, courteous, articulate and knowledgeable lawyer that is well experienced in family court and bankruptcy matters. I have observed that, whether arguing before a judge or in the courthouse halls, he handles himself well and is a strong advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard was opposing counsel on a past divorce case on mine and I found him to be highly-knowledgeable and prepared while also being professional and personable. Richard is an attorney who is able to accomplish things for his client based on his substantial legal experience and knowledge without resorting to questionable tactics. I highly respect Richard and I know that when I have a case with him in the future, I will need to be prepared but also know that he will be professional and ethical in the process."
"Richard is extremely knowledgeable about bankruptcy as it impacts family law. I have sent several clients his way and he has been very helpful and responsive to them."
"I endorse Richard Heston's work because I have observed him in his trial preparation, trial presentation, and lecturing to the local bar since 1981 and he has proven without fail to be an exceptional attorney. We were office mates for two years in the early 1980's and served as co-counsel in a Superior Court trial in 2005. Rich's briefs are well-researched and cogent. He is engaged full-time in his work, which is also his hobby. He is diligent and completely honest."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Richard for years - he possesses a mastery of his area of law and also has presented MCLE programs on bankruptcy practice to fellow attorneys."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Richard is a very conscientious and very knowledgeable attorney, both in the field of bankruptcy as well as family law. I refer clients to him regularly and can be sure they will be well represented."
"Richard Heston is the "go to" lawyer in Orange County when there are issues of bankruptcy/debt impacting a family law case. He is well-versed in bankruptcy law and debt collection, and provides top-notch customer service."
"Richard is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled lawyers I know when it comes to personal and small busness bankruptcy. He's my first choice for any referrals of that type. He is also honest, ethical, kind, compassionate and highly respected in the community by judges and other lawyers alike. ."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. His legal work is superlative. Concise writing sums up concentrated research and consummate analysis. Rich has broad legal acumen and experience. A real legal treasure."
Shannon Debiase
Family lawyer
Kateryna Bilenka
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Stuart Steingraber
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
David Stone
Family lawyer
Douglas Pinkham
Unknown lawyer
Benjamin Heston
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Robert Burch
Family lawyer
Steven D'Braunstein
Family lawyer
Richard Baum
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Ronald Cordova
Criminal defense lawyer
Patricia Hendrickson
Family lawyer
Gerald Maggio
Family lawyer
Robert Foster
Estate planning lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
2016
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
2015
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
2014
O.C.'s Top Lawyers - Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, OC Metro Magazine
2014
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
2013
O.C.'s Top Lawyers - Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, OC Metro Magazine
2013
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
2012
O.C.'s Top Lawyers - Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, OC Metro Magazine
2012
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
2011
O.C.'s Top Lawyers - Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, OC Metro Magazine
2010
O.C.'s Top Lawyers - Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, OC Metro Magazine
2009
O.C.'s Top Lawyers - Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, OC Metro Magazine
2002
Recognition for Annual Pro Bono Service, Judges of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana Division
2001
Certificate of Appreciation for Service, American Board of Specialization
1997
Certificate of Appreciation for Service, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
Work Experience
1981 - Present
Partner, Heston & Heston, Attorneys at Law
Associations
1992 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1989 - Present
Orange County Bankruptcy ForumMember
1981 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Ashworth, Slip Copy, 2012 WL 4596217 (Bkrtcy.C.C.Cal.)
Objection overruled. The Court criticized controlling Ninth Circuit rule and urged reconsideration and modification to avoid unjust application based on the facts of this case. Appeal is pending before the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.
In re Voelkel, 322 B.R. 138 (9th Cir.BAP 2005)
Dismissal based on ineligibility reversed.
Burt v. County of Orange (2004)120 Cal.App.4th 273, 15 Cal.Rptr.3d 373, review den. Sept. 15, 2004
Dismissal of petition to review agency reversed
In re Beauchamp, 236 B.R. 727 (9th Cir.BAP 1999), affd. at 5 Fed.Appx. 743, (9th Cir. Mar 12, 2001)
Plaintiff prevailed and was affirmed.
Education
1979
Southwestern Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1976
University of California at Irvine,
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
Brace Yourselves: The Impact of In re Brace on Family Law, Community Property and Bankruptcy issues and the New Homestead
Bankruptcy
2019
Bankruptcy and Divorce: a Sordid and Dysfunctional Relationship
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2018
Bankruptcy and Family Law Crossover Issues
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2017
Basic Overview of Debtors and Creditors Rights Under the Bankruptcy Code
Bankruptcy
2016
Basic Overview of Debtors and Creditors Rights Under the Bankruptcy Code
Bankruptcy
2015
Bankruptcy Meets Family Law
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2015
Bankruptcy Basics: LEAP Program for Bankruptcy Training
Bankruptcy
2014
Things that Go Bump in the Night
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2014
California Solo and Small Firm Summit
Bankruptcy and Dissolution
2014
Bankruptcy Law for Non-Bankruptcy Attorneys
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2014
Bankruptcy for Non-Bankruptcy Attorneys
Bankruptcy
2013
Bankruptcy and Family Law
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2012
Recent Developments in Bankruptcy Affecting Family Law
Bankruptcy and Family Law
2011
Orange County Bar Association and the Public Law Center
Pro Bono Bankruptcy Training: Basic Chapter 7 Petitions
2011
Orange County Bankruptcy Forum
Ask the Panel Trustees
2010
Chapter 7 Practice for Practitioners New to Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy 101: The Nuts & Bolts of Chapter 7
2009
Bankruptcy and Family Law
What Family Law Practitioners Need to Know about Bankruptcy Law
2005
Bankruptcy and Family Law
What Every Family Law Attorney Needs to Know About BAPCPA
2005
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
Impact of the New Bankruptcy Code on Chapters 7 and 13
2004
Bankruptcy and Family Law
Treatment of Support Claims in Chapter 13
2003
Bankruptcy Exemption Practice
Exemptions in Bankruptcy
2001
Advanced Consumer Bankruptcy Issues in California
Advanced Bankruptcy Practice
1988
Bankruptcy and Family Law
Bankruptcy Law vs. Family Law: Common Pitfalls/Practical Solutions
Publications
2003
Personal and Small Business Bankruptcy Practice in California (CEB), Consultant and Contributing Editor
Chapter 7
2000
Orange County Bar Association
Discharge - What Discharge? The "Community Discharge" in Bankruptcy
1995
Orange County Bar Association
Family Law Aspects of the Bankruptcy Act of 1994
1995
Legal Specialization Digest
Family Law Aspects of the Bankruptcy Act of 1994
1994
Orange County Bar Association
How to Escape from Bankruptcy Court
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What are my options for bankruptcy?
04 Feb 2025
Q&A
I am in L.A. and am appealing an order in my BK. My case has been assigned to a Judge in far away Santa Ana. What should I do?
29 Jan 2025
Q&A
What are some of my options and what are the ramifications of declaring bankruptcy?
15 Jan 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
California’s New Homestead Statute: Overdue Update or Undue Windfall?
24 Dec 2020
Legal Guide
BANKRUPTCY TREATMENT OF DEBTS RESULTING FROM DIVORCE
07 May 2020