Daniel Curtis McCammon

I am a Certified Family Law Specialist and represent clients in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and select matters in the Central Coast and Sacramento area. I work with clients of all background, including business owners, homemakers, those with 7/8 figure wealth, attorneys, doctors, therapists, teachers, and military servicemembers and veterans. I also work with forensic accountants, therapists, mediators, loan officers, real estate agents, and attorneys in other fields to holistically resolve your family law issues.  I have a lot of experience in high conflict custody matters, including domestic and international move away, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. While I litigate, I settle many of my cases because I maintain good relationships with my fellow family law attorneys, the Court, and other professionals, and work hard to know the facts of your matter so I can quickly work to resolve the matter with your partner/spouse. I strongly believe in the principal of informed consent. You will know where you stand and what decisions you can make so you can make the best choice for yourself and your family.  

I love the practice of family law. I know it's an unwanted service, but one that is necessary. People often come to me when they have been victims of abuse, made personal mistakes that have caused an end of a marriage or relationship, or simply have grown apart. It's hard for many people to let go of the past and the end of the relationship and move forward. That is why I work with a variety of family law related experts (financial planners, forensic accountants, life coaches, real estate professionals and therapists) to help you divide assets, heal, and take control of your future and the legacy you want to leave your loved ones.  

In my spare time, I enjoy the beach, cooking, hiking, reading, sports, travel, and writing.

9/2/26: Week One CFB Predictions: 1) BSU vs. Oregon: Oregon wins/covers their 24.5 spread. OR will be really good this year and playing at home. BSU is a shell of their former self. 2) SMU vs. Florida State: SMU wins and covers their 3 point spread. FSU needs to prove they are back but I am not seeing it. 3) Clemson vs. LSU: LSU wins and covers their 10 point spread. Talent gap too apparent. 4) Notre Dame vs. Wisonsin: Notre Dame wins and covers their 20.5 spread. Wisconsin was awful last year and ND will be their toughest matchup of the year. 5) Ole Miss vs. Louisville: Ole Miss wins and covers 7 point spread. Ole Miss will have a really good year with Trinidad Chamberliss. 

9/3/26: Update on 8/28/26 Post 9th Circuit Ruling on Kalshi:

The day after I posted about "predictive markets", the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that "gambling sporting events is not protected by the federal law that otherwise allows prediction market firms to operate." Lower District courts have issued split opinions on whether or not predictive markets who essentially are sports betting markets can otherwise operate in states where there are restrictions on gambling, not to mention circumventing federal and tribal law. This case is likely headed to the Supreme Court next year. As for me, I do not support markets being used for sports betting and this unregulated nightmare where people on the inside are violating insider trading rules on whether or not leaders like the former Venezuelan leader Maduro would be removed or not.

9/3/26: Pastoral Communications and Mandated Reporting:

I've had quite a few cases come up recently where I have worked with clients who are actively religious and are facing both family law, DCFS, and criminal issues related to their or their spouses/partner's conduct related to domestic violence and allegations of child abuse. For partners/spouses who are religious and seeking to stay together and work through issues, one area of complexity when it comes to repentance in religion is the interplay between mandated reporting and whether or not there is an absolute privilege that would prevent disclosure of statements, either by the party or pastor/priest/etc. Religious leaders are mandated reporters in California. However, there is a very limited exception in CA Penal Code § 11166(d)(1), "A clergy member who acquires knowledge or a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect during a penitential communication is not subject to subdivision (a).  For the purposes of this subdivision, “penitential communication” means a communication, intended to be in confidence, including, but not limited to, a sacramental confession, made to a clergy member who, in the course of the discipline or practice of the clergy member's church, denomination, or organization, is authorized or accustomed to hear those communications, and under the discipline, tenets, customs, or practices of the clergy member's church, denomination, or organization, has a duty to keep those communications secret."

A member of a church who makes a confession, to one member of the clergy who is authorized to hear that that confession, and the practice of that faith is to keep those communications secret qualifies as a penitential communication. Nothing else would. After a member confesses, usually churches get more involved in a counseling/repentance treatment plan with multiple pastors, both parents/spouses/partners. Are discussions in those meetings protected? No! California Evidence Code 1032 defines what a penitential communication is. That statute states: "As used in this article, “penitential communication” means a communication made in confidence, in the presence of no third person so far as the penitent is aware, to a member of the clergy who, in the course of the discipline or practice of the clergy member’s church, denomination, or organization, is authorized or accustomed to hear those communications and, under the discipline or tenets of his or her church, denomination, or organization, has a duty to keep those communications secret." General spiritual direction, marriage counseling, or emotional support sessions typically do not carry an absolute, doctrinally mandated requirement of secrecy. Also, if the church's internal policy allows for disclosure to protect victims, the penitential communication does not apply either (State v. Potter). Also, Counseling sessions often involve multiple parties, such as couples or family members. Under California case law (such as People v. Edwards), if a second minister or a family member is present to give advice, or if it is expected that the details will be shared with a church governing board, the court treats it as counseling, which destroys any claim to a penitential exception.
Anyone in pastoral counseling should know that any disclosures are subject to mandated reporting. Furthermore, any discussions may not be confidential either. If you are confessing to your co-parent, your statements can be admitted into evidence due to the party-opponent rule.

The penitential communication is controversial, and there have been attempts in the past to undo this exception because of concerns that abuse is being swept under a rug and not been reported when it should be. While the practice of faith is important to people, and there is merit to getting help, either if you are a victim or someone who has perpetrated violence on a partner or child, it is important to understand the limitations of the Evidence code, and people who are litigating a family law case where FC 3044 presumptions apply for domestic violence, have a criminal case pending, or a DCFS investigation and/or CACI case should be circumspect in navigating the confessionary rites of your faith and your legal issues. 

Happy to have a conversation about your family issues and can be contacted at my office by phone, email, in person meetings at the office, Zoom/Google Meet, WhatsApp for my prospective foreign clients at 714. 335. 4683 , and Google Voice at 949. 287. 8301.