Mioni Family Law, APC

Mioni Family Law specializes in issues such as divorces, prenuptial agreements and custody issues. Owner Lovette Mioni has been a family law attorney since 2010 and started her firm in 2015. She is designated by The State Bar of California as a certified family law specialist. 

What is your professional superpower?

Litigation. I attended the National Family Law Trial Institute in Houston. My clients benefit from my knowledge and trial experience. Trials in family law should be avoided if possible, as they are very expensive and the traditional process of trial through the court system takes a very long time. However, not being afraid of litigating the case at trial is very helpful in settlement negotiations and also knowing what potential outcomes the trial will bring for my clients. 

What sectors have you worked in? How do they inform your advisory approach?

For the past 14 years, I’ve focused my practice exclusively on family law—meaning I stay current on new cases and new laws that affect my clients. I am then able to provide clients with the best information and strategies to help resolve their cases.

What are the best ways to establish trust with new clients?

Knowledge and information. The first step is to schedule a consultation, which typically lasts about an hour. During that time I answer questions clients may have about their case, their rights and their obligations. They leave having a really good understanding of what to expect in the process and how to proceed with their case. A lot of fear comes from the unknown. Once they understand the law, the process and how to move forward, they are a lot less fearful and less anxious.  

How do you help clients avoid making rash decisions?

I provide them with the tools to make informed and reasonable decisions. I tell them what the law is, how it applies to their case, and then advise them on best- and worst-case scenarios. We can then work together to make the decisions that are in their best interest, being efficient and bringing their case toward resolution. 

What is your definition of success?

Having happy clients and positively impacting their lives. When clients stop by after their case has concluded to bring us bottles of wine, flowers, dinner and baked goods … that tells me we’re doing a great job for them.

How do you assist clients in planning for their legacy and estate?

Prenuptial agreements are a great tool that clients can utilize to preserve their legacy and estate. They allow clients to protect assets such as real estate they have prior to marriage. They can also protect businesses that they started prior to marriage. If a client has high earnings, we can also use a prenuptial agreement to limit spousal support obligations. While it may not be the most romantic thing to bring up, discussing a prenuptial agreement with a potential spouse allows both parties to understand the other party’s financial situation including assets, debts and how they want to manage their finances during marriage. More people should be having these basic conversations prior to starting a life and blending finances with a partner.  

How do you envision the role of trusted advisors evolving in the future?

The court systems are backlogged, and divorce can be a slow and arduous process. More family law attorneys should be trying to settle cases. Ultimately that is what is in the best interest of clients. My office tries to settle as many cases as we can. Sometimes the situation does not lend itself to settlement, and then we try to utilize private judges to hear the case—so we can skip the public court system and the delays that come along with that. We get to choose a highly qualified judge who has a background in family law, we select dates that work for everyone’s schedules, and the hearing is fast-tracked and able to be resolved in a day or two. Utilizing a private judge can save time, money and stress.

Give us your thoughts about the importance of charitable contributions.

Access to lawyers and legal services is not something that is available to everyone. I work with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles to offer my services pro bono for victims of domestic violence. If the Legal Aid Foundation gets a case that is too complex for their office to handle, they sometimes refer it to me or ask me to assist. I do think it is important for attorneys to donate their services to people who need our services but cannot afford it.  

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions in the South Bay?

My husband and I have two little boys. The kids get pretty excited about the holidays. We love taking them to Candy Cane Lane in Torrance; the neighborhood lights and participation are the best in the South Bay. We also love doing the Holiday Stroll in the Riviera. The Rivera Village Association really does a great job of having special events for our community and especially the kids.