Experienced Family Law Counsel for Professionals, Business Owners, and Individuals

Helping clients resolve complex family law matters efficiently and discreetly.

📞 Call: 760-779-1420
📅 Schedule an Appointment
💻 Schedule a Video Conference

Clients We Represent

Our office frequently represents:

1. • Business owners
   • Physicians and other professionals
   • Executives and managers
   • Individuals with complex financial assets
   • Spouses of professionals or business owners

2. Wage earners

Prospective clients are welcome to contact our office to schedule an initial consultation to discuss their situation and available options.

Richard C. Houghton has practiced law for more than 35 years and represents professionals, business owners, and individuals in family law matters where financial issues, retirement plans, and property interests require careful analysis and strategic resolution.

Early in his legal career, Mr. Houghton maintained a successful trial practice representing business owners, professionals, and executives in complex civil litigation. Over the course of that practice he tried more than 75 jury trials and hundreds of court trials, gaining extensive courtroom experience that continues to inform his strategic approach to resolving family law disputes.

For more than the past twenty years, Mr. Houghton has focused his practice on family law matters. Drawing on his litigation background, he works strategically to resolve disputes efficiently and to help clients avoid unnecessary litigation whenever possible.

Today his practice emphasizes thoughtful planning and the drafting of agreements designed to prevent conflict and protect clients’ interests, including:

• Prenuptial agreements
• Transmutation agreements
• Marital settlement agreements

Many of Mr. Houghton’s cases involve complex financial issues, including retirement plans, business interests, and real property acquired before or during marriage.

When litigation cannot be avoided, Mr. Houghton works with clients to resolve disputes in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. His office frequently utilizes alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and private judging with retired judges, to move cases toward resolution as quickly as possible.

Professional Background

• Admitted to the California Bar – 1985
• Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar – 1974
• Admitted to the Oregon Bar – 1976
• Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (1994–2021)

Mr. Houghton’s practice is now focused exclusively on representing clients in California.

Experience Highlights

• Over 35 years practicing law
• More than 75 jury trials and hundreds of court trials
• Extensive experience representing professionals and business owners
• Focus on negotiated settlements and alternative dispute resolution

Client Communication and Online Services

This website is designed as a resource for both existing and prospective clients.

Current clients may use the site to:

• Communicate with our office by email
• Schedule appointments (in person or by video conference)
• Receive correspondence from our office and third parties
• Access documents relating to their case files

Prospective clients may also use the site to schedule an initial consultation, either in person or by web conference, regarding matters such as prenuptial agreements, transmutation agreements, and marital settlement agreements.