Your divorce will begin when a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed with the court and served on the responding party, your spouse.
Welcome to Hughes & Jackson, LLP
Real People.
Real Lives.
Real Support
Through Your Divorce.
Whether you wear a hard hat to work or sit in a corporate boardroom, divorce doesn’t discriminate. Blue collar or white collar, your situation matters to us.
– Lisa Hughes, Founding Partner
On January 1, 2026, two of the Coachella Valley’s most respected family law teams became one. Hughes & Hughes joined with the Law Office of James A. Jackson to form Hughes & Jackson, LLP. Together, our attorneys have guided thousands of men and women through divorce, custody, and the financial complexities that come with them.
Our firm represents real people with real-life issues. We are, in the truest sense, a family firm serving families. Our attorneys are spouses, parents, and grandparents. We understand that a family law matter isn’t a case file — it’s a crisis in someone’s life — and that it deserves both aggressive advocacy and genuine compassion.
And we do one thing. Hughes & Jackson handles family law, and only family law: dissolution, custody and move-aways, support, domestic violence, paternity, and the high-asset, financially complex matters that few firms are equipped to take on. No case is too complex and every case receives our full attention.
The Scope of Our Practice
12,000+ Family Law
Matters Handled
A record of representation spanning thousands of individuals, corporate executives, and business owners through complex domestic transitions.
Dedicated Coachella Valley Footprint
A practice concentrated exclusively within the local desert communities, built on decades of direct familiarity with the Indio Courthouse framework.
1 of 5 Dual
Practitioners Statewide
Lisa Hughes is one of only five attorneys in California holding active dual credentials as both a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Applied Financial Analysis in Family Law
The most contentious aspect of divorce is rarely the law itself—it is the math. Accurately valuing a business enterprise, tracking separate property, analyzing cash flow, and auditing complex estates requires professional financial training.
Partner Lisa Hughes is one of only five attorneys in the state of California who holds active dual credentials as both a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Because of this specific background, our firm does not simply read the reports generated by outside forensic accountants—we possess the technical capability to look behind the ledger, trace assets, challenge accounting discrepancies, and formulate the exact corporate and tax questions required during cross-examination.
This dual mastery eliminates the standard communication gap between legal counsel and financial experts. We build your asset distribution strategy directly on verified accounting data, ensuring your financial interests are protected by a lawyer who can independently audit the estate.
Focused Family Law Services
Divorce
You are afraid of what this divorce is going to cost you. Not just in legal fees. In time with your children. In the business you built. In the retirement account you thought was secure. You are watching someone else prepare to divide the life you spent years creating, and you are not sure the attorney across the table truly understands what is at stake. Those fears are exactly what we are here for.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects all types of American families. For four years, managing partner Lisa Hughes provided training and assistance for a non-profit organization dealing with family violence. Hughes and her colleagues can help survivors of domestic violence and those accused of domestic violence crimes get fair treatment in the legal system.
Paternity
Issues involving paternity extend far beyond determining biological fatherhood. In addition to ensuring that fathers carry out their financial responsibility, situations surrounding visitation, custody, same sex relationships, and the rights of unwed fathers can create complex legal issues. We help establish paternity and provide the services needed to protect the rights of parents while assuring that the children are protected.
Executive Divorce
The complex financial circumstances behind the income and estate of an executive adds significant complications to negotiations in an executive divorce. Our team includes a Certified Public Accountant, they understand the intricate accounting and financial practices typical to high-net worth individuals. We can guide executives or executive spouses through the divorce process, ensuring the results obtained are those needed to protect the entire family’s financial future.
Forensic Investigations
One of the first steps in dissolving marriages involves detailing the financial status of each spouse. When either spouse does not accurately disclose all assets, even when the intentions were honest, legal sanctions and other expensive legal actions can occur. Hughes & Jackson, LLP has in-house financial expertise to help ensure that all financial details are accurately reported.
Custody and Visitation
While everyone wants to guarantee the best possible results for the children in a divorce, few divorce decisions are more emotional than deciding custody, visitation, and support issues. We recognize the devastating effects a drawn-out divorce can have on both parents and children. Our unique combination of expert understanding of custody law and personal experiences allows us to offer the compassionate legal support that brings the best results to everyone in the family.
Awards
And Recognition
Professional Perspectives on
Our Representation
Divorce is a challenging process in the best of circumstances and feels impossible when the other side is not working towards a resolution. In my care, the other side was all too happy to churn documents for no apparent reason but to drive up fees. I felt lucky to have Lisa and Bruce who focused on my goals (a resolution) and refused to participate in the mindless back and forth even if it would have generated fees for them. They ran an efficient and cost-effective process that resulted in a settlement that I feel good about in the end. They listened to my wishes and acted accordingly which, in speaking…
Anonymous
“I chose Hughes and Jackson as they are top-notch divorce attorneys with a great reputation. The attorneys have years of knowledge and have heard it all. During the divorce proceedings I could sleep at night and not worry as I knew the team at Hughes and Hughes was fighting on my behalf. Seriously, who can sleep easily during a divorce? Not too many, but the clients of Hughes and Jackson will sleep easily. My ex was not happy when Hughes and Hughes’ name became known as my choice for representation. I wouldn’t waste my time, or money, with any other firm.”
Anonymous
Thank you Hughes and Jackson!! It will be a Merry Christmas! After a long and contentious divorce, then 4 years later another complicated forced legal action filed against me, I turned to Lisa Hughes for help. She personally answered my phone call. She rolled up her sleeves and went to work to fight for me, while I was "behind the 8 ball". (Literally, her firm did throughout the night of that call.) I am convinced this legal nightmare which involved a move away and change of custody, could not have been untangled by any other law firm. If anyone has ever experienced the legal system in Orange County where it…
Elizabeth T.
I had the privilege of working with the firm of Hughes and Jackson. My divorce lasted over 8 years. I retained the firm of Hughes about 2 years after my divorce started, and I worked with the Hughes firm for 6 years. The entire staff of Hughes was professional, knowledgeable, prompt, and helpful! They were always there to help me, even during parts of my divorce, where I had personal issues and some low points in my life. The Hughes never waivered, and always were positive and looked out for my best interests! They tried few times to mediate my divorce, and got me close to end it, until my…
Anonymous
Hughes and Jackson attorney Lisa Hughes went above and beyond any expectation I had in a divorce attorney. Her expertise, commitment, compassion, and candor is a true testament to her ability to be an attorney with tremendous integrity. She immediately put me at ease and with patience, explained the process and my options in laymen terms. Lisa get's phenomenal results quickly. She made herself available to answer any questions I had. I am truly blessed to have had the best attorney in Orange County represent me and my best interest. Thank you
Anonymous
Thank you Lisa and Bruce Hughes for the support, knowledge and care you've provided me going through this divorce process. I truly appreciate your honesty and integrity when it came time to make important decisions regarding my financial future. I am grateful you never gave me false hope or sugar coated anything and gave me advice from a professional standpoint to make very difficult decisions. I appreciate you laying out all of the pros and cons of my divorce settlement and allowing me to decide what path to take to get the outcome I deserved. You supported me when I decided to settle my case as opposed to going to…
Anonymous
Mr and Mrs Hughes go above and beyond to help their clients ... they are involved personally every step of the way with good communication throughout ‑ They are both well seasoned attorneys and hold accounting degrees which makes a huge difference when breaking down a case ‑ In this business you have to feel good about who's representing you ... I always felt like they had my back and really cared. Class acts, top notch legal care. Angel Camino, was a lawyer on my team as well ‑ he is awesome. Great guy, and VERY capable.
Anonymous
Hughes and Jackson represented me in my divorce. What was a seemingly simple case took 2 1/2 years due to the international nature of the case and the unwillingness of my husband to disclose all the facts. Lisa and her firm worked with brilliance and tenacity to discover all the pertinent information and bring about an excellent settlement for me. In the final showdown I almost felt sorry for my ex, he was so outgunned. Lisa is no nonsense and will tell you what you need to be told. They conduct their business practices to the letter of the law, no exceptions. I trust the integrity of Hughes and Hughes…
Anonymous
Hughes and Jackson is an excellent law firm. They handled my case with compassion and consideration. Any law proceeding is an extremely stressful time financially and emotionally, especially when children are involved. Everyone at the law firm was professional, patient, and informative. I feel so blessed to have worked with everyone at this firm. They are truly the BEST OF THE BEST and proved it time and time again. Lisa Hughes is by far the best attorney out there. Her extraordinary knowledge level and professional demeanor brought me great comfort and her willingness to aggressively work my case allowed me to keep living my life instead of turning into a…
Anonymous
Meet Our Team
Lisa Hughes
CFLS, CPA
As founding partner, Lisa Hughes’ place is at the helm of the Hughes & Jackson, LLP family law practice. As both a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 50 years, Mrs. Hughes excels in all areas of family law and is well-versed in the complex legal and financial issues facing today’s families.
James Jackson
Attorney at Law
With nearly four decades of courtroom experience, James A. Jackson has dedicated his career to navigating the complexities of Family Law with integrity and excellence. A Coachella Valley native and Navy veteran, Mr. Jackson brings a unique perspective to his practice, particularly when assisting military members with divorce and custody matters.
Ira Liss
CFLS
Ira Liss has been practicing law in the Coachella Valley since 1994. Early on in his career he developed a passion for family law, especially cases involving child custody. Having been raised in a divorced family, Mr. Liss understands the devastating impact that divorce and other family law proceedings can have on families.
Isaac Juarez
Attorney at Law
Isaac Juarez is an attorney at Hughes & Jackson, LLP, where he focuses his practice on family law. Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Mr. Juarez is proud to serve the community he has called home throughout his life.
David Tennison
Managing Sr. Paralegal
Isaac Juarez is an attorney at Hughes & Jackson, LLP, where he focuses his practice on family law. Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Mr. Juarez is proud to serve the community he has called home throughout his life.
Evelyn Duran
Sr. Paralegal
David is a dedicated paralegal with a rich background in the legal field, starting his career in Fresno, California, at a collections law firm.
Jacob Castaneda
Paralegal
Evelyn began her legal career in 1987 in the Coachella Valley and in later years Los Angeles County, gaining extensive experience across multiple areas of law, with approximately 15 years focused specifically on Family Law.
Aimee Parris
Paralegal
Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Jacob Castañeda developed a deep connection to the region’s communities and a strong sense of commitment to advocacy and justice that continue to drive his pursuit of a career in law.
Lillian Wilkins
Paralegal
Aimee was born and raised in Palm Springs; she brings both a deep connection to the Coachella Valley and a commitment to professional growth in the legal field.
Amber Huynh
Administrative Assistant
Lillian began her education at Chapman University, where she studied business before discovering her interest in the legal field. She later attended Fullerton College, where she earned her degree in Paralegal Studies and obtained a Paralegal Certificate.
Lisa Hughes
CFLS, CPA
James Jackson
Attorney at Law
Ira Liss
CFLS
Isaac Juarez
Attorney at Law
David Tennison
Managing Sr. Paralegal
Evelyn Duran
Sr. Paralegal
Jacob Castaneda
Paralegal
Aimee Parris
Paralegal
Lillian Wilkins
Paralegal
Amber Huynh
Administrative Assistant
Paralegals, Support Staff and Trial Assistants
The paralegals at Hughes & Jackson, LLP all share a common interest in the law and a zeal for helping others. Our paralegals work tirelessly with the utmost compassion and professionalism to restore peace of mind to our clients.
Every family law lawyer in the firm of Hughes & Jackson, LLP recognizes that we owe our success in large part to the strong support of our administrative staff. The synergy that occurs within our staff creates a firm that is truly distinctive in meeting your family law needs.
Unique to Hughes & Jackson, LLP our trial assistants provide efficient support by organizing and presenting the necessary files and information our attorneys request for court proceedings. They also add a personalized approach by protecting and coordinating with clients as they navigate their way through sensitive family law matters that can escalate during trial.
Driven by Excellence, Rooted in Experience
With decades of experience as family lawyers and a consistent record of excellence, the team at Hughes & Jackson, LLP are some of the most talented and recognized names in the field. When you have to deal with some of the most emotionally-charged issues of your life, you need to choose a family law lawyer who combines exceptional legal knowledge with the true compassion that comes from experience.
- Our team of family law attorneys is comprised of spouses, parents, and grandparents. The family law lawyers at Hughes & Jackson, LLP possess the life experience to empathetically handle your case, as well as the professional experience to aggressively advocate on your behalf.
- The Attorneys of Hughes & Jackson, LLP have the experience and talent needed to go up against other family lawyers in complex court cases. Their consistent record of excellence has made Hughes & Jackson, LLP one of the most recognized family law firms in the area.
- When you need a matrimonial lawyer, we bring additional value to our excellent compassionate support. Our partners combine their experience as Certified Public Accountants with their family law knowledge. This means we have an understanding of the financial issues associated with divorce that allows us to help ensure a fair settlement.
Hughes & Jackson, LLP is more than a team of family law lawyers. Each of our Attorneys combines exceptional family law knowledge with personal experience, putting you in the hands of a legal team with unsurpassed capabilities.
Family Law Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know, all in
one place.
Review our most frequently asked questions to better understand our services, legal process, and how we can help with your case.
What starts my divorce?
Is there an advantage to being the person who files for divorce?
It does not matter in the court’s eye which spouse files for divorce. Occasionally there are strategic advantages to filing first.
What does it mean to be separated?
Many people think of separation in physical terms, i.e. when you no longer live together. However, legally this is not the definition of separation. A separation occurs when one spouse reaches the conclusion that the marriage is over and communicates that to the other spouse. If there are acts of marriage between the parties after that communication, the court may believe that separation did not occur and the parties were merely having marital difficulties. An act of marriage is any act which is inconsistent with the final breakdown of the marriage.
How can I get my spouse to move out of the house?
Your spouse can be ordered to move by the court if you are able to demonstrate that good cause exists for the move, and/or there is financial ability to relocate without hardship. If domestic violence has occurred, contact the police. More immediate action to move the offending spouse will be taken by local law enforcement.
