In the News

Below is a roundup of Blank Rome Matrimonial and Family Law Partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments from around the country.


Second Season of “Stacy Phillips & Friends” Launched
November 18, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Stacy D. Phillips has launched the second season of her lifestyle podcast “Stacy Phillips & Friends.” This podcast engages in insightful conversations with remarkable businesswomen, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, inspiring and empowering women to transform their lives and careers

Letters to Let Go: The Healing Power of Expressive Writing
November 13, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Lois J. Liberman’s Look Ahead series is designed to bring our community together to help tackle today’s most complex relationship and divorce issues.

This Celebrity Attorney’s Client List Is Getting Younger—but There Is One Thing She Says Gen Z Is Doing Right in Relationships
October 30, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs was featured in this CNBC article discussing the importance of communication within relationships.

‘Real Housewives’ Divorce Bombshell — Bravo Star Could Be ‘Individually Charged and Prosecuted in Criminal Court’ If She Walks Away from Marriage
October 29, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Ernestine J. Mings was featured in this Radar Online article discussing potential criminal charges surrounding Real Housewives star Wendy Osefo’s divorce. 

Cardi B’s Divorce: Money Moves and Legal Lessons
October 28, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Morgan F. Mouchette authored this Forbes article discussing complications surrounding rap music star Cardi B’s divorce

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Attorney Spotlight: Bret Hunter—Los Angeles

Stacy D. Phillips ●

In this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am pleased to feature one of our esteemed Los Angeles colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group—Bret Hunter.

With over two decades of legal experience, Bret is a trusted and integral member of our Matrimonial & Family Law team. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University, Bret has successfully represented clients in numerous high-stakes cases involving substantial marital assets. His expertise, commitment, and in-depth knowledge of family law make him exceptionally qualified to navigate even the most challenging legal matters.

Prior to practicing law, Bret was active in the Washington, D.C., political arena. He caught the political bug early, working at a young age in various internships on Capitol Hill. After attending law school, Bret continued to work in the D.C. area in politics before deciding to begin a full-time career as a lawyer. Family law offered him the opportunity to work closely with people, much like he did during his time on the Hill. Bret eventually moved to California, where he continues to practice law to this day.

Read more on our website.

In the News

Below is a roundup of Blank Rome Matrimonial and Family Law Partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media coverage, and other accomplishments from around the country.

‘Meaningful Consultation’ Over Add-On Expenses in Divorce
July 24, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article discussing “add-on expenses” within custody agreements. 

Chambers High Net Worth 2025 Highly Ranks Blank Rome Matrimonial & Family Law Group and Attorneys
July 24, 2025 – Chambers High Net Worth 2025 has highly ranked Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group in California and New York, as well as co-chairs Kristina Royce and Morgan Fraser Mouchette, and partners Marilyn B. Chinitz, Norman S. Heller, Lois J. Liberman, Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, Stacy D. Phillips, Mary T. Vidas, and Brett S. Ward. 

Stacy D. Phillips and Kristina Royce Recognized as Leading California Family, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyers by Doyle’s Guide
July 23, 2025 – Blank Rome is pleased to share that partners Stacy D. Phillips and Kristina Royce have been recognized in the 2025 listing of Leading California Family, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyers by Doyle’s Guide.

Here’s How Much Andy Byron’s Divorce Bill Could Be Following Coldplay Kiss Cam Debacle
July 19, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Jacqueline Combs was featured in this New York Post article discussing the potential fallout from Andy Byron’s recent incident at Coldplay’s concert.

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Attorney Spotlight: Michelle Piscopo—Philadelphia

Stacy D. Phillips ●

With this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am pleased to feature one of our esteemed Philadelphia colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group—Michelle Piscopo.

Michelle Piscopo
Of Counsel

With more than two decades of legal experience, Michelle is a highly valued member of our Matrimonial & Family Law team. A graduate of Widener University and the Temple University Beasley School of Law, Michelle has successfully handled numerous cases involving significant marital estates. Her skill, dedication, and deep understanding of family law make her exceptionally equipped to manage even the most complex matters.

Before pursuing her career in law, Michelle studied psychology—an academic foundation that continues to inform her empathetic and client-centered approach. She thrives on working closely with individuals, guiding them through some of life’s most challenging moments. Matrimonial law is a natural fit for Michelle, as it allows her to combine her legal acumen with her passion for helping people.

Read more on our website.

In the News

Below is a roundup of Blank Rome Matrimonial and Family Law Partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments from around the country.

Divorce, Pensions, and Survivorship Benefits: A Deadly Combination
April 25, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article discussing concerns surrounding survivorship benefits in separation agreements.

Kristina Royce Joins the Chiquis and Chill Podcast
April 23, 2025 – Kristina Royce, Blank Rome partner and co-chair of the Matrimonial & Family Law group, joined host Chiquis Rivera on the Chiquis and Chill podcast to discuss important topics such as marriage, divorce, and prenuptial agreements.

Kristina Royce Named Top 100 Lawyer by the Los Angeles Business Journal
April 22, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Kristina Royce, co-chair of the firm’s Matrimonial & Family Law group, has been recognized in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers 2025.

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Attorney Spotlight: Dylan Mitchell—New York

Stacy D. Phillips ●

This edition of Attorney Spotlight highlights one of our valued New York City colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group: Dylan Mitchell.

Dylan S. Mitchell
Partner

Dylan has been practicing law for nearly 30 years and is a valued member of our Matrimonial & Family Law team. He is a trained and efficient mediator and has helped parents and families resolve disputes without the need for continued litigation on many occasions. As a lawyer, Dylan has never had a desire to represent anyone other than a human being. A lawyer is a problem solver. Practicing family law provides Dylan with the opportunity to work with clients facing human issues. Many of his clients feel that they are experiencing the worst points in their lives when going through a divorce. Dylan is there to help clients solve problems and ultimately assist them in moving forward to better things. This experience can be rewarding for both the client and legal counsel.

Lawyers working in family law often walk a line between providing the necessary legal services and managing the ever-present emotions surrounding family matters. When it comes to family matters and high emotions, to pardon a pun, it is rather rare to be able to divorce these two factors. They are inextricably intertwined. 

Read more on our website.

In the News

Below is a roundup of Blank Rome Matrimonial and Family Law partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments from around the country.

The Sky is the Limit. Top LA Attorney Stacy D. Phillips Gets Up Close and Personal on Her Lifestyle Podcast “Stacy Phillips & Friends”
February 6, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Stacy D. Phillips was featured in this Beverly Hills Times Magazine article discussing her newly launched podcast, “Stacy Phillips & Friends.”

Kristina Royce Joins The Wall Street Skinny Podcast
February 3, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Kristina Royce joined hosts Kristen Kelly and Jen Saarbach on The Wall Street Skinny podcast to discuss why individuals need to be well-informed about their legal rights and obligations, particularly concerning marriage and financial matters.

Child Custody: The Dangers of ‘Rules of Thumb’
January 30, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Dylan S. Mitchell authored this New York Law Journal article discussing the common principle regarding on acting on what is in the best interests of children.

5 Challenges with Changing Your Name That No One Tells You
January 28, 2025 – Blank Rome partner Ernestine J. Mings was featured in this The Knot article discussing the potential challenges when one has to change their legal name.

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Attorney Spotlight: Jacqueline Combs—Los Angeles

Stacy D. Phillips ●

For this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am proud to feature one of my esteemed Los Angeles colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group: Jacqueline Combs.

Jacqueline Combs
Partner

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Chapman University School of Law, Jackie has proven to be an indispensable member of our firm’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group. Formerly an associate at the firm, Jackie was recently elevated to partner at Blank Rome. I am thrilled that she has achieved this very distinctive honor. 

Having been practicing law for more than 12 years, Jackie began her legal career as a corporate counsel for private and publicly traded companies and worked with clients on high-stakes business and legal issues. Over time, she found she wanted more direct ways to help people through her practice, which led Jackie to pursue family law. Jackie has integrated her experience as corporate counsel into her family law practice. A successful lawyer must excel in negotiation, especially in family law cases. Jackie exemplifies this by consistently bringing her exceptional negotiation skills to every client and case she handles.

Read more on our website.

In the News

Below is a roundup of Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments from around the country.

Reconciling the Law of ‘Cohabitation’ with Social Realities
October 10, 2024 – Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article about alimony payments and when they should be terminated. 

Marilyn B. Chinitz Joins the Women Winning Divorce Podcast
October 7, 2024 – Blank Rome partner Marilyn B. Chinitz joins the Women Winning Divorce podcast to discuss how to handle and divide complex assets, tips for receiving alimony, and strategies to safeguard assets during divorce. 

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Attorney Spotlight: Pauline M. Martin—Los Angeles

Stacy D. Phillips ●

For this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am proud to highlight one of my esteemed Los Angeles colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group: Pauline M. Martin.

Pauline M. Martin
Of Counsel

A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, and the UCLA School of Law, Pauline has been practicing law for more than 20 years. She is an indispensable member of our firm’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group. 

Pauline’s journey as a lawyer is remarkable in many ways, and it is notable that she did not begin her career working in family law. Initially, out of law school, Pauline began her practice in a large civil litigation firm. Within 10 years of working in this field, Pauline recognized that she wanted to get more of a “hands-on” legal experience that she felt she had not experienced quite yet as a lawyer. In 2008, Pauline became a mother and realized a new focus in life: family. Pauline spent a few years caring for her son and helping her husband with entrepreneurial ventures. She decided that in becoming a parent, she understood what was important in life and thus began her career path in family law.

Read more on our website.