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Judges named Epstein have presided over thousands of family law court files in California, shaping legal precedent and serving families across the state. This directory provides factual, public-record information about judicial officers with the surname Epstein, including their case files, jurisdictions, and professional backgrounds.
Whether you’re researching a judge assigned to your family law matter, exploring legal history, or seeking information about court files in California, this resource offers comprehensive details on judges named Epstein who have served—or continue to serve—in California’s judicial system.
Why people search for judges by name:
Litigants and legal professionals often research judges to understand their judicial philosophy, case history, and courtroom procedures. In family law, where judges make critical decisions about custody, asset division, and support, knowing your assigned judge’s background can help you prepare effectively.
In this directory, you’ll find:
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Status: Active
Appointed: 2016 (by Governor Jerry Brown)
Current Term: Through January 6, 2031
Court Assignment: Los Angeles County Superior Court — General Jurisdiction
Practice Areas: Family law, civil litigation, complex commercial cases
Judge Mark H. Epstein brings an exceptional legal pedigree to the Los Angeles Superior Court bench. After earning his J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law in 1985, he clerked for three distinguished jurists:
Following his clerkships, Judge Epstein joined the prestigious law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP in 1988, becoming a partner in 1993. He practiced complex business litigation for nearly three decades before his appointment to the bench.
Judge Epstein has handled numerous family law files since joining the Superior Court. His case files include custody disputes, child support matters, asset division, and spousal support determinations. He is known among LA family law practitioners for his careful attention to detail and commitment to timely resolution of cases affecting children.
In one notable instance, Judge Epstein delayed his personal vacation to ensure two children knew their school placement before the academic year began—demonstrating his dedication to minimizing uncertainty for families navigating divorce.
Colleagues describe Judge Epstein as thorough, fair-minded, and deeply knowledgeable in both civil and family law. His background in complex commercial litigation informs his approach to high-asset divorce cases, where business valuation and financial forensics often play a critical role.
If your family law case files are assigned to Judge Mark H. Epstein in Los Angeles County, you can expect a judge with Supreme Court-level legal training and a practical understanding of financial complexity in divorce.
California Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four
Status: Retired 2018; Deceased January 2023 (age 89)
Judicial Service: 45 years (1975–2018)
Courts Served:
Justice Norman L. Epstein was one of California’s most distinguished jurists, serving under four governors across nearly half a century. Before joining the bench, he spent 13 years as Vice Chancellor and General Counsel of the California State University system, where he developed expertise in complex institutional law and governance.
He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from UCLA and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1959.
Justice Epstein’s most enduring contribution to California family law came during his tenure on the Los Angeles Superior Court. In 1979, the California Supreme Court decided In re Marriage of Epstein (24 Cal.3d 76), a case that established what are now known as “Epstein Credits”—a critical component of property division in California divorces.
What are Epstein Credits?
Epstein Credits allow a spouse to seek reimbursement from community property when they use separate funds (such as post-separation income) to pay community debts, such as mortgages, car loans, or credit cards. This legal principle is now codified in California Family Code § 2626 and appears in thousands of family law court files across the state.
Justice Epstein’s legal files and published opinions reflect a commitment to fairness, scholarly rigor, and accessible justice. He co-authored several editions of the Witkin legal treatises and was a prolific educator, training generations of California judges through the state’s Judicial College.
California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said of Justice Epstein:
“He dedicated nearly 45 years to judicial service at every level of our branch… a testament to his fidelity to the law irrespective of ideology.”
Family Law and Mediation Offices of Lilian Epstein
Location: San Jose, California (Santa Clara County)
Status: Active
Credentials: Certified Family Law Specialist (California State Board of Legal Specialization)
While not a judge, Lilian Epstein is a highly regarded family law specialist serving clients throughout Santa Clara County. Her practice focuses on:
Ms. Epstein’s certification as a Family Law Specialist reflects advanced expertise in California family law—a designation held by fewer than 10% of California attorneys. Her office handles family law files with an emphasis on cost-effective resolution and compassionate client service.
Note: This directory focuses primarily on judicial officers, but we include Ms. Epstein due to her specialist credentials and shared surname relevance.
If you’re researching judges named Epstein or need to access family law court files in California, here’s what you need to know:
California court files are generally public records, meaning most case files can be accessed by the public. However, specific family law files—particularly those involving minor children or domestic violence—may have restricted or sealed portions to protect privacy and safety.
Family law case files typically include:
Important: Some documents in family law files—such as child custody evaluations or sealed financial records—may require a court order to access.
Beyond judges and attorneys, the surname “Epstein” appears frequently in California family law due to the legal doctrine of Epstein Credits, established by Justice Norman L. Epstein’s landmark case.
Epstein Credits refer to reimbursements one spouse may claim when they use separate property funds (like post-separation income) to pay community debts (like mortgages or car loans) after the date of separation but before the divorce is finalized.
Example:
Husband continues paying the $3,000/month mortgage on the family home after separation, using his post-separation income. At trial, he can claim an Epstein Credit for reimbursement of the community’s share of those payments.
Legal Authority:
This legal principle appears in thousands of family law case files across California. It is a routine consideration in high-asset divorces, particularly those involving real estate, business interests, or retirement accounts.
If you’re navigating Epstein Credits in your divorce, you need an attorney who understands both the financial and legal complexity of post-separation reimbursements.
A: Yes. California court files are generally public records. You can request case files through the Los Angeles Superior Court’s online portal or by visiting the clerk’s office in person. Some family law files may have restricted access to protect the privacy of minors or victims of domestic violence.
A: Justice Norman Epstein’s appellate files covered a wide range of civil and criminal matters during his 28 years on the California Court of Appeal. His most famous contribution to family law came from his earlier work on the Superior Court, which led to the landmark In re Marriage of Epstein decision establishing post-separation reimbursement rights.
A: Check your case docket or court filings—the assigned judge’s name will appear on official documents. You can also contact the Los Angeles Superior Court clerk’s office or search online for your case using your case number at lacourt.org.
A: Our research identified Judge Mark H. Epstein as the primary active California Superior Court judge with the surname Epstein currently handling family law matters in Los Angeles County. Justice Norman L. Epstein served with distinction for 45 years before retiring in 2018 and passing away in 2023. We also identified Lilian Epstein, a Certified Family Law Specialist in San Jose, though she is an attorney, not a judge.
A: “Epstein Credits” are named after the 1979 California Supreme Court case In re Marriage of Epstein, which involved Justice Norman L. Epstein’s legal reasoning during his time on the Los Angeles Superior Court. The case established the principle that spouses can seek reimbursement for community debts paid with separate property after separation. This legal doctrine now appears in family law files across California and is codified in Family Code § 2626.
A: People search for judges by name for several reasons:
If your family law case is assigned to Judge Mark H. Epstein or any other Los Angeles Superior Court judge, preparation is key. Here’s what you should know:
Before any hearing, review all filed documents in your case files. Make sure you understand:
As noted above, Judge Mark Epstein has:
Tailor your presentation to emphasize factual clarity and legal precision—judges with appellate backgrounds value well-organized arguments supported by evidence.
Family law cases involving asset division, custody disputes, or complex financial issues benefit from experienced legal representation. An attorney familiar with LA Superior Court procedures and judicial tendencies can help you navigate the process effectively.
Whether your case files are assigned to Judge Epstein or another family law judge in Los Angeles County, Charles M. Green, APLC provides experienced, financially-savvy representation for:
✅ Certified California Family Law Specialist — One of approximately 413 attorneys statewide with this credential
✅ Dual expertise: Attorney + Active CPA
✅ 27+ years of family law experience in Los Angeles County
✅ Proven results in high-net-worth and forensically complex cases
✅ Bilingual support: Spanish and Korean language staff available
Attorney Charles M. Green understands the financial intricacies that appear in family law court files—from business valuations to retirement division to post-separation reimbursement claims. You don’t need to hire a forensic accountant separately when your attorney already has the CPA credential.
Phone: (213) 387-4506
Spanish Line: (213) 387-5015
Website: greenlawcorp.com
Office: 3699 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Virtual consultations available statewide.
