Atty. John Benedict Phillips
John Benedict Phillips—known as Ben Phillips for all his life—received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and his Juris Doctor degree from Chapman University School of Law. Mr.
Child Custody & More Attorney · Serving Newport Beach, CA · 20+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About John Benedict Phillips at a Glance
John Benedict Phillips is a Partner based in Newport Beach, California, practicing at Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca Curtin Llp. They have 20+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2006. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and alimony. Admitted to practice in California (2006). Educated at Chapman University School of Law (J.D., 2005) and University of California, Davis (A.B., 2002). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Orange County Bar Association Celtic Bar Association. Serves clients in Newport Beach, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John Benedict Phillips
- John Benedict Phillips—known as Ben Phillips for all his life—received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and his Juris Doctor degree from Chapman University School of Law
- Mr. Phillips is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, and rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell—the highest rating attainable for legal ability and professional ethics
- Mr. Phillips practices exclusively family law, primarily at the trial court level
- He has successfully litigated complex, closely held business valuation issues, high-income support cases, and high-conflict child custody matters
- He is experienced with the special privacy and public relations challenges attendant with high high-profile cases—those involving celebrities, professional athletes, and prominent entrepreneurs—and he has developed a unique approach to managing such cases
- Mr. Phillips also incorporates appellate advocacy in his practice
- He was one of the PWGGC attorneys who prevailed on appeal in what became the seminal case on date of marital separation—In re Marriage of Manfer (2006) 144 Cal.App.4th 925
- In 2014, he successfully defended a favorable child and spousal support order on appeal (In re Marriage of Ahkavain)
- and in 2016, he obtained an appellate court reversal of a trial court order terminating spousal support after a marriage of long duration (In re Marriage of Kassel)
- Mr. Phillips served as the Chair of the Family Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association in 2017 and served as an elected Board Member from 2009 through 2017
- He is also a member of the Robert Banyard Inn of Court and the Celtic Bar Association
- Mr. Phillips has guest lectured on family law topics in law school courses and presented a number of continuing legal education (CLE) seminars for other attorneys on issues including trial procedure, child custody, support, ethics, and bifurcation of marital status
- During law school, Mr. Phillips competed in several national moot court competitions, receiving awards for both outstanding oral advocacy and exceptional brief writing
- Prior to law school, Mr. Phillips worked for several years in software and management consulting, where he assisted Fortune 500 companies, including Sony Corporation and Amgen, with the design and implementation of software applications to streamline business processes
- Such consulting experience has proven invaluable in his family law practice, where Mr. Phillips regularly counsels clients who own controlling interests in businesses
- Mr. Phillips resides in Orange County with his wife and three children
- Outside of the office, he coaches youth sports and enjoys an occasional round of golf
Practice Areas Explained
John Benedict Phillips's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Benedict Phillips handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Newport Beach.
Divorce in Newport Beach
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
John Benedict Phillips is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in California →
Child Custody & Visitation in Newport Beach
John Benedict Phillips is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in California →
Family Law in Newport Beach
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
John Benedict Phillips is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →
Child Support in Newport Beach
John Benedict Phillips is one of 24,443 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in California →
Alimony / Spousal Support in Newport Beach
John Benedict Phillips is one of 10,588 alimony attorneys indexed nationally. Browse alimony attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Newport Beach
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Newport Beach are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Newport Beach Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Newport Beach-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Newport Beach or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Newport Beach Choose John Benedict Phillips
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John Benedict Phillips's practice in the field of divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and alimony.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
John Benedict Phillips brings 20+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering divorce, child custody, and family law, John Benedict Phillips can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Newport Beach
A Newport Beach-based practice means John Benedict Phillips attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues John Benedict Phillips Handles in Newport Beach
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John Benedict Phillips has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John Benedict Phillips directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find John Benedict Phillips Online
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John Benedict Phillips's Practice Areas & Specializations
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