Evelyn Essenwanger

Evelyn Essenwanger is a family law attorney at Cullen Family Law Group who focuses exclusively on family law matters. She represents clients in cases involving divorce, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. With nearly two decades of courtroom litigation experience as a former Riverside County Deputy District Attorney, Evelyn brings extensive trial advocacy experience to complex family law disputes, particularly those involving high-conflict custody matters, domestic violence allegations, and parental child abduction cases. Legal Background and Education Before entering private practice, Evelyn served as a Deputy District Attorney with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2007 through 2026. During her tenure, she prosecuted a wide range of criminal matters affecting families and children, including domestic violence cases and matters involving violations of custody and visitation orders. Her extensive prosecutorial work provided substantial courtroom experience conducting contested evidentiary hearings, examining witnesses, and presenting evidence in high-conflict legal disputes. During the final years of her career with the District Attorney’s Office, Evelyn worked in the Child Abduction Unit, where she assisted the court in matters involving parental child abduction and enforcement of custody orders. Her work included coordinating with investigators and law enforcement agencies to locate abducted children and facilitate their safe return to their lawful custodians. Earlier in her career, Evelyn worked in a family law firm as a law clerk and contract paralegal, assisting attorneys with dissolution and custody matters. These experiences provided her with a strong foundation in family court procedures and the legal issues that arise in divorce and custody disputes. Evelyn earned her Juris Doctor from California Southern Law School and previously obtained an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Riverside Community College. Approach to Client Representation Evelyn is known for her strategic and disciplined approach to litigation. Family law disputes can involve complex legal and emotional issues, particularly when custody conflicts or domestic violence allegations arise. Drawing on her extensive courtroom experience, she carefully prepares each case and works closely with clients to develop effective legal strategies designed to protect parental rights and safeguard the well-being of children. Serving Clients in Southern California As a member of Cullen Family Law Group, Evelyn represents clients throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and the broader Southern California region. Her extensive trial experience and background handling cases involving custody disputes, domestic violence allegations, and parental child abduction allow her to provide strong advocacy in complex family law matters. Professional Experience and Recognition In addition to her litigation experience, Evelyn has contributed to legal education and community programs throughout her career. She previously served as a Constitutional Law professor at California Southern Law School, where she prepared lecture materials, taught coursework, and evaluated student examinations. Riverside County District Attorney’s Office – Prosecutor of the Year Award Riverside County District Attorney’s Office – PRIDE Award for Excellence Riverside District Attorney’s Office – Paralegal of the Year Award Frequently Asked Questions What types of family law cases does Evelyn Essenwanger handle? Evelyn Essenwanger represents clients in divorce, child custody disputes, domestic violence restraining orders, spousal support matters, and parental child abduction cases. What experience does Evelyn Essenwanger bring to family law cases? Evelyn Essenwanger has nearly two decades of courtroom litigation experience, including more than eighteen years as a Deputy District Attorney with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Does Evelyn Essenwanger handle international child abduction cases? Yes. Evelyn Essenwanger has experience handling parental child abduction matters, including cases brought under the Hague Convention involving international custody disputes.

• Attorney at Law