Kenneth Reyes
Top rated Family Law attorney in Los Angeles, California
Law Offices of Kenneth Reyes, APC
Practice areas: Family Law, Immigration
Licensed in California since: 1999
Education: Southwestern Law School
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Tagalog
Law Offices of Kenneth Reyes, APC
3699 Wilshire BlvdSuite 747
Los Angeles, CA 90010 Phone: 213-388-1611 X101 Email: Kenneth Reyes Visit website
Mr. Reyes is the founder and Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC since 1999.
Mr. Reyes is an Attorney licensed in California, with both an active CPA license, and a (CFLS) Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This is a very rare combination of credentials and experience that serves as an advantage in high networth divorce case. He has has extensive family law and civil litigation experience. Mr. Reyes handles mostly high net worth divorce cases involving complex financial issues including business valuation and characterization. Mr. Reyes is a CFLS with over 27 years experience. A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) is an attorney who has demonstrated a high level of expertise and experience in family law and has been certified as a specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is not mandatory for attorneys practicing family law, but it signifies that the attorney has met specific requirements, including passing a written examination, demonstrating extensive experience in family law matters, completing additional continuing legal education, and receiving positive evaluations from other attorneys and judges. Choosing a CFLS can provide clients with the assurance that their attorney has a deep understanding of complex family law issues and is committed to providing high-quality representation. As of 2024, there are approximately 175,883 active attorneys in California.Out of that number of active attorneys, the number of Certified Family Law Specialists (CFLS) is only approximately 1,100. This means that less than 1% of all attorneys in California hold this specialized certification in family law.
In addition, Mr Reyes is also a CPA and has practiced accounting prior to becoming an attorney and is very familiar dealing with complex financial issues. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Reyes practiced as a CPA for 10 years for various firms and financial institutions including Arthur Andersen, LLP and Bank of America. In addition to handling family law cases, Mr. Reyes also handles immigration and estates and trust cases.
Mr. Reyes is currently serving as President of the PABA Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which raises funds to grant scholarships to law students all over Southern California. It is affiliated with the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) in Los Angeles.
Mr. Reyes was Chairman, President, and former Board Member of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association family law section, estates and trusts section, and immigration law section. Mr. Reyes is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Mr. Reyes is admitted to practice in the California Supreme Court and the United States District Court Central District of California.
Mr. Reyes obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Accounting from California State University at San Bernardino. He is a recipient of the CALI Excellence for the future award in International Income Taxation and Exceptional Achievement Award in Tax Administration and Litigation.
Mr. Reyes is also Founder and Managing Partner of Reyes Capital Management which manages a value oriented hedge fund inspired by the Buffett Partnership. The fund invests in a concentrated group of companies that generates high return on capital with wide competitive moats. Mr. Reyes serves as the general partners and invests the partnership's capital for the benefit of its limited partners. Mr. Reyes is the Chief Investment Officer in charge of evaluating the businesses for which the hedge fund allocates capital.
Mr. Reyes is author of several legal articles published in the Asian Journal publication, California Examiner, and Balita newspaper. Mr. Reyes speaks English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Bicol.
First Admitted: 1999, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.kenreyeslaw.com/firm-overview/kenneth-reyes-esq-...
Bar / Professional Activity
- Philippine American Bar Association 2023-2025 Advisory Board 2007-2022 Board Member 2006 Chairman 2005 President - led the organization and planned and organized local bar events. 2002-2004 Board Member Participated in bar events and functions, 2025
- President of the Philippine American Bar Association., 2005
- Current President of the PABA Foundation. Over the past fourteen years, PABA Foundation has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a cornerstone of Filipino-American legal education in Southern California. We've awarded over $2 million in scholarships to more than 200 law students, established mentorship relationships that have guided 300+ students through their legal careers, and created community leadership opportunities that have engaged hundreds more in public interest work. Our scholarship recipients have gone on to clerk for federal judges, join prestigious law firms, launch public interest organizations, and return as mentors themselves—creating a virtuous cycle of support and success. The numbers tell part of the story, but the true impact lies in individual lives transformed, families lifted, and a community strengthened by seeing its members succeed in positions of influence and leadership. Today, PABA Foundation alumni practice in every legal sector across Southern California, from Big Law firms to district attorney offices, from nonprofit advocacy to judicial chambers, each one a testament to what becomes possible when barriers are removed and potential is support, 2026
- 2000-2025 Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association Attended LACBA seminars particularly in the area of family law., 2025
Videos
- Video summarize our firm culture and our dedication in solving our client's family law problems., Compassionately Guiding Families Since 1999, Family Law, 2025
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Board Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS), The State Bar of California I have been recertified 4 times by the California State bar in 5 year increments. Each time, the California State Bar evaluates my credentials, experience, and peer review., 2010
- Bar License No. 201538 issued by the State Bar of California., 1999
- Active (CPA) Certified Public Accountant License 62538 issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. State Board of Accountancy. , 1992
Pro bono / Community Service
- Currently serving as President of the PABA Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which raises funds to fund and grant scholarships to law students in Southern California. In 2010, PABA Foundation was officially established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming barriers into bridges. The founding group pooled their resources and expertise, securing initial funding through personal contributions and community support. Their vision was clear: create a comprehensive support system that would address multiple dimensions of the challenge—scholarships to remove financial barriers, mentorship programs to provide guidance and connections, and community engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation. From the beginning, the foundation was built on data-driven principles and community accountability, tracking outcomes and adjusting strategies based on student needs and program results.Over the past fourteen years, PABA Foundation has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a cornerstone of Filipino-American legal education in Southern California. We've awarded over $2 million in scholarships to more than 200 law students, established mentorship relationships that have guided 300+ students through their legal careers, and created community leadership opportunities that have engaged hundreds more in public interest work. Our scholarship recipients have gone on to clerk for federal judges, join prestigious law firms, launch public interest organizations, and return as mentors themselves—creating a virtuous cycle of support and success. The numbers tell part of the story, but the true impact lies in individual lives transformed, families lifted, and a community strengthened by seeing its members succeed in positions of influence and leadership. Today, PABA Foundation alumni practice in every legal sector across Southern California, from Big Law firms to district attorney offices, from nonprofit advocacy to judicial chambers, each one a testament to what becomes possible when barriers are removed and potential is supported., 2026
Educational Background
- Juris Doctor Degree from Southwestern University Law School. I obtained my Juris Doctor as an evening student at Southwestern University Law School while working full time as a CPA. I was awarded the Cali Excellence for the Future Award in International Tax for attaining the highest grade in the class. I was also awarded the Southwestern Exceptional Achievement Award in Federal Tax Administration and Litigation for attaining the highest grade in that class. I also worked as a law clerk for the Law Offices of Hugh Duff Robertson where I learned estate tax planning for high net worth entertainers and celebrities. I also prepared the client's tax returns, trust, wills, and drafted entertainment contracts., 1995-1999
- Executive Education in Value Investing Columbia University, Columbia Business School - New York Studied various techniques in valuing business. Went through numerous case studies in valuing businesses such as Amazon, John Deer, and other publicly traded companies using the Asset Value Method, Earnings Power Method, and Franchise Value Method. It is the same class Warren Buffett took under then Columbia University Professor Benjamin Graham. , 2020-2021
- Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Accounting California State University, San Bernardino I took all the accounting classes needed to take the CPA exam from accounting 101 and 102, intermediate accounting, cost accounting, advanced accounting dealing with mergers and acquisition, taxation, audit, and management. I was a member of the Accounting Society. I also took 1 semester of MBA course but decided not to go forward with the MBA program in order to focus in passing the CPA exam and obtaining my CPA license., 1986-1989
White Papers
- Marriage annulments in California are a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never existed. This differs significantly from a divorce, which terminates a valid marriage. Below, we explore the distinctions between annulments and divorces, the legal grounds for annulments in California, time limits for filing, the annulment process in Los Angeles, and the potential effects of an annulment., Marriage Erased: The Guide to Annulments in California, Family Law, 2025
- Early in my career as a practicing lawyer in Los Angeles some 25 years ago, I used to look forward to receiving the print subscription of the Daily Journal which lays out all the new appellate cases by practice area. However, as the years passed and technology advanced, I found easier ways of accessing those cases online. The story of the Daily Journal Corporation (DJCO) is a classic demonstration of legendary investor Charlie Munger’s capital allocation genius and strategic foresight. Under Munger’s long-time chairmanship, the company transformed from a traditional, and eventually dying, legal newspaper publisher into a hybrid entity: a diversified holding company with a valuable legal technology subsidiary and an enviable portfolio of marketable securities. The Pivot from Publishing to Technology The Daily Journal Corporation traditionally thrived on its publishing division, which printed legal newspapers and, crucially, held an informational monopoly on publishing appellate court decisions. This monopoly generated significant cash flow, particularly during the foreclosure boom. However, the advent of the internet proved to be an existential threat, rapidly eroding the traditional newspaper’s value proposition. As Munger himself noted, the publishing business was slowly “dying.” Recognizing the inevitable decline, the company began strategically shifting its focus toward a new, high-potential area: legal technology. This pivot was spearheaded by a series of acquisitions that eventually consolidated into the subsidiary known as Journal Technologies., Charlie Munger’s Masterstroke of Pivoting the Daily Journal from Print to Tech, Hedge Fund. Alternative Investments., 2026
- Divorce is complicated, and when you throw life insurance into the mix, it can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. In California, two landmark cases, In re: Marriage of Valli and In re: Marriage of Burwell, brought much-needed clarity to the division of life insurance policies. These cases address unique situations and establish key principles for family law attorneys and their clients.In re: Marriage of Valli: A Whole Life Policy’s True CharacterThe case of In re: Marriage of Valli (2014) tackled the complexities of a whole life insurance policy purchased during a marriage. A husband, while hospitalized with heart problems, used community funds to buy a whole life insurance policy. After discussions with his wife, he designated her as both the owner and beneficiary., Navigating the Maze: How California Courts Divide Life Insurance in Divorce, Family Law, 2025
- he landscape of divorce litigation has undergone a tectonic shift. No longer is the "out-spouse" (the partner without direct access to the books or business) forced to play a high-stakes game of "detective" to find community assets. Modern fiduciary duties have turned the "burden of discovery" on its head, moving from a culture of "hide-and-seek" to a mandate of radical transparency. Historically, divorce discovery was an adversarial marathon. The spouse who managed the business or the family's complex investments (the "in-spouse") held all the cards, while the "out-spouse" was burdened with demanding the right documents and asking the perfect questions just to see the community estate. This often led to "discovery wars" where the wealthier, more informed spouse could simply out-wait or out-spend the other, From "Catch Me if You Can" to "Tell All or Pay Up", Family Law, 2026
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- 2001 to Present I have been writing legal articles and contributing content to the Los Angeles Asian Journal. The Asian Journal is a leading newspaper in the Asian community with a circulation of 60,000. The newspaper is also available on-line where you can find all my weekly legal articles touching upon various family law issues and immigration issues. Most of my articles provide solutions to peoples family law and immigration law problems., Author/ Legal contributor, Barrister's Corner Article - Asian Journal Publications, Los Angeles Asian Journal, Asian Community In Los Angeles, 2025
- Foreigners that have either a business in their home country or have the capital or can raise the capital to establish a business in the US, there is an option for obtaining long term status in the US that confers a lot of privileges to the applicant. This is either through the E-1 “treaty traders” or the E-2 “treaty investors.” Both classifications required that 1) the alien seeking E status is a national of a country with an appropriate treaty; 2) the US business to employ the alien is owned at least 50% by nationals of the same country as the E alien; 3) the trade or investment by the treaty nationals is “substantial”; and 4) the alien seeking E status either is an actual investor in the US business, has an executive or supervisory position in the US business, or possesses skills essential to the US business. The major distinction between the two is that under the E-1, the US business must conduct “substantial trade” with and for which over 50% of the substantial trade conducted with the treaty country. On the other hand, the E-2 requires “substantial investment” in the US business., Author/ Legal contributor, The e-visa classification as an immigration option for foreign investors, Asian Journal Publication, Immigration Law, 2025
- The high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move to are Texas, Arizona, Nevada, or Florida where the cost of living is lower and taxes are less or non-existent. However, if a parent with shared custody wants to move away with the children, they must follow a specific legal process to ensure the move is in the child's best interests. The move has to be allowed by the court through a court order because it will affect the non-moving parent’s custody/visitation rights. A parent cannot simply decide to move with the children without a court order. With the distance between the parents, the existing custody and visitation orders will no longer work out. If a child custody order is in effect, the moving parent must notify the other parent that they intend to move, and oftentimes, they must often bring a request to modify the child custody and visitation order to court. The parent planning to move must provide written notice to the other parent at least 45 days before the intended move date. The notice should include the new addressand contact information, the reason for the move, the proposed new custody and visitation arrangements., Author, Navigating the Child Custody Move Away process in California., Asian Journal News, Family Law, 2025
Other Outstanding Achievements
- outstanding review from client over many years https://g.co/kgs/ri3J4nP , 2025
Honors
- Obtained the highest grade in International Tax Class in law school., Cali Excellence for the Future Award in International Tax, CALI AWARD, 1998
- High School Award based on GPA and other criterias., Presidential Academic Fitness Award, President of the United States, 1986
- Obtained the highest grade in Federal Tax Administration and Litigation., Exceptional Achievement Award in Federal Tax Administration and Litigation, Southwestern University Law School, 1998
Industry Groups
- Consumers; Families
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2026
Certificates and credentials
Family Law