Frank Terrazas brings fourteen years of combined family law experience to Garwood Attorneys. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of San Diego, Frank obtained a Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, and quickly found himself in family law. Frank spent ten years under the tutelage of two preeminent family law attorneys in San Diego county (now retired). After gaining ten years of invaluable experience as a distinguished paralegal in family law, Frank took the natural next step, and attended law school. While in law school, Frank earned the prestigious Bonnie Reading Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Certified Family Law Specialists Committee of the San Diego County Bar Association to a law student who shows dedication and commitment to the area of family law. Eager to commence his legal career, Frank began making appearances in Family Court as a Certified Law Student. Upon graduation from law school, Frank opened his own family law practice which took little time to thrive given Frank’s unique qualifications. Frank swiftly obtained extensive courtroom experience in contested matters and trials, successfully representing his family law litigants. Frank also negotiated countless settlements on behalf of his clients. Frank’s unique background as a family law paralegal, then attorney, coupled with his engaging personality, make him a tremendous asset to Garwood Attorneys and his clients.

"The law has always fascinated me. I told my parents when I was about 7 years old that I wanted to be an attorney and strived for that goal throughout school." Attorney Lena Ghianni is a native San Diegan. She was born and raised in East County, graduated from Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, and obtained her law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of San Diego School of Law. The only times Lena has lived outside San Diego County was while attending the University of Southern California for a bachelor's degree in Political Science and for her first job as a lawyer in Victorville, California. During her career, Lena gained experience in the areas of general civil, criminal, family law, and probate, including but not limited to issues of real estate, contract, child custody, dissolution of marriage, guardianship, conservatorship, petitions for administration, and estate planning. She was responsible for handling a heavy caseload including all aspects of the general practice such as preparation of pleadings, motions, writs, settlement negotiations, and trial and appellate briefs. Lena successfully argued cases at mediations, arbitrations, motions, and trials. For several years now, Lena's focus has been in the areas of family law and probate. Lena has helped her clients through the very difficult and emotional hurdles that accompany divorce, child custody, support, caring for ill or disabled family, and the death of a loved one. Since passing the bar in 2002, Lena has handled a wide range of cases, including real estate and business disputes, personal injury, and criminal cases.

Puja A. Sachdev is a top-rated San Diego divorce attorney and family law mediator who focuses on family law, child support, and divorce cases and is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She received her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law at San Diego, graduating cum laude with her Juris Doctorate. She is admitted to practice law in California and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Ms. Sachdev has met the rigorous requirements set by the California State Bar. Some of these include passing a written exam, demonstration of a high level of experience in family law issues, fulfilling specific educational prerequisites and receiving favorable recommendations from colleagues and the judiciary. In order to fulfill these demands and to continue to meet this benchmark, Ms. Sachdev continues to be an expert in the field. Ms. Sachdev serves on a select court-appointed panel of attorneys who are appointed to represent minor children in high conflict and complex child custody cases. Custody and visitation matters are often some of the most contentious issues in Family Law. By taking her lead, the entire team is incredibly passionate about the well-being of children in Family Law cases. Family Law is an incredibly diverse and challenging field, which frequently involves issues in tax law, real property law, contract law, and criminal law. By having a widespread professional network ensures Ms. Sachdev can connect clients with experts in their field and work with these legal experts on their cases. Ms. Sachdev is a trained family law mediator. She received her training from the renowned Forrest “Woody” Mosten of Mosten Mediation in Los Angeles, California who focuses on cutting edge approaches to skill building and creative resolutions. Ms. Sachdev is widely recognized as one of San Diego’s top attorneys receiving honors from San Diego Daily Transcript, SD Metro Magazine, San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program and Super Lawyers. She has been featured in the Alumni Spotlight by San Diego State University College of Business Administration, as a Mover & Shaker in Mission Valley News and quoted by Divorce Magazine and Huffington Post. She has also been a panel speaker for the San Diego County Bar Association and Lawyers Club on work-life balance for new attorneys and solo practitioners and has presented Continuing Legal Education courses to the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program, San Diego Law Library and the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts. Attorney Sachdev is also noted for her extensive background in the finance and business field. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno in Marketing and Management. She completed her Masters of Science in Business Administration in Financial & Tax Planning at San Diego State University and obtained the certificate for Personal Financial Planning. Ms. Sachdev enjoys the distinction of being the first family law attorney in the greater San Diego area who obtained the designation of Certified Divorce Financial Analyst ™.

Michael Fischer is a licensed California attorney licensed to practice in both state and federal court. Mr. Fischer has handled hundreds of contested and uncontested family law matters. He is known for his ability to guide his clients through the tumultuous processes of family court in an aggressive yet compassionate manner.

“She’s a badass with a good heart, soft but strong. Unapologetic and honest. She’s the type of woman you go to war beside – not against.” – R.H. Sin ​ Immediately after becoming licensed, Abby began her own law firm. She is a tough-as-nails litigator, but her law practice has always been a success for another reason. She has a sincere dedication to putting the lives of her clients back on track. She focuses on their individuality. She helps prosecutors and judges see her clients as more than just a case, a number, and a list of charges. Abby has handled hundreds of criminal cases. She has appeared in all 5 major branches of the San Diego Superior Court as well as various courthouses throughout the State of California. From smaller issues such as traffic violations and warrant recalls to complex felony litigation, Abby treats every client like an individual and every matter like a serious impediment to their future success. Abby loves community involvement and is always looking for new ways to give back to causes she cares about. Intern Program. Abby has helped to train, supervise, and mentor countless attorneys and future attorneys in criminal law. Court Panelist on Community Youth Court, Southeastern Division. Since 2015, Abby has served as a Court Panelist on the Community Youth Court, a diversion program sponsored and run by the Office of the San Diego District Attorney as an alternative to criminal court for minors. President of the San Diego Parents of Twins Club. As a parent of twins, Abby knows the importance of community when it comes to raising kids. She currently presides over this organization that is comprised of over 150 twin families. When not defending justice, Abby enjoys sailing and traveling to adventurous destinations with her husband, twin boys, and Goldendoodle. She is a member at San Diego Yacht Club and loves cruising around with friends and family on her beloved boat

Jorge Jaramillo is a practicing lawyer in the state of California handling criminal and family law matters.

Attorney Elizabeth Van Thiel has been a licensed lawyer since 2000. Before entering private practice, she worked in the Alternate Public Defender’s Office, where she represented clients in Juvenile Dependency Court. She joined Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP in 2011 and devotes her practice to family law. She routinely resolves cases through negotiation and mediation but is ready to take a case to trial if need be. Elizabeth is passionate about helping families resolve personal and legal disputes day in and day out.