SAMANTHA F. SPECTOR – PRESS, NEWS & MEDIA | SPECTOR LAW
Samantha F. Spector is frequently featured in national and international news outlets as a leading Los Angeles high‑net‑worth divorce and family law attorney. This page highlights recent press about Samantha and Spector Law, with links to full coverage in publications such as the LA Times, The Hollywood Reporter, TMZ, Rolling Stone, and other media.
Samantha F. Spector Named to Variety's 2026 'Legal Impact Report' for Top Entertainment Attorneys
Variety
4/8/26
Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector has been selected as a Power Lawyer in Variety’s prestigious 2026 Legal Impact Report. This honor celebrates her leadership in complex high-net-worth divorces, custody disputes, and family law matters for Hollywood’s elite talent.
View Samantha's Variety Legal Impact Report profile here.
Samantha F. Spector Recognized as a 2026 Top Family Lawyer
Daily Journal
3/11/26
In the Daily Journal profile, Spector is noted for representing high‑profile and high‑net‑worth clients in complex marital dissolutions, business‑valuation cases, and interstate and international custody matters, as well as for her strategic, child‑focused approach to resolving family law disputes. Her inclusion on the 2026 Daily Journal Top Family Lawyers list underscores her reputation as a go‑to Los Angeles divorce and family law attorney for clients seeking experienced, results‑driven representation in California family courts.
Samantha F. Spector Named to 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers List for Excellence in High-Net-Worth Divorce and Family Law
Super Lawyers
2/20/26
Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector has been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers list for
her work representing clients in complex high-net-worth divorce and custody matters throughout California. She has been named to the list annually since 2014.
Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
Mustard Wants Sole Custody Due to Ex‑Wife’s “Disparaging” Posts
TMZ
12/18/25
Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represents Grammy‑winning producer Mustard in his request for sole legal custody of his three children, citing a prior order that bars both parents from making negative remarks about each other in front of the kids. In new court papers, Samantha alleges Mustard’s ex‑wife, Chanel Thierry, violated that order with public social media posts that, according to Mustard, harm the children’s best interests and undermine the co‑parenting process. He is also asking the court to impose 30,000 dollars in sanctions for the alleged violations.
Read the full custody story on TMZ.
Samantha F. Spector nominated for 2025 Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards
LA Times
11/13/25
For the 2025 Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards, the LA Times’ Business Visionaries platform recognizes Samantha F. Spector as a nominee for her work as a leading Los Angeles high‑net‑worth divorce and family law attorney. The feature highlights Samantha’s leadership, her representation of high‑profile clients, and her role in building a boutique firm focused on complex, sensitive family law matters.
Read the full Inspirational Women Awards feature.
Samantha F. Spector has been recognized by Lawdragon in their 2026 "500 Leading Family Lawyers" guide
Lawdragon
10/11/25
We are honored to announce that Samantha F. Spector has been recognized by Lawdragon in their 2026 "500 Leading Family Lawyers" guide.
This prestigious list highlights the "cream of the crop" in U.S. family law, particularly those specializing in high-net-worth and complex private client divorces. Lawdragon's selection process is based on a rigorous combination of peer and client nominations, as well as independent journalistic research.
Read the Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers announcement.
Family law firm Spector Law is pleased to announce that Samantha F. Spector has been recognized Best Lawyers in America®: 2026
Best Lawyers
Family law firm Spector Law is pleased to announce that Samantha F. Spector has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for her work in family law. This recognition is based entirely on peer review, underscoring Samantha’s standing among fellow attorneys who regularly evaluate her skill, professionalism, and results in complex divorce and custody matters.
View Samantha F. Spector's Best Lawyers in America® listing.
Samantha F. Spector of Spector Law, A Professional Law Corporation has been recognized for her work in family law in the 2025 Consumer Attorney Visionaries
LA Times Studios
8/18/25
Samantha F. Spector of Spector Law, A Professional Law Corporation, is featured in the 2025 Consumer Attorney Visionaries by LA Times Studios for her work in high‑net‑worth and celebrity family law matters. The recognition highlights Samantha’s leadership in complex divorce and custody cases, as well as her role in shaping a boutique practice focused on discreet, strategic advocacy for prominent clients.
Read the LA Times Studios Consumer Attorney Visionaries feature.
With No Prenup, Divorce Of Billionaire David Geffen, 82, From David Armstrong, 32, Gets Messy
IMDb
5/29/25
This article examines the high‑profile divorce of billionaire David Geffen and David Armstrong, focusing on the absence of a prenuptial agreement and the resulting battle over ‘community assets’ in California. It discusses how the couple’s short marriage, large wealth disparity, and contested claims over property and support make the case a cautionary example of why sophisticated clients should address financial expectations before marriage.
Read the full David Geffen divorce analysis.
Samantha F. Spector Files Dorit Kemsley Divorce from PK
TMZ
4/25/25
In this story, ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star Dorit Kemsley files for divorce from husband PK Kemsley after a highly public relationship, bringing their long‑running marital issues into the formal family‑law process. The article details the filing, the couple’s separation timeline, and the questions around support, property division, and future co‑parenting that will now be addressed in court.
Read the full Dorit Kemsley divorce story on TMZ.
Producer DJ Mustard Divorce Finalized
TMZ
10/14/24
In this story about DJ Mustard’s divorce being finalized, Samantha F. Spector appears as a key family law attorney guiding a celebrity client through the end of a high‑profile marriage. The article illustrates Samantha’s experience securing resolutions for entertainment‑industry clients involving significant income, lifestyle, and parenting issues.
Samantha F. Spector Secures Roddy Ricch Custody Settlement
TMZ
5/17/24
TMZ reports rapper Roddy Ricch and ex-girlfriend Alexandra Kiser finalized a custody agreement for their 3-year-old son. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represented Roddy Ricch in the settlement, which grants joint legal custody with terms for child support, visitation, and attorney fees after a contentious battle over parenting time and financial obligations.
Read the full Roddy Ricch story on TMZ.
Samantha F. Spector Claims Jenna Dewan Entitled to Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Millions
Daily Mail
4/12/24
This article covers the ongoing financial and custody issues in Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum’s divorce, noting Samantha F. Spector’s role as a family law attorney navigating the claims to ‘Magic Mike’‑related earnings and other assets. It shows Samantha’s work in high‑profile cases where complex compensation, intellectual property, and long‑term support are at stake.
Read the full coverage in the Daily Mail.
Samantha F. Spector Secures Nia Long $32,500 Monthly Child Support
Yahoo Entertainment
1/5/24
Nia Long and Ime Udoka reportedly reached a custody settlement for their son, with Long receiving $32,500 a month in child support. The agreement was negotiated by Long’s attorney, Samantha F. Spector, and follows Long’s earlier filing seeking full custody.
Read the full story in Yahoo Entertainment.
Samantha F. Spector Files Nia Long Full Custody Petition
Los Angeles Times
8/22/23
Nia Long is seeking full legal and physical custody of her 11-year-old son with ex-fiancé Ime Udoka, alleging that he has failed to support their child. Attorneys Samantha F. Spector and Lisa Helfend Meyer filed the petition on Long’s behalf, asking the court to also require Udoka to pay attorney’s fees.
Read the full article in the Los Angeles Times.
Kenny G Ordered To Pay Over $300,000 In Ex-Wife's Attorney's Fees
Yahoo Entertainment
3/22/23
A judge ordered saxophonist Kenny G to pay ex-wife Lyndie Benson-Gorelick over $300,000 in legal fees and court costs in their decade-long divorce battle. The ruling came after Kenny tried to reduce his $40,000 monthly spousal support, with the court noting his substantial rental income despite claims of reduced earnings.
Read the full Kenny G story on Yahoo Entertainment.
Samantha F. Spector Seeks $250K Support for Trevor Ariza's Ex-Wife
Yahoo Entertainment
10/31/22
Bree Anderson Ariza, ex-wife of NBA star Trevor Ariza, filed for divorce requesting monthly child/spousal support plus a $250K one-time payment for legal fees. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represents Bree, who alleges Trevor controls family finances and left her unable to maintain their marital lifestyle while caring for their children.
Read the full Trevor Ariza story on Yahoo Entertainment.
Singer Miguel Hires Amber Heard's High-Profile Divorce Attorney Weeks After Wife Files To End Marriage
RadarOnline
10/20/22
RadarOnline reports Miguel brought in high-profile divorce attorney Samantha F. Spector as his split from Nazanin Mandi moved forward. Spector, who has handled a number of major celebrity family law cases, is now helping Miguel navigate the divorce.
Read the full Miguel story on RadarOnline.
Samantha F. Spector Files Custody Petition for Swae Lee’s Daughter
TMZ
9/11/22
TMZ reports Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector filed court papers on behalf of Swae Lee’s daughter, seeking to establish paternity, child support, and custody arrangements with the rapper. The petition comes amid disputes over the child’s care and financial support following the parents’ breakup.
Read the full Swae Lee story on TMZ.
Who Is Attorney Samantha Spector?
The Sun
8/5/22
This profile introduces Samantha F. Spector as a leading California family law attorney and highlights her work representing high‑profile clients in complex divorce and custody matters. The Sun article discusses Samantha’s background, her boutique firm Spector Law, and her reputation in high‑net‑worth, celebrity cases.
Read the full article in The Sun.
Dr. Dre’s Ex-Wife Scores Massive Divorce Settlement
Rolling Stone
12/28/21
In this piece on Dr. Dre’s divorce, Samantha F. Spector is noted as part of the team involved in a high‑stakes marital dissolution that resulted in a substantial settlement. The article highlights the scale of the case and underscores Samantha’s experience with high‑asset divorces and complex financial arrangements involving public figures.
Read the full story in Rolling Stone.
Kelly Clarkson Finalizes Divorce from Brandon Blackstock
TMZ
9/24/21
TMZ reports Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock's divorce was finalized after months of legal battles over custody, prenup enforcement, and property. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represented Brandon Blackstock, filing key documents that outlined the couple's separation date, financial terms, and ongoing issues in this high-profile case.
Samantha F. Spector Highlights Judge Scott Gordon’s Expertise in High‑Stakes Family Law Mediations
Daily Journal
8/28/20
This Daily Journal feature on retired Judge Scott Gordon’s family law mediations, Samantha F. Spector praises him as “simply unparalleled in the family law world,” citing his empathy, patience, and ability to make clients feel heard.
Christina Ricci files for divorce after being granted an emergency protective order against husband James Heerdegen
Yahoo
7/2/20
This article reports that actress Christina Ricci filed for divorce from husband James Heerdegen shortly after obtaining an emergency protective order. It explains the allegations that led to the order, outlines the protections granted, and notes how the divorce filing seeks to safeguard her and their child while custody and support are addressed in court.
Read the full Christina Ricci divorce story.
'This Is Us' Star Justin Hartley Wife Responds in Divorce Strongly Hints She Was Blindsided!!!
TMZ
12/3/19
In this piece, ‘This Is Us’ star Justin Hartley’s then‑wife, Chrishell Stause, files her response to his divorce petition and strongly suggests she was blindsided by the separation. The article highlights the dispute over their separation date and what that could mean for support and property division in a high‑profile Hollywood divorce.
Read the full Justin Hartley divorce response story on TMZ.
'Chicago P.D.' Star Jason Beghe Finalizes Divorce
TMZ
9/24/19
This story covers ‘Chicago P.D.’ star Jason Beghe finalizing his divorce after a prolonged separation, detailing how the case ultimately resolved issues of custody, support, and division of assets. It underscores how high‑profile divorces can take years to conclude even after the parties initially split.
Read the full Jason Beghe divorce story on TMZ.
Matt Barnes Wins Sole Custody of Sons
Daily Mail
11/8/18
A judge awarded Matt Barnes sole physical and legal custody of his 10-year-old twins with ex-wife Gloria Govan after a contentious battle. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represented Barnes in court, securing the win along with an 18-month restraining order against Govan and her required anger management and parenting classes.
Read the full Matt Barnes custody story in the Daily Mail.
Matt Barnes' Gets Restraining Order Against Ex Gloria Govan
TMZ
9/5/18
TMZ reports Gloria Govan obtained a temporary restraining order against ex-husband Matt Barnes, alleging harassment and threats after their divorce. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represented Govan in securing the order to protect her and their children amid ongoing post-divorce disputes.
Read the full Matt Barnes story on TMZ.
Blake Griffin Settles Custody War With Baby Mama Brynn Cameron
The Blast
7/31/18
Blake Griffin and Brynn Cameron settled their custody battle hours before trial, agreeing to joint custody and co-parenting terms for their two young children. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represented Cameron in the marathon negotiations that resolved disputes over paternity, palimony, and child support.
Read the full Blake Griffin settlement story on The Blast.
Samantha F. Spector recognized as Most Influential Women Attorneys
Los Angeles Business Journal
4/19/18
Samantha F. Spector has been has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as 2018 Women of Influence: Attorneys.
The honorees were recognized for exceptional legal skill and achievement across the full spectrum of responsibility, exemplary leadership as evidenced by the highest professional and ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles community at large.
Read the Los Angeles Business Journal ‘Most Influential Women Attorneys’ feature.
Samantha F. Spector Handles Blake Griffin Paternity Battle
RadarOnline
2/27/18
RadarOnline reports on the paternity and child support battle between NBA star Blake Griffin and ex Brynn Cameron, who alleges he left her homeless after their breakup. Los Angeles family law attorney Samantha F. Spector represented Cameron in the case, which disclosed Griffin's substantial earnings and led to ongoing disputes over financial support for their two young children.
Read the full Blake Griffin story on RadarOnline.
Johnny Depp, Amber Heard’s Divorce Settled, Domestic Violence Case Dismissed
Variety
4/16/16
This article reports that Johnny Depp and Amber Heard reached a settlement resolving their highly publicized divorce, leading to the dismissal of Heard’s domestic violence case. It outlines the financial terms and joint statements, showing how even intensely litigated, media‑driven disputes can ultimately be resolved through a negotiated agreement.
Read the full Johnny Depp and Amber Heard settlement story in Variety
Morena Baccarin Wins Custody Hearing to Bring Son to N.Y.C.
TMZ
9/24/15
TMZ reports Morena Baccarin won primary custody of her 23-month-old son Julius, allowing her to relocate him to New York for "Gotham" filming with boyfriend Ben McKenzie. A Los Angeles judge granted her and estranged husband Austin Chick joint custody but ruled the child will live primarily with Baccarin, who was also pregnant with McKenzie's child at the time.
Read the full Morena Baccarin custody story on TMZ.