
Richard Gaines Heston, Bankruptcy Attorney in Irvine, California
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and Family Law · 4.3/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
PartneratHeston & Heston Attorneys at Law
Irvine, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Irvine since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 6
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Richard Gaines Heston?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Richard Gaines Heston is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and Family Law. Richard has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Irvine, CA
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Creditor Rights · Family Law
- Handles Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and Family Law matters from Irvine, CA.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Gaines Heston: Richard Gaines Heston is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and Family Law. Richard has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard Gaines Heston
Richard concentrates on bankruptcy, creditor rights, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
View other Bankruptcy attorneys
Creditor Rights
View other Creditor Rights attorneys
Family Law
View other Family Law attorneys
Bankruptcy cases in Irvine, California
Richard takes bankruptcy matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Irvine, California
Richard takes creditor rights matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Irvine, California
Richard takes family law matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard Gaines Heston — Over 47 years of California bankruptcy experience
Richard Gaines Heston is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and Family Law. Richard has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Richard Gaines Heston is a lawyer practicing family law, bankruptcy law, debtor & creditor. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Richard practices at Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law in Irvine, CA.
Richard's approach to bankruptcy cases
Richard Gaines Heston is a lawyer practicing family law, bankruptcy law, debtor & creditor. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Richard practices at Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law in Irvine, CA.
The kind of cases Richard takes
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, creditor rights, and family law matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Richard Gaines Heston's legal education and bar admissions
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1979
University of California at Irvine
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
California
1979 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Irvine.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Irvine. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard Gaines Heston
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Orange County Bar Association Orange County Bankruptcy Forum American Bankruptcy Institute, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
membership
Locations
Richard Gaines Heston's office in Irvine
Richard's primary office is at Newport Summit, 19700 Fairchild Road, Suite 200, Irvine, CA, 92612-2512. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Heston & Heston Attorneys at Law
Newport Summit, 19700 Fairchild Road, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612-2512
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Richard Gaines Heston — 4.3/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Irvine.
4.3
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard Gaines Heston claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Gaines Heston — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Irvine, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Gaines Heston
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Irvine?
Richard is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Richard?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Richard handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in California
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Irvine handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




