Expertise.com

Best Family Lawyers in San Diego

2023

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Website
1620 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

JWB Family Law is a family law firm in San Diego that focuses exclusively on divorce and family law cases. The firm’s family law attorneys led by founder Jane Wesley Brooks are well versed in California family laws and offer expertise in family law. The firm provides legal representation for family law cases such as divorce, child support, child custody and visitation, property division, and paternity. Brooks is a seasoned trial attorney and is a recipient of the LEADership San Diego Award.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jane Brooks - Owner18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2794 Gateway Rd Suite C-5, Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Thomas D. Nares, Attorney at Law, APC, has been serving clients in San Diego and the neighboring communities since 1986. It provides legal representation in family law matters, which include divorce, child custody and visitation, spousal and child support, stepparent adoption, domestic violence, and paternity. It also handles court order enforcements and post-judgment modifications. Principal Thomas D. Nares is admitted to practice law before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Thomas Nares - Principal37 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Avvo
4.3 / 5 (13)
Google
4.6 / 5 (10)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
4918 N Harbor Dr Ste 204, San Diego, CA 92106

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michelle Paul provides legal assistance to families and individuals in the San Diego area. The firm focuses on family law and takes on cases involving matters such as military divorce, child support, and father's rights. Attorney Michelle Paul has been practicing for more than 37 years and is experienced in providing compassionate legal assistance while aggressively protecting her clients' rights. She is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michelle Paul - Principal9 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.9 / 5 (34)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (21)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (13)

(+1 additional source)

Website
4225 Executive Sq Ste 270, La Jolla, CA 92037

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Huguenor Mattis APC provides guidance in matters of family law to clients in San Diego and throughout its surrounding areas. The firm handles cases such as divorce, child custody, and alimony. Attorney Huguenor Mattis is certified as a family law specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization. He has received an AV-Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been featured in Super Lawyers and San Diego Magazine.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Thomas Huguenor - Managing Attorney51 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (14)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3111 Camino del Rio N Ste 950, San Diego, CA 92108

Why choose this provider?

Operating since 2002, Goldberg Jones is a divorce and family law firm that exclusively represents men in the San Diego area. In addition to divorce, it handles cases such as paternity, child custody, alimony, and child support, fighting aggressively on behalf of fathers and other men to help them retain their rights throughout the legal process. Managing attorney Zephyr Hill is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout California.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Todd Hipper - Managing Attorney19 yrs
Michael Steiner - Associate14 yrs
Richard Kolek - Associate29 yrs
Zephyr Hill - Managing Attorney22 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (59)
Avvo
4.3 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
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Detail
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Website
3333 Camino del Rio S Ste 140, San Diego, CA 92108

Why choose this provider?

Neumann Family Law, APC has been counseling clients in family-based legal matters since it opened its San Diego office in 1995. It handles everything from simple, uncontested divorces to complex dissolution situations involving business entities and high-asset cases. Mediation is a resolution option, with the legal team advocating for clients to create suitable parenting, financial, and property division plans out of court. In more sensitive situations, the firm can help clients in domestic violence and guardianship cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Cecilia Preciado - Associate31 yrs
Sara Neumann - Senior Attorney26 yrs
Tara Yelman - Founder & Partner28 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.5 / 5 (28)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (18)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
300 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 1420, Irvine, CA 92618

Why choose this provider?

Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support, Cohabitation Agreements, Domestic Partnerships, Domestic Violence, Fathers' Rights, Legal Separation, LGBT Rights, Modifications, Paternity, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO), Spousal Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Peggy Moore - Founding Partner43 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.8
Google
4.0 / 5 (35)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (27)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7777 Alvarado Road, Suite 413, La Mesa, Ca 91942
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

The Law and Mediation Office of Julie O. Wolff is a boutique law firm that serves clients in San Diego. It primarily handles family law cases, including divorce, child custody and support, parenting plans, marital agreements, property division, and spousal support. Julie Wolff, the firm's principal attorney, represents clients in child protection and welfare cases, restraining orders, criminal expungements, name and gender changes, and dispute resolution and mediation. Wolff was awarded the Advokids Award in 2021 for her dedication to assisting foster children.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.6 / 5 (22)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (16)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
9655 Granite Ridge Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92123
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Wells-Gibson Family Law is a black woman-owned legal firm providing services to clients in the San Diego community. It handles a wide range of family law issues involving divorce, annulment, and legal separation. It also assists in resolving child custody, visitation, and support disputes to help individuals protect the rights and future of their children. The law firm also provides legal advice to clients wishing to change their names or genders. Founding attorney Deveney Wells-Gibson is a volunteer at the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer's Program.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.9 / 5 (11)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4225 Executive Sq Ste 600, La Jolla, CA 92037

Why choose this provider?

Brian A. Victor is a family law attorney who serves clients throughout San Diego County. His services include mediation for divorce and child custody issues as well as legal representation for divorce, child custody, and separation matters. Mr. Victor is the only divorce lawyer in San Diego County with prior work experience at Family Court Services (FCS) where he crafted more than 4,000 child custody recommendations for Family Court judges. He assists clients with preparing for their FCS child custody mediation session. He also assists clients with the preparation of the divorce petition, request for financial disclosure and other related documents.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Brian Victor - Principal13 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (7)
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
350 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

Butler Law, PC is a law company in San Diego that features family lawyer, Elyse B. Butler. The attorney-at-law has years of experience in handling various family law matters, which include divorce and legal separation, child custody and visitation rights, child and spousal support, property division, paternity claims, and domestic violence cases. Butler also helps her clients in settling prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Butler Law, PC has represented different types of clients, including international CEOs, award-winning artists, and professional athletes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Elyse Butler - Principal15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (17)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (6)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
8220 University Ave Ste 201, La Mesa, CA 91942

Why choose this provider?

Fair Cadora APC is a San Diego-based law firm with a key focus on family law. The firm handles cases involving divorces, legal separations, annulments, and terminations of domestic partnerships. Attorneys guide clients through the legal process and assist with all related issues, including child support and custody, alimony, division of property, name change, and paternity. The firm's legal team has extensive experience in negotiations, mediation, and litigation. Attorney Lauren Fair is certified in family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kevin Cadora - Founding Partner20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.4 / 5 (47)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (26)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8787 Complex Dr Ste 130, San Diego, CA 92123

Why choose this provider?

Since 2015, Mesnik Law Group has represented clients in family law courts in the greater San Diego area. The firm assists clients with divorce proceedings and related issues, including child support and custody, annulments, alimony, and paternity issues. Attorneys guide clients through every step of the process and build a customized legal strategy that may include negotiations, mediation, and litigation. The firm's legal team is also experienced with stepparent adoptions and issues related to the Department of Children Services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Matthew Mesnik - Founder/Managing Attorney14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (49)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (38)
Google
4.7 / 5 (33)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1901 1st Ave Ste 148, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2014 APC, Minella Law Group PLC provides legal counsel and representation to clients in San Diego and throughout its surrounding areas. The firm handles a broad range of family law cases, including adoption, spousal support, and domestic violence partnerships. Attorney Kathy Minella is a board-certified family law specialist and is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout California. She was named a Top Attorney by Avvo and has received an AV-Preeminent peer rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kathy Minella - Founding Attorney13 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (42)
Google
4.2 / 5 (36)
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (27)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2366 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis has been providing legal services to individuals and families in San Diego and the nearby communities since 1993. It represents clients in various matters involving family law such as domestic partner disputes, child custody, child support, and adoption. The firm also handles civil litigation cases and offers mediation services. Anita J. Margolis has been practicing law since 1985. She is a Judge Pro Tem for the San Diego Superior Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (47)
Google
4.6 / 5 (29)
Yelp
4.4 / 5 (20)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8334 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite 207, San Diego, CA 92111

Why choose this provider?

Negrette Law, P.C., caters to the legal needs of individuals and families in San Diego and the surrounding areas. The firm handles a range of family law matters, from drafting settlement agreements in amicable divorce cases to filing restraining orders for the victims of domestic violence. Its legal team also handles annulments in relation to immigration fraud, physical incapacity, and duress. Ashley Negrette recently passed the Family Law Legal Specialization Exam administered by the California State Bar. She also practices in the area of immigration law.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.7 / 5 (41)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (19)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7675 Dagget Street Suite 140, San Diego, CA 92111
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of David C. Beavans APC serves San Diego residents, offering counsel and representation in family law matters. Its team helps families resolve often emotionally taxing domestic legal issues such as divorce, child custody and visitation rights, alimony, and property division. The firm assists in establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support plans. It also assists victims of domestic abuse and false abuse allegations. The firm was founded by managing partner David C. Beavans, a California Bar Certified Family Law Specialist.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (60)
Yelp
4.7 / 5 (50)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2650 Camino Del Rio North Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Alimony

Why choose this provider?

Primus Family Law Group offers legal services for clients dealing with family law matters throughout the San Diego area. With over 40 years of combined experience, the firm's attorneys assist clients through smart negotiations or vigorous litigation while alleviating the stress that comes with it. They handle a range of issues, including custody and visitation, child support and support modifications, the establishment of parental relationships, nullity of marriage litigation, and registered domestic partnerships. Managing partner Bonnie A. Rabinovitch-Mantel has been handling complex family law cases for the past 18 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.8 / 5 (48)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (22)
Yelp
2.0 / 5 (11)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2727 Camino Del Rio South Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

Dell'Acqua Law provides assistance in varios areas of famil law in San Diego. The firm represents clients in divorce, offering further assistance in settling matters aside from terminating the marriage. Its attorneys negotiate in dividing assets and debts and in seeking spousal maintenance. They help establish parenting plans and child support. In addition, the firm's lawyers aid fathers in substantiating their rights as parents. Dawn M. Dell’Acqua is a family law specialist certified by the California State Board of Legal Specialization.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Dawn Dell'acqua - Principal27 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (20)
Google
4.9 / 5 (14)
Yelp
3.8 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.