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Best Divorce Lawyers in Carlsbad, CA

Our Recommended Top 16

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Carlsbad Divorce Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

73Reviewed

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16Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

2794 Gateway Rd Suite C-5, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.3 (13)
Google
4.7 (12)
Yelp
4.3 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1986, Thomas D. Nares, Attorney at Law, A Professional Corporation, provides personalized legal services concerning divorce issues in Carlsbad and surrounding areas. It focuses on family law cases of various sizes and represents clients in issues involving physical and legal custody, paternity, non-criminal and criminal domestic violence, and parenting plans. The firm answers clients' questions and explains the legal process regarding community property division and debt allocation, as well as child and spousal support orders. 

  • Domestic Violence
  • Spousal Support
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Nares - PrincipalActive38 yrs

Carlsbad, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Divorce Lawyer in Carlsbad? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

12520 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.7 (9)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Schaffer Family Law Group has been serving the residents of Carlsbad and the surrounding areas since 2011. Sarah T. Schaffer and her team counsel clients on same-sex, high asset, military, and gray divorce. They also assist clients regarding related areas such as property division, hidden assets discovery, child custody and support, spousal support, fathers' rights, and court order modifications. Its other services include mediation and collaborative marriage dissolution options. The professionals at Schaffer Family Law Group have a combined legal experience of over 150 years.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sarah Schaffer - PrincipalActive22 yrs

214 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
1.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, is a law firm that serves the residents of Carlsbad and the surrounding areas. It assists clients with divorce, as well as annulments and legal separations. It handles matters such as property division, child custody, and child and spousal support. The firm's legal team has a combined experience of more than 57 years of practicing divorce law. Craig Van Thiel is a licensed attorney who has previously worked for the State Child Support Enforcement Unit.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Craig Van Thiel - Founding PartnerActive23 yrs
Michael Fischer - PartnerActive19 yrs
Thomas Fischer - PartnerActive9 yrs
Mike Fischer - FounderActive19 yrs
Mike fischer Fd - oceanside divorce lawyers - FounderActive19 yrs

10620 Treena St Ste. 230, San Diego, CA 92131

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (24)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael C. MacNeil assists clients with divorce and other family law issues. Serving Carlsbad and the surrounding areas, Michael MacNeil has over two decades of experience as a trial attorney. He handles matters involving child support, spousal support, and division of property. He also helps individuals navigating through the process of a military divorce. He provides legal counsel for paternity issues, estate planning, and adoption. The firm is available for criminal law cases as well.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Asset Distribution

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Macneil - PrincipalActive23 yrs
Michael C MacNeilActive2 yrs

701 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Right Lawyers offers its legal services in Carlsbad and the surrounding areas. It was founded in 2004 by Rock Rocheleau, the firm's managing attorney. More than 14 years ago, its lawyers started handling divorce and family law services covering practice areas such as child custody and support cases as well as property and alimony claims. Based in Nevada, Right Lawyers was voted one of the Best Divorce Lawyers in Las Vegas for three consecutive years.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Meredith Weiner - Senior AssociateActive12 yrs
Rock Rocheleau - AssociateActive5 yrs
Brittney Salvatore-perkins - AssociateActive12 yrs
Stacy Rocheleau - Founder and Managing PartnerActive23 yrs

12770 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.7 (3)
Yelp
3.5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

With more than 25 years of experience, John F. Anderson - Attorney legally represents Carlsbad clients in litigation and other processes related to divorce and separation. Anderson handles high-asset divorce cases with financial intricacies, such as business allocation, assets and debt distribution, and restraining orders. He also resolves matters of child custody, visitation, and financial support. Moreover, the attorney utilizes alternative resolutions to court proceedings, including mediation and marital settlement agreement. Anderson has served as a pro-tem judge in the court of San Diego.

  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Anderson - PrincipalActive35 yrs

2777 Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (5)
Google
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Mindful Legal employs a collaborative and compassionate approach to resolve divorce, spousal and child support, and custody disputes between spouses. It strives to avoid litigation to lessen the stress of going to court and foster good co-parenting relationships. The Carlsbad-based firm also assists with pre- and post-marital agreements and restraining orders. Emilia Tavakoli, its senior partner and principal attorney, has completed mediation training from the Family Resolution Institute and the National Conflict Resolution Center. Mindful Legal caters to the needs of LGBTQ+ families.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

11622 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Hasset Family Law is a result-oriented firm serving the Carlsbad metro. It is a full-service legal office that exclusively practices family law which includes divorce and separation matters. The law firm guides and represents clients during divorce mediation and litigation process. It also deals with cases related to domestic violence, restraining orders, post-judgment modifications, and child custody and support. Principal attorney Lisa Hassett was admitted to practice in the California Bar in 1999. She helps clients settle various issues in a less adversarial setting.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lisa Hassett - Attorney and PrincipalActive25 yrs

2244 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (18)
Yelp
4.5 (11)
Avvo
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Thomas D. Ferreira is a divorce law firm located in Carlsbad. Thomas D. Ferreira is a divorce mediator who has handled various kinds of divorce cases for over 30 years. He and his team mediate between petitioners and responders to keep separations amicable and negotiations stress-free. They also work with a certified divorce financial analyst to estimate suitable costs of alimony and child support. Additionally, the lawyer coaches clients for divorce litigation and child custody trials.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Ferreira - Principal/OwnerActive37 yrs

6104 Innovation Way, Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (22)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Maria Taylor handles divorce matters for clients throughout Carlsbad and the surrounding metros. The firm utilizes a strategy in which its legal staff negotiates with the other party, seeks to prevent unnecessary litigation, and does whatever is possible to reduce the emotional and financial impact on the client. When necessary, the firm can also source forensic accountants to trace community assets in the division of marital property. Taylor has been in practice since 2001 and also speaks Russian.

  • Child Custody

2725 Jefferson Street, Ste. 2A, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (15)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

AC Howard Law handles clients' legal cases across Carlsbad and the surrounding areas. It assists individuals going through a divorce who wish to protect their rights and their children's needs by establishing custody and support agreements. It also helps clients divide or distribute stock options, retirement pension benefits, and businesses established throughout the marriage. The law firm is also available to guide clients with surrogacy, egg donation, and adoption matters. It caters to French- and Spanish-speaking clients.

  • Contested

440 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (20)
Yelp
4.3 (14)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Andrew P. Johnson APC is a team that comprises attorneys, a Certified Family Law Specialist, and paralegals serving families in Carlsbad. The firm offers flexible options to clients in divorce cases, including full and blended representation, paralegal service, court hearing preparation, and consulting. Additionally, it litigates high-asset divorce cases and offers family law mediation. Primary attorney Andrew P. Johnson has more than 19 years of legal experience with a sole focus on family law matters.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Johnson - PrincipalActive24 yrs

505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (6)
Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Ratzer Dobis assists Carlsbad clients who are facing family legal matters in reaching a successful outcome. The family law firm focuses on high-net-worth, complicated cases. It navigates clients in divorce cases, including property and asset division. The firm also offers mediation as an alternative to litigation. Moreover, it represents clients in child support, custody, and visitation matters. The firm’s lawyers, Jim Ratzer and Morgan Dobis, are both board-certified family law specialists. Ratzer is also a regular speaker for family law issues.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Morgan Dobis - PartnerActive12 yrs
Jim Ratzer - PartnerActive34 yrs

2424 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (25)
Avvo
4.7 (9)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of William C. Halsey provides clients in Carlsbad with representation in various legal matters. Its scope of work ranges from personal injury cases to divorces. Its attorneys can also help clients establish ownership of different assets in cases of marital property division. Moreover, they can represent clients in cases of domestic abuse. Managing partner William Halsey previously served as vice president of the North County Bar Association and as chairman of its Personal Injury section.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Alimony

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Halsey - PrincipalActive48 yrs

2131 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (11)
Google
4.2 (5)
FindLaw
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Goforth Family Law & Mediation is a firm operating in Carlsbad. Bringing two decades of experience in the field, it assists individuals and families in a wide range of family law matters including divorce mediation, annulment of marriage, establishing paternity, enforcing judgments, or entering or ending cohabitation agreements. Its legal team also specializes in tackling legal separation agreements, plans for the division of property, and negotiation of custody and visitation. The firm's owner, Paula J. Goforth, is a certified Mediation Specialist.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Alimony

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Paula Goforth - OwnerActive22 yrs

Compare our Top Divorce Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Thomas D. Nares, Attorney at Law, A Professional Corporation
2794 Gateway Rd Suite C-5, Carlsbad, CA 92009Free consultation
Schaffer Family Law Group
12520 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130
Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP
214 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
The Law Office of Michael C. MacNeil
10620 Treena St Ste. 230, San Diego, CA 92131
Right Lawyers
701 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
John F. Anderson - Attorney
12770 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130
Mindful Legal
2777 Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hassett Family Law
11622 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
Law Offices of Thomas D. Ferreira
2244 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008
The Law Office of Maria Taylor
6104 Innovation Way, Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92009
AC Howard Law
2725 Jefferson Street, Ste. 2A, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Andrew P. Johnson APC
440 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Ratzer Dobis
505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Law Office of William C. Halsey
2424 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
Goforth Family Law & Mediation
2131 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Disclaimer:  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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Carlsbad, California?

    The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Carlsbad is 760-931-2197.

  • Can you keep your engagement ring after a divorce in Carlsbad?

    In general, you can keep the engagement ring after the divorce in Carlsbad. It is important to note that engagement rings are considered to be conditional gifts in the state. They usually belong to the bride after the wedding and are therefore considered separate property. There is an exception to this rule such as when the ring is a family heirloom of the groom. In this case, the court will order the ring to be returned.

  • How fast is a divorce process in Carlsbad, California?

    The minimum time needed for a divorce in Carlsbad is six months due to the 6-month waiting time required in California, also known as the cooling-off period. It is meant to provide couples with more time to think about and evaluate their marriage. You and your spouse can have an easier and faster divorce process if you both agreed on terms such as the separation of properties and custody of children if there are minors.

  • How long do you have to pay spousal support in Carlsbad, California?

    The duration of paying spousal support in Carlsbad depends on the longevity of the marriage. If you and your spouse stayed in the marriage for 10 years or less, you will have to give spousal support for half of the length of the marriage. On the other hand, if you were married for more than 10 years, the couple or the court can decide when the support would stop.

  • How many times can you make a modification to a divorce decree in Carlsbad?

    Generally, there is no actual limit to the number of times you can modify a divorce decree in California as long as you can demonstrate a significant change in circumstances such as a change in income, health, and or living situation. However, there are some restrictions on requesting modifications for certain issues such as child custody and visitation.