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Best San Diego Divorce Attorneys | 10 TOP Professionals

We analyzed reviews of San Diego divorce attorneys on more than 20 criteria and compiled a list of the best professionals for you.

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Primus Family Law Group

2650 Camino Del Rio North Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108

Child Support

Custody and Visitation

Mediation

Property Division

5/5

Google

4.8/5 ( 68 Reviews )

Avvo

5.0/5 ( 7 Reviews )

Facebook

5.0/5 ( 24 Reviews )

Free consultation

Child Support

Custody and Visitation

Mediation

Property Division

Primus Family Law Group, situated in San Diego, distinguishes itself with over 50 years of collective experience in family law. This firm specializes in divorce, domestic violence, establishment of parental relationships, and premarital agreements. Their approach is notable for zealous advocacy and empathetic client care.

Since opening, they have already received more than 18 awards. Founders and one of the best San Diego, California divorce lawyers Bonnie A. Rabinovitch-Mantel, CFLS, and Kim Marie Staron, Esq, lead a team recognized for their integrity and skill in negotiation and litigation. They offer a 30-minute free phone consultation to help clients figure out if the firm is right for them.

ATTORNEYS:

Bonnie Mantel

Managing Partner

17 years of experience

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Prager Jones

8880 Rio San Diego Dr, 8th Floor, San Diego, CA 92108

Child Custody

Mediation

Restraining Orders

Paternity

5/5

Google

4.9/5 ( 77 Reviews )

Avvo

5.0/5 ( 10 Reviews )

Yelp

4.8/5 ( 36 Reviews )

Free consultation

Child Custody

Mediation

Restraining Orders

Paternity

Prager Jones law firm specializes in divorce and family law in San Diego, CA. These lawyers handle cases involving military divorce, legal separation, spousal support, property division, child custody, visitation, child support, separation orders, domestic violence restraining orders, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Their approach is client-centered, focusing on quick, cost-effective resolutions. The firm handles high-conflict, uncontested, and mediation cases, ensuring personalized attention. Lead Attorney Steven J. Prager’s experience spans over 12 years, handling more than 500 cases with a success rate above 90%.

ATTORNEYS:

Steven Prager

Lead Attorney

11 years of experience

ATTORNEYS:

Morgan Jones

Lead Attorney

8 years of experience

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Moshtael Family Law

3990 Old Town Ave Suite. C105, San Diego, CA 92110

Child Support

Paternity Actions

Spousal Support

Modifications

5/5

Google

5.0/5 ( 35 Reviews )

Avvo

4.9/5 ( 222 Reviews )

Get a consultation

Child Support

Paternity Actions

Spousal Support

Modifications

Moshtael Family Law, a noted firm in Southern California, excels in divorce and family law. Their team, led by Navid Moshtael, brings over 185 years of combined experience. They specialize in child custody, spousal support, and high-net-worth divorces. The firm also handles alimony and modifications of court orders and visitation.

They integrate realtors and counselors for a comprehensive strategy in complex cases. Known for client-focused service and ethical practices, Moshtael Family Law serves clients in Irvine, San Diego, and the surrounding areas. Navid Moshtael, recognized with the Clients’ Choice Award 2023 from Avvo, is a reputable San Diego family law attorney, valued for his client satisfaction.

ATTORNEYS:

Navid Moshtael

Attorney

17 years of experience

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Law Offices of David C. Beavans

7675 Dagget Street, Suite 140, San Diego, CA 92111

Mediation

Appeals

Child Custody

Paternity

5/5

Google

4.7/5 ( 62 Reviews )

Avvo

5.0/5 ( 10 Reviews )

Yelp

4.7/5 ( 54 Reviews )

Get a consultation

Mediation

Appeals

Child Custody

Paternity

The Law Offices of David C. Beavans, APC in San Diego stands out for its comprehensive expertise in divorce. Led by David C. Beavans, Esq., a Certified Family Law Attorney in San Diego, the firm specializes in mediation, appeals & writs, civil litigation, and divorce matters. Their approach is both settlement-minded and trial-ready.

David C. Beavans reinforces his expertise with San Diego attorney reviews at Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating and recognition as a Top Lawyer in San Diego Magazine. He was the 2022 President of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association. Mr. Beavans is also an Adjunct Professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, teaching Family Law.

ATTORNEYS:

David Beavans

Founding Attorney

15 years of experience

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Scott Levin Esq, CDFA

9820 Willow Creek Rd Ste 410, San Diego, CA 92131

Military Divorce

Mediation

Same-Sex Divorce

Eldercare

5/5

Google

5.0/5 ( 117 Reviews )

Yelp

5.0/5 ( 26 Reviews )

Facebook

4.5/5 ( 50 Reviews )

Free consultation

Military Divorce

Mediation

Same-Sex Divorce

Eldercare

Scott Levin leads San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law with over 17 years of experience. As a San Diego divorce mediation attorney, he focuses on amicable resolutions, avoiding litigation. Levin’s unique ‘peacekeeping’ approach is trademarked as Chief PeaceKeeper.

The firm, known for its ethical and honest practices, offers services in divorce, eldercare, same-sex, military, and domestic relations. Levin’s expertise as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst aids clients in securing favorable financial settlements. Levin has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2004.

ATTORNEYS:

Scott Levin

Attorney

19 years of experience

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Doppelt and Forney

16466 Bernardo Center Dr #260, San Diego, CA 92128

Child Custody

Child Support

High-Asset Divorce

Spousal Support

5/5

Google

4.8/5 ( 117 Reviews )

Avvo

4.5/5 ( 8 Reviews )

Facebook

5.0/5 ( 6 Reviews )

Free consultation

Child Custody

Child Support

High-Asset Divorce

Spousal Support

Doppelt and Forney, APLC in San Diego specializes in family law, covering divorce, child custody, support, property valuation, prenuptial agreements, and high-asset divorce. They offer free 30-minute consultations, available in person or virtually.

One of the top divorce lawyers in San Diego, Roy Doppelt has over 30 years of experience in family law and is a 2019 Super Lawyer. Another founder, Damon Forney, a Certified Family Law Specialist, has over 20 years of experience and has a background as a Federal and State Prosecutor. Their combined experience and legal recognition position them to handle complex family law cases.

ATTORNEYS:

Roy Doppelt

Shareholder

35 years of experience

ATTORNEYS:

Damon Forney

Shareholder

26 years of experience

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Embry Family Law P.C.

2635 Camino Del Rio S. Suite 306, San Diego, CA 92108

Paternity

Child Custody

Prenuptial Agreement

Alimony

5/5

Google

4.9/5 ( 37 Reviews )

Avvo

4.7/5 ( 15 Reviews )

Facebook

4.7/5 ( 17 Reviews )

Get a consultation

Paternity

Child Custody

Prenuptial Agreement

Alimony

Embry Family Law P.C. provides expert family law services in San Diego. They handle divorce, paternity, child custody and support, and alimony cases. This firm stands out for its dedicated focus on family dynamics and financial legal matters.

Ben E. Embry, a San Diego divorce attorney and founder, is one of the Certified Family Law Specialists by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Previously, Ben was the managing partner of a full-service law firm. But after realizing that this type of firm couldn’t serve clients the way they deserved, he founded Embry Family Law P.C., where his sole practice is family law.

ATTORNEYS:

Ben Embry

Founding Attorney

13 years of experience

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Cage & Miles, LLP

16644 West Bernardo Drive, Ste. 201, San Diego, CA 92127

Military Divorce

Mediation

Child Custody

Child Support

4.5/5

Google

4.9/5 ( 103 Reviews )

Avvo

4.6/5 ( 9 Reviews )

Facebook

4.6/5 ( 26 Reviews )

Free consultation

Military Divorce

Mediation

Child Custody

Child Support

Cage & Miles, a California-based law firm, specializes in divorce, child custody, and high net-worth divorces. The firm is recognized for its effective negotiation and litigation skills. Co-founder Shannon B. Miles, a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2014, has earned accolades in Best Lawyers and as a Southern California Superlawyer.

As one of the best divorce lawyers in San Diego, she approaches each case with integrity and personalization. Jaime N. Cage, also a Certified Family Law Specialist, excels in Mediation Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Her commitment extends to volunteering for domestic violence victims.

ATTORNEYS:

Shannon Miles

Partner

16 years of experience

ATTORNEYS:

Jaime Cage

Partner

11 years of experience

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Antonyan Miranda, LLP

402 W Broadway, 21st Floor, San Diego, CA 92101

International Divorce

Same-Sex Divorce

Child Support

Property Division

4.5/5

Google

4.8/5 ( 326 Reviews )

Avvo

4.8/5 ( 26 Reviews )

Facebook

4.3/5 ( 37 Reviews )

Yelp

4.4/5 ( 190 Reviews )

Get a consultation

International Divorce

Same-Sex Divorce

Child Support

Property Division

Antonyan Miranda, based in San Diego, specializes in diverse family law areas. They handle high-net-worth, military, and international divorces. The firm is skilled in complex custody issues, probate litigation, estate planning, and financial facets of family law. This includes prenuptial agreements and property division.

Their team includes certified specialists in Family and Appellate Law, with an internal forensic accountancy department. Founding Partner Timothy Miranda is a Certified Family Law Specialist with extensive experience in marital dissolution, and domestic violence cases. Despite many awards, SD Metro Magazine recognized founders Tim Miranda and Ilona Antonyan as one of San Diego’s Top Family Lawyers.

ATTORNEYS:

Timothy Miranda

Founding Partner

12 years of experience

ATTORNEYS:

Ilona Antonyan

Founding Partner

18 years of experience

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Goldberg Jones

3111 Camino Del Rio N Ste 1050, San Diego, CA 92108

Divorce For Men

Child Custody

Child Support

Fathers’ Rights

4.5/5

Google

4.5/5 ( 108 Reviews )

Avvo

5.0/5 ( 2 Reviews )

Yelp

3.9/5 ( 78 Reviews )

Free consultation

Divorce For Men

Child Custody

Child Support

Fathers’ Rights

Goldberg Jones, a men’s divorce attorney firm in San Diego, specializes in family law, focusing on fathers’ rights. Established in 1996, their expertise includes divorce, custody, child support, property division, appeals, and protective orders.

Managing attorney Zephyr Hill has over 22 years of experience in California family law. He offers a free case analysis with a live conversation directly with him. In total, their team consists of more than 25 attorneys dedicated to the practice of family law, particularly representing husbands and fathers.

ATTORNEYS:

Philippe Coleman

Divorce Attorney

36 years of experience

ATTORNEYS:

Richard Kolek

Divorce Attorney

29 years of experience

ATTORNEYS:

Zephyr Hill

Managing Attorney

22 years of experience

 

Divorce can be difficult, both in emotional and financial terms. In this part, we will streamline this experience by reviewing the cost of San Diego divorce attorney representation, filing with the court, and the process itself. So let’s get started!

 

San Diego Divorce: Quick Facts

  • The average San Diego divorce attorney’s hourly rate is $350.
  • The fee for filing a divorce in the San Diego Superior Court is $435.
  • California has a mandatory waiting period of 6 months after filing and the other spouse's response.
  • California is a "no-fault" divorce state, so you can get it by starting a court case without proof.
  • On average, an uncontested divorce in San Diego takes 7-8 months, while a contested one takes up to 18 months.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Get Divorced in San Diego, CA?

In San Diego, CA, hiring a lawyer for a divorce isn’t mandatory, but it can be crucial in these scenarios:

  • If there's a disagreement on divorce terms.
  • When children are involved, for custody and support issues.
  • Complex financial situations, like large assets or debts.
  • When navigating spousal support or alimony.

how to find san diego divorce attorney

Hiring a divorce attorney in San Diego offers many advantages. For example, they provide expertise in local family law to ensure legal compliance and the protection of your rights. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, striving for a fair settlement. They also handle the legal paperwork and court representations, reducing stress and potential errors.

Here are some things to consider when hiring a San Diego divorce lawyer:
01

Experience and Specialization

Look for attorneys experienced in cases like yours. Check the testimonials on the lawyer's website or ask for them at a consultation.
02

Reputation and Reviews

Research their reputation and client feedback.
03

Fees and Billing

Ask about their fee structure and billing practices.
04

Comfort Level

Ensure you feel comfortable and understood by the attorney. Some of them specialize only in fathers' rights, and some in LGBT or military divorces. Find a specialist who understands your needs and challenges.

Many divorce attorneys in San Diego offer a free consultation, so you can discuss the main points before making a final decision to hire them.

Сost of Divorce in San Diego

Most lawyers recognize the needs of those seeking a low-cost divorce in San Diego. They provide consultations or check your case at the first meeting to determine what to expect. But the price varies based on many factors. Let’s find out!

san diego divorce attorney cost

 

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in San Diego?

The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer in San Diego depends on a few key factors:

  • Contested vs. uncontested divorce
  • Presence of children
  • Property division
  • Length of legal proceedings
  • Complexity of financial assets
  • Need for extra experts or specialists
  • Spousal support issues

Lawyers in San Diego start contested divorce cases with a retainer fee, averaging around $5,000. Then they charge an hourly rate ranging from $300 to $600.

On average, the total cost for legal services in a contested divorce reaches $17,500 in a case with children, and $14,000 without. This is 37% more than the national average cost of a divorce lawyer.

For uncontested divorces, lawyers often opt for a flat fee due to the reduced amount of work required. The average cost for such a divorce in California is about $5,500. But an affordable divorce attorney in San Diego can test your case at a free consultation, and the legal fees will be even lower.

 

How much does it cost to file for a divorce in San Diego?

There is a $435 fee for filing for divorce in San Diego Superior Court. This amount is the same for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or nullity.

The fee for filing a response to a divorce petition (including motions to set aside and ex parte applications for restoration of the former surname after a court decision, if the fee for filing the first document has not been paid earlier) is also $435.

Other relevant family law fees that may arise in a divorce:

  • The fee for filing a petition, order to show cause, or request for an order (if the first fee has been paid before) is $60.
  • For petitions or orders to show cause to change or enhance custody or visitation, an extra fee is $25.

If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you may request that the court exempt you from all or part of your costs. To do so, file a request for a fee waiver. You must complete and send it to the court:

Each party must fill out its forms. Eligibility for a fee waiver depends on your family income or whether you receive public help.

 

Who pays for a divorce in California?

In general, during a divorce, everyone pays for legal fees and filing themselves. But in California, you have the option of asking a judge to order your spouse to pay for your legal representation. This also applies to other family matters, such as paternity cases.

This request is particularly pertinent if you cannot afford a lawyer, but your spouse or the other parent can. The court considers this request when there is a significant disparity in financial resources between parties. The aim isn’t to punish or reward either party but to ensure fair legal representation​​.

Several factors influence the judge’s decision on attorney’s fees:

  • Your income and financial needs.
  • Each party's access to financial resources.
  • The ability of one party to pay both lawyers' fees​​.

But determining the exact amount needed can be challenging. So, you may request funds enough to start the case, with the option to ask for extra funds to finish it​​.

The process involves several steps:

  • Complete the Request for the Order form to specify what and why you are requesting​​.
  • Consult with lawyers to find out a reasonable fee amount​​.
  • Fill out the necessary attachments to detail the required funds.
  • Complete the Income and Expense Declaration to prove your financial situation​​.
  • Attach supporting documents, such as pay stubs or bills.
  • Make copies of all forms for filing​​.
  • Submit the forms to the court (by mail or online) and pay a $60 filing fee.
  • Serve the forms to your spouse and prepare for the court date.

After that, the judge will decide who will pay for the divorce during the hearing.

Processes and Divorce Law in San Diego, CA

The California Family Code governs divorce in San Diego. Below we will take a closer look at the key aspects of the divorce process in the state.

san diego divorce attorney work process

 

How to file for divorce in San Diego?

Divorce or legal separation begins with the filing of an application. You can do this in the California Superior Court, San Diego County. Bring the original forms and two copies of all documents to the court at one of these addresses:

  • Central Courthouse 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101
  • East County Regional Center 250 East Main St. El Cajon, CA 92020
  • North County Regional Center 325 South Melrose Vista, CA 92081
  • South County Regional Center 500 3rd Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910

You can also do this in electronic form using the official website of the California Superior Court, San Diego County.

To get a divorce in California, one of the spouses must

  • be a resident of California for at least 6 months;
  • be a resident of a particular county for at least 3 months.

If you don’t meet the residency requirements, you can first file for a legal separation and then amend the divorce petition when your period of residence in the county reaches 3 months.

 

How long does a divorce take in San Diego?

In San Diego, as in the rest of California, there is a mandatory waiting period of 6 months from the date of service of the summons or the defendant’s appearance. This period applies to all divorces, regardless of whether they are contested or uncontested. The other spouse has 30 days to respond to the petition.

Also, if the judge decides that reconciliation is possible, the court may postpone the case for up to 30 days. The California Family Code provides that only one division of the court should handle all divorce proceedings in a single case. While there may be exceptions to avoid delays, you should expect that scheduling more than one court hearing can take months.

So, the average duration of an uncontested divorce in San Diego is 6-8 months, while a contested one is 12-18 months.

 

How to get a quick divorce in California?

In California, the fastest way to get a divorce is through an uncontested process where both parties agree on all terms. If you meet the residency requirements and have an agreement on all issues, the process can be quick. But the six-month mandatory waiting period still applies.

To finish your divorce in San Diego quickly, follow these steps:

  • Make sure you and your partner agree on the basic issues of property division, custody, etc.
  • File a petition with the court.
  • The other partner should respond to the petition immediately (up to 30 days in total).
  • Pay all necessary fees.
  • Declare the settlement agreement.
  • Wait for 6 months.
  • Receive the final divorce document from the court.

Thus, you can complete an uncontested divorce within 6 months. But this type of divorce isn’t suitable for everyone, and even in this case, it is necessary to consult a family lawyer in San Diego to conclude a settlement agreement without risks for either party.

Summary

So, to complete your divorce, you need to figure out the issues to solve and your representation needs. Whether it’s full support or only a document review, you should consider a consultation with a San Diego divorce attorney. To find one, read reviews, check a lawyer’s specialization, and follow the list of the top 10 professionals above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the average retainer fee for a divorce lawyer in California?

On average, in San Diego, California divorce lawyers charge a retainer fee of $3,000 to $5,000. However, the price may vary, so it is better to clarify this during the consultation.

Can foreigners divorce in California?

To get a divorce in California, at least one of the parties must be a resident of the state for 6 months and live in the county of filing for 3 months. If one of the spouses lives in another country with children under the age of 18, they should consider a California divorce lawyer for free consultation before filing any documents with the court.

What is the 10-year rule for divorce in California?

The 10-year rule in California refers to a guideline in divorce cases where a marriage lasting 10 years or longer may allow a spouse to qualify for long-term or lifetime spousal support. This rule is often considered when determining the duration of alimony payments.

Can I get a divorce without my spouse signing California?

In California, each spouse doesn’t need to agree to a divorce. Either party can file for divorce. Non-participation in the case will only result in a “default” judgment, not in the rejection.

Is California a 50/50 divorce state?

Yes, California divides marital assets and debts equally between spouses in a divorce, following the 50/50 rule based on community property principles.

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