YOUR EXPERIENCED FAMILY AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY IN SAN DIEGO

Best Divorce Attorney in San Diego with Dual FOCUS ON family law and Criminal Defense

Helping You & Your Family Find a Brighter Tomorrow

Contact me for a low-cost consultation regarding any family law or criminal defense matter.

Reach Out Today: 1 (858) 922-7098

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AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Whether you’re going through a divorce or you need help defending your name in a criminal court of law, there’s no cookie-cutter way of tackling your issue effectively. That’s because each case is distinct; there’s no such thing as a magic formula for calculating how a particular event has impacted you or your family.

As a trial and divorce attorney in San Diego with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in child custody, restraining orders, criminal defense, adoptions for step-parents, and estate planning. I am ready to provide you with the personalized attention and services that your unique case deserves.

Ready to get started? Reach out today for a low-cost consultation.

Family Law

  • Estate Planning
  • Child Custody
  • Paternity Issues
  • Military Divorce
  • Child Spousal Support
  • Apportionment of Assets
  • Adoptions
  • Asset Property Division
  • Deferred Home Sales

Criminal Law

  • Restraining Orders
  • Civil Harassment
  • Second Amendment Violations
  • Domestic Violence
  • Domestic Violence Support
  • DUI Defense
  • Juvenile Defense
  • Expungements

DIVORCE

Most divorce cases take too long and cost too much. There are numerous ways attorneys can extend a case and increase the fees they charge their clients. As your trusted divorce attorney in San Diego, I will always act in your best interest and communicate transparently about your case from start to finish and beyond.

Learn About Divorce

CHILD CUSTODY

Child custody matters will escalate if you and the other parent cannot agree. However, the judge will consider a mediation report from Family Court Services or a private mediator. As your family law and child custody lawyer in San Diego, I can help you navigate this process smoothly.
Learn About Child Custody

ESTATE PLANNING

Make your wishes clear with comprehensive estate planning. Plan for the future of yourself and your loved ones with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and more. As a seasoned family law attorney, I can help you protect your assets and offer peace of mind.

Learn About Estate Planning

CRIMINAL LAW

Beyond the scope of divorce trial proceedings and family law in San Diego, my experience as a former criminal prosecutor provides you with a formidable edge. I can help you with restraining orders, domestic abuse, civil harassment allegations, Second Amendment violations, and more.

Learn About Criminal Law

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WHY THE LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL C. MACNEIL?

I take pride in operating with a high level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism in every case.

As a San Diego family law attorney who has experienced the stress of a divorce, I offer comprehensive legal support in family law you may not find elsewhere. I know what unscrupulous attorneys charge in billable hours and vow to do the opposite. 

With nearly two decades of trial experience, I have insights into the San Diego law scene that provides my clients with effective representation. Whether you face a high-stakes divorce, sensitive child custody issues, concerns about your assets, or criminal charges, I am the attorney who will guide you through every step of the legal process. 

My approach to divorce will speed up the process and my efforts will protect your rights and interests. Together, we can achieve the most favorable outcome, regardless of the dynamics. You can expect your case to receive the personalized attention it deserves without the sneaky tactics. 

Strategy is first and foremost, but it should not bleed you dry and empty your bank accounts. Book a consultation now to protect every hard-earned dollar and find relief for you and your loved ones.

When you hire me as your family law or criminal law attorney in San Diego, I pursue your case with the highest level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism you will find. When you leave my office, you can feel confident that your best interests are protected from start to finish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I RECEIVE LEGAL SERVICES REMOTELY?

Yes. I can manage your San Diego legal needs remotely. I understand that when you are facing a pressing legal issue, like a divorce, criminal charge, or estate planning issue, you need legal help immediately. You don’t have time to wait for an attorney with typical office hours to respond to your call. That’s why I am here to support you virtually from any location in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

Call me today to get started.

WHAT IS THE COST OF DIVORCE IN CALIFORNIA?

A typical divorce case in California can range from more than $5,000 to nearly $40,000. These varied costs depend on several factors, as no two divorce situations are alike.

On average, the cost of divorce in California is about $17,500. Note that divorce proceedings involving children tend to be the most expensive to conclude.

HOW LONG WILL MY CRIMINAL CASE TAKE?

The length of your criminal case will ultimately depend on the pending criminal charges and the complexity of your case. However, critical proceedings will start immediately after arrest, so you must reach out to a criminal defense attorney in San Diego near you as soon as possible.

As your attorney, I will guide you through the California court system and help you choose the best, most personally favorable path given the circumstances surrounding your case.

HOW LONG WILL MY DIVORCE TAKE?

Sadly, in San Diego and the state of California, family law courts’ calendars are often full. For this reason, the divorce process usually lasts between eight and 20 months, with 15 months being the average. Unscrupulous divorce lawyers in San Diego take advantage of this by adding unnecessary billable hours to increase the cost of your divorce.

IS HIRING AN ATTORNEY NECESSARY FOR PURSUING A RESTRAINING ORDER?

Being represented by an attorney is not a requirement for those seeking restraining orders. However, having an attorney represent you offers multiple benefits.

First, as your attorney, I can help you to choose the best restraining order option for your particular situation (e.g., emergency order, temporary order, criminal order, or civil harassment order).

I can also help you to successfully prepare the necessary court documents based on my knowledge of today’s legal standards and the kinds of evidence required to justify your order. Finally, I can legally represent you at the hearing for the restraining order you’re seeking.


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RESOURCES & FURTHER READING

I regularly cover important law topics to help my clients and our community learn more about how to navigate California’s legal system, whether it’s for learning how family law works or the intricacies of criminal charges in the state.