About

Juris Doctor

As a native of San Diego, I am a passionate attorney practicing family law and criminal defense in “America’s Finest City”. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of California at Los Angeles in 1998. I then went on to earn my Juris Doctor degree at the University of San Diego School of law.

Since then, I’ve worked as a trial attorney for nearly 20 years. In my current sole practitioner role, I practice in more than one related yet distinct law area: family law and criminal defense.

FAMILY LAW

Family Law is the area of the law that covers those who are interested in getting a divorce or seeking a legal separation. For those getting a divorce in California, I will guide you through the process of dealing with issues such as child support, child custody, spousal support, and property division.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

When a person is investigated or arrested for a crime, it is essential to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. I can take the steps necessary to prevent charges from being filed and if they are, to get the best possible result for you. As a former prosecutor, I know the system inside and out.

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Estate law deals with probate, trusts, and wills. I am experienced in helping people to plan their estates or navigate the distribution of a deceased loved one’s property.

THE MICHAEL C. MACNEIL DIFFERENCE

The majority of attorneys concentrate on just one area of law in their practices. As a result, their clients must go to multiple attorneys for help with various aspects of the law.

If your legal matters overlap the areas of family law, criminal defense, and trusts and estates, you don’t need multiple lawyers. I can meet all of your needs.

A CLIENT-CENTRIC ATTORNEY

I am committed to offering my clients professional and personalized services at reasonable fees when they are in need of a family, criminal, or trust and estate solution in California. Some lawyers focus on taking advantage of their clients to boost their fees. While I enjoy the process of litigating cases through trial, I always advise clients to pursue settlements instead, as this is often in their best interest financially.

I’m also committed to providing convenient services. For Californians interested in divorce or other family law matter, criminal matter, or trust and estate matter, I can meet you at your home, at your workplace, or in the office setting.

PRAISE FOR MICHAEL C. MACNEIL

Over the years, my clients and colleagues have recognized me for not just top-notch legal skills, but, as importantly, for my strong focus on customer service. Former clients have thanked me for being straightforward and professional when handling their cases.

I focus on communicating well with clients and putting their needs first. I will answer all your questions, including going deeper into what family law is.

For a consultation, contact me today regarding getting a divorce, defending your rights in a criminal matter, or your trust/estate matter in California. With his help, you can be well on your way to resolving your divorce issues, protecting your liberty, or meeting your estate planning needs as quickly and efficiently as possible in San Diego.

PROCESS FOR GETTING A DIVORCE IN CALIFORNIA

Going through a divorce can be an overwhelming experience, and getting a divorce in California is no exception. Before you start the process, there are specific steps you need to take to receive a California divorce judgment. The first one is to determine which type of dissolution of marriage fits your particular situation–you may opt for the traditional or summary version.

Once you’ve decided which type of divorce is best, gather all financial records as you begin the process. That includes bank statements, pay stubs, W-2s, credit card statements, mortgage statements, and any other documentation related to finance. Next, you must acquire the required legal forms and complete the paperwork. You can find them online, at a local public library, or obtain them from the county clerk’s office.

After you have completed the necessary forms, you must file a petition and pay a filing fee. Currently, that fee is $435, and it is a requirement to get the process started. If children are involved, you should consider filing a court order for child and spousal support or visitation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The time it takes to get a divorce in California varies depending on how complex the case is and whether or not both parties can agree. A typical uncontested divorce can take six months to a year, while contested divorces may take much longer.
In California, you do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing by your spouse to file a petition or receive a California divorce judgment. The only ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences, which means that you and your spouse have suffered irreparable damage that has led to the breakdown of your marriage.

When getting a divorce in California, property division will occur according to community property laws, which means that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally between both parties. However, some exceptions and nuances may apply depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

While it is possible to represent yourself in a divorce proceeding, I recommend you seek legal counsel from an experienced divorce attorney. An experienced family law attorney such as myself can provide valuable guidance throughout the process and help protect your rights and interests.
The cost of hiring a divorce attorney varies depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your case and the time it takes the state of California to reach a divorce judgment. Many attorneys charge by the hour or flat fees for their services, so you must discuss pricing with potential attorneys before making any decisions. These are just a few common questions about getting a divorce in California. If you have additional questions or concerns about your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information.