Last updated: September 2026
Where can I find a free family law attorney in San Diego?
Yes, I offer a free initial consultation for California family law matters, and it is the simplest no-cost way to speak with an attorney. Other free legal help exists, but it usually depends on income limits and availability. Call or text my Mission Valley office to talk through your options.
Ongoing representation is not free. The consultation is.
This is general information about California family law. It is not legal advice, and reading it creates no attorney-client relationship.
What does the free consultation include?
It is a conversation about your situation and the process ahead. In my experience, most first calls run about 30 minutes. I explain how the court handles matters like divorce, custody, or support, what the path usually looks like, and what representation would cost. For example, California has a six-month minimum waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, and people are often relieved to hear that up front.
There is no booking calendar and no scheduled 15-minute slot. You call or text (619) 250-2683, and I get back to you quickly.
What are the other free or low-cost options?
Court self-help centers, legal aid organizations, and nonprofit clinics serve some families. Eligibility rules and wait times vary, and I am not the source for their current terms, so check with each directly. I have sent people to them when a case was a poor fit for my practice.
| Option | Typical tradeoff |
|---|---|
| Court self-help resources | Help with forms, not a lawyer representing you |
| Legal aid and nonprofit clinics | Income limits and limited capacity |
| Free consultation with a private attorney | Free conversation, then paid representation if you hire |
What does paid representation cost here?
I bill $300 per hour. A retainer for a new case typically ranges from $4,700 to $7,500, depending on the case. My practice runs with lower overhead than a large firm, so matters often total well below what big-firm billing produces. I would rather you hear the numbers at the start than discover them later.
Who handles the case?
I do. I am the only attorney in this office, so the attorney you speak with is the attorney who handles the case. I have appeared in the Downtown San Diego, Vista, El Cajon, and Chula Vista family courthouses, and my office is at 591 Camino De La Reina, Suite 821, in Mission Valley, near Mission Valley Center and the Interstate 8 corridor. Clients often come from Mission Valley, Hillcrest, North Park, and Kearny Mesa.
Spanish-language assistance is available through an outside translator.
My practice is family law only. For more on how I work, read how to choose a family law attorney in San Diego or visit the contact page.