Best Divorce Attorneys in San Diego
Roy M. Doppelt
Divorce Lawyers
For nearly 30 years, San Diego family law attorney Roy M. Doppelt, Esq. has been providing clients in Southern California with comprehensive legal services. He is currently an active member of the California and San Diego Bar Associations, and he is admitted to practice law in both California and Illinois state courts, as well as the Federal District Court for the Southern District of California.
Roy was raised in Chicago and attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He relocated to California to attend the California Western School of Law, where he obtained his J.D. in 1988, graduating with honors. He thereafter passed both the California and Illinois bars, and he currently serves clients in and around the greater San Diego metropolitan area. Roy is experienced in all matters related to separation and divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoptions, paternity proceedings, and modifications of final judgments, among other family law issues.
PHIL COLEMAN
Divorce Lawyers
Phil’s 20+ years of varied and complex litigation experience, coupled with his exclusive practice of family law since 2002, serves his clients very well. “His litigation experience gives him an edge in the courtroom against lesser advocates who frequently do not fully know the trial procedures or rules of evidence”, says San Diego Managing Attorney Zephyr Hill.
Phil has handled hundreds of cases to conclusion and helps clients with his straightforward honest approach. At Goldberg Jones, he has handled a large variety of cases involving business ownership, complex custody matters, domestic violence, and much more. Phil is a respected advocate and a superior family law attorney.
Phil chose family law to aid his clients not only with winning cases, but to help husbands and fathers through a tough time. He directs his clients to focus on important matters when emotions run high. According to Phil, “representing men almost exclusively has its advantages. We know the ins and outs of the system, have the relevant research, and know how to win cases.
We emphasize advocating for men and are very familiar with the issues that men deal with when it comes to divorce or custody.” The most rewarding part of my career at Goldberg Jones is to be able to help clients meet their needs and to win cases.
Phil is a native to southern California and when he is not at work he enjoys cycling, live music, skiing with his kids, cooking, and a good glass of scotch.
Shana J. Black
Divorce Lawyers
Shana J. Black was admitted to the California bar in 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her Juris Doctorate from University of San Diego School of Law in 2000, cum laude.
She was a member of the San Diego Law Review, serving with distinction, and a Merit Scholarship Recipient at the University of San Diego School of Law from 1997 to 2000. She has received numerous awards for her legal and community work, including the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, CALI Award for High Achievement in Trusts and Estates and International Civil Litigation, and recognition by the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. Prior to entering law school, she taught Macroeconomics, Microeconomics and Econometrics as a graduate assistant and adjunct faculty member.
Steven J. Prager
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Steven J. Prager handles a variety of Divorce and Family Law cases in San Diego, CA. If you are facing the family court system you may be overwhelmed and in need of help from an experienced attorney. Whether your Family Law matter requires litigation or mediation Steven has the expertise to guide you through the process.
For the past 12-years, Steven has dedicated his life to the practice of law. He has handled well over 500 cases to date and reports a success rate that exceeds 90%. Originally, Steven began his career with the San Diego County Public Defender in 2010. He joined the Family Law division of the Marshall Sanders firm in 2012, becoming a partner in 2015. He subsequently started his own practice now known as Prager Jones, APC. Steven is also a licensed Divorce Attorney in the State of Texas, and admitted to practice law before the U.S District Court, for the Southern District.
Steven describes his practice style as “efficient”. He focuses on what the problem is and getting the problem solved, as soon as possible, with the least possible cost to the client. Every case is unique and requires a distinctive legal strategy to be successful. Diplomacy can be the most efficient route to the best results while other cases require aggressive litigation. It’s essential that your Divorce attorney excels at a multitude of legal strategies. Steven has a background in competitive chess and game theory which he draws upon in developing legal strategies. He credits a large number of his successes to his innovative legal strategies.
Timothy Miranda
Divorce Lawyers
Timothy Miranda is a Founding Partner of Antonyan Miranda, a litigation trial attorney, and a Certified Family Law Specialist that has successfully represented a vast array of clients throughout the State, and in a wide range of legal matters.
Having started his legal career as a Certified Legal Intern for a former prosecutor and veteran criminal defense attorney, Mr. Miranda garnered invaluable litigation experience by participating in the defense of several high-profile felony trials. While still a law student, Mr. Miranda prevailed in his first criminal trial, securing an acquittal on all counts of assault and battery. That was followed by a not-guilty verdict on six counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, during Mr. Miranda’s first year of practicing law.
Mr. Miranda focuses exclusively on family law, domestic violence, as well as the collateral criminal and administrative issues that may arise from them. Aside from more traditional family law proceedings such as marital dissolution, child custody, and support, Mr. Miranda has also performed countless restraining order trials, and has prosecuted and defended several contempt trials. Additionally, Mr. Miranda represents clients in criminal domestic violence cases, as well as proceedings involving Child Welfare Services and juvenile dependency matters.
Prior to pursuing the practice of law, Mr. Miranda, who is bilingual English-Spanish, embarked on a successful career as an entrepreneur and executive. His strong business background and diverse legal experience has made Mr. Miranda a coveted attorney for high-net-worth individuals, captains of industry, professional athletes, as well as their spouses and partners.
Dolores Contreras
Divorce Lawyers
Creative solutions is Ms. Contreras’ specialty when it comes to practicing law. As a partner and founder of Contreras Law, Ms. Contreras has focused her skills and extensive experience in the areas of business litigation, real estate law, and family law. Ms. Contreras has reputable trial and litigation experience and represents business entities and individuals in a wide array of legal matters.
Ms. Contreras initially began practicing law with her focus on civil litigation matters, including business and real estate matters, and bankruptcy. During this time, several of her business clients sought advice from her on family law matters, specifically divorces where businesses and assets are involved. Her clients found it strategically beneficial to have an attorney well versed in business, real estate and trial skills to assist them with their family law needs. Ms. Contreras found that all of these areas intertwine and that having extensive knowledge in each one of them is important and beneficial to her clients.
sara neumann
Divorce Lawyers
Born San Bernardino, California
admitted to bar, 1997, California
1998, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Divorce Lawyer and Certified Family Law Specialist
State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Sara Neumann nominated as a semi-finalist for San Diego County Top Attorneys for 2009 with the San Diego Daily Transcript.
Education
University of California, San Diego (B.A., 1993)
Southwestern University School of Law (J.D., 1997)
Member
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists since 2008
Bar Association of Northern San Diego County
San Diego County Bar Association
American Bar Association
State Bar of California
Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles
Shannon B. Miles
Divorce Lawyers
Shannon Miles, a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2014, is a founding partner of Cage & Miles. Ms. Miles is committed to integrity and civility in the practice of family law and prides herself on her approachability in working with her clients by focusing on each client’s individual and unique needs. Ms. Miles is trusted by judges and attorneys alike serving as a court-appointed Minor’s Counsel throughout San Diego and as President of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association.
Education
- University of California San Diego, B.A.
- California Western School of Law, J.D.
Recognitions
- Best Lawyers, U.S. News & World Report
- Southern California Superlawyer, San Diego
- Union Tribune & Superlawyers Magazine
- Best Lawyers, Women in the Law Edition
Areas of Specialization
Shannon Miles is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Southern California Chapter. She was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers ® from 2016-2021 and was named a Superlawyer ® in 2020 and 2021.
Associations
- Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
- Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
- President, San Diego Family Law Bar Association
- Member, San Diego County Bar Association Family Law Section
- Member, Family Law Specialists Committed of the North County Bar Association
Having the best divorce lawyer in San Diego can provide numerous benefits for individuals going through the divorce process. Here are some advantages of hiring top-notch legal representation:
Expert Legal Advice: The best divorce lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in family law. They can provide you with expert advice tailored to your specific situation, ensuring you understand your rights and options throughout the divorce process.
Asset Protection: Divorce can involve the division of complex assets, such as real estate, investments, and businesses. A skilled lawyer can help protect your financial interests and ensure a fair distribution of marital property.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, custody and support arrangements can be emotionally challenging and legally intricate. A competent attorney can advocate for your parental rights and work to secure the best possible custody and support arrangement for your children.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorce cases are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. A top divorce lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively on your behalf, aiming to achieve a favorable settlement that meets your needs and priorities.
Reduction of Emotional Stress: Going through a divorce is emotionally taxing. Having a skilled lawyer handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life, reducing the burden of the legal process.
Court Representation: In cases where negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary, a strong divorce lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case persuasively and advocating for your interests before a judge.
Thorough Documentation: Divorce involves a substantial amount of paperwork and documentation. An experienced lawyer will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time, avoiding delays and potential legal issues.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Skilled divorce lawyers can guide you through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can lead to more amicable and cost-effective divorce resolutions.
Protection from Unfair Settlements: During a divorce, emotions can run high, leading to hasty decisions. The best divorce lawyers act as objective advisors, protecting you from accepting unfair or unfavorable settlements.
Knowledge of Local Laws: Each jurisdiction may have unique divorce laws and procedures. Hiring a local attorney who is well-versed in San Diego’s family law can be advantageous as they understand the local court system and judges’ preferences.
Legal Support for Complex Issues: Some divorces involve intricate legal issues, such as hidden assets, spousal support disputes, or prenuptial agreement challenges. A top divorce lawyer has the expertise to address these complex matters effectively.
In summary, having the best divorce lawyer in San Diego can make a significant difference in the outcome of your divorce case. They can provide valuable legal counsel, protect your rights and interests, and help you navigate the complexities of the divorce process with greater ease and confidence.