Divorce Lawyer in San Diego, CA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finding the right divorce lawyer in San Diego, California can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your finances, parenting rights, and long-term stability. Whether you’re facing a contested divorce, navigating a high-asset split, or simply need help understanding California's complex community property laws, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in San Diego.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in San Diego?

You may need a San Diego divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Disputes over custody, visitation, or joint decision-making

• High-conflict communication or lack of cooperation

• Significant assets, investments, or multiple real estate properties

• Military divorces (very common in San Diego)

• Complex compensation packages, stock options, or RSUs

• A business or professional practice

• Disagreements over alimony

• Domestic violence or safety issues

• Suspected hidden assets, offshore accounts, or cryptocurrency

• A case likely to require hearings or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Co-parenting & custody arrangements

• Child support and spousal support

• Division of community property

• Retirement accounts, stock, and investments

• Who stays in the home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your San Diego divorce paperwork for far less than a traditional family law attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in San Diego, CA

San Diego divorces are processed through the Superior Court of California – County of San Diego.

Primary Filing Location (Central Division)

San Diego Superior Court — Family Law Division
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 844-2700

Additional Locations Serving Surrounding Areas

North County Division
325 S Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081

East County Division
250 E Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020

South County Division
500 3rd Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

These courts handle:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody and visitation

• Child & spousal support

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Mediation

• Settlement conferences & trials

San Diego County supports e-filing, which speeds up the process for uncontested cases.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in San Diego:

• You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months, AND

• Lived in San Diego County for at least 3 months

If you don’t yet meet residency rules, you can file for legal separation first.

How Divorce Works in San Diego, CA

Here’s how the divorce process usually unfolds:

1. File the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110)

These forms start the case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

They have 30 days to file a Response.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

California requires each spouse to exchange:

• Declaration of Disclosure

• Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150)

• Schedule of Assets & Debts (FL-142)

San Diego cases often involve detailed financial documentation for:

• Military pensions

• RSUs and stock options

• Tech salaries

• Real estate portfolios

• Business valuations

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

San Diego requires:

• Mandatory mediation through Family Court Services (FCS)

• Filing a parenting plan

• Possible parenting classes

5. Settlement or Litigation

Uncontested cases move quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Mediation

• Depositions

• Financial forensic evaluations

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the final judgment when all issues are resolved.

⚠️ Mandatory Waiting Period

California requires a 6-month waiting period from the date of service before the divorce is final.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in San Diego, CA?

Attorney fees in San Diego vary based on complexity, assets, and conflict level.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $350–$800

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $5,000–$10,000

• Contested divorce: $20,000–$50,000+

• High-asset or military divorces: $75,000–$200,000+

Cases involving multiple properties, business ownership, and stock compensation tend to cost the most.

Local Divorce Lawyers in San Diego, CA

Here are reputable San Diego divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC

https://www.msmfamilylaw.com

2. Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, LLP

https://www.wf-lawyers.com

3. The Law & Mediation Firm of Klueck & Hoppes, APC

https://www.familylawsandiego.com

These firms specialize in high-asset divorce, military divorce, custody disputes, and contested litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you can avoid high attorney fees.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all California divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file everything with the San Diego Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case start-to-finish.

These are perfect options for couples who agree on the terms of their divorce.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a San Diego divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• You own a business or investment properties

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You have significant assets or complicated stock compensation

• One spouse may be hiding income or cryptocurrency

• Litigation is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for San Diego Couples

• California-specific forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Expert divorce specialists

• Faster, simpler, and more affordable than traditional law firms

• Ideal for uncontested divorce cases

Divorce.com helps San Diego couples complete their divorce with clarity, confidence, and support.

Start Your San Diego Divorce Today

Whether you need a lawyer or prefer an online service, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com makes the process simple, affordable, and stress-free for San Diego families.