Family Law Practice Areas

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Reviewed By Stephen Smith, Managing Partner

Last Updated September 27, 2026

At Smith Family Law, APC, we handle the full range of California family law matters, from divorce and child custody to support disputes and marital agreements. Whether your case is straightforward or highly contested, our San Diego attorneys build every matter with care and prepare it as though it may need to be decided in court.

Comprehensive Family Law Representation

Family law disputes affect your finances, your relationships, and your children. Because so much is at stake, we approach each case with a clear strategy and an honest assessment of your options. Some clients want to resolve matters amicably through negotiation or mediation, while others need a firm advocate in the courtroom. We are prepared for both.

Our team has guided San Diego families since 2017, and we bring over 50 years of combined experience, including a California Certified Family Law Specialist, to every matter we take on. No matter which service you need, our goal is the same: to protect your rights and help you move forward.

Our Family Law Services

Select a practice area below to learn more:

Divorce: We guide you through every step of ending a marriage in California, from filing the petition to the final judgment, protecting your interests along the way.
Child Custody and Visitation: We help you pursue a parenting plan that protects your relationship with your children and serves their best interests, in or out of court.
Child and Spousal Support: We ensure support is calculated accurately under California’s guidelines and represent you in disputes over payments or modifications.
Uncontested Divorce: When both spouses agree on the terms, we offer an efficient, lower-cost path to finalizing your divorce.
Domestic Violence: We help you seek restraining orders and protection for yourself and your family, and defend against unfounded allegations.
Mediation: We offer a collaborative alternative to litigation that keeps decisions in your hands and can reduce cost and conflict.
Prenuptial Agreements: We draft enforceable prenuptial agreements that protect your assets and set clear expectations before marriage.
Postnuptial Agreements: We help married couples define how property, debt, and support will be handled through a properly drafted postnuptial agreement.
Marital Settlement Agreements: We prepare comprehensive settlement agreements that resolve the terms of your divorce and hold up over time.

What to Expect: Your Family Law Case, Step by Step

Every case is different, but most family law matters follow a similar path. Here is what working with our team generally looks like:

Free consultation. We start with a free 30-minute phone consultation to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explain your options.
Case review and strategy. We review your circumstances in detail, identify the issues that matter most, and build a strategy aligned with your goals.
Filing or responding. We prepare and file the petition that opens your case, or respond on your behalf if your spouse filed first.
Financial disclosures. Both parties exchange required financial information. We help you complete accurate disclosures and review the other side’s.
Temporary orders. When needed, we request temporary orders for support, custody, or use of property while the case is pending.
Negotiation or mediation. We work to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation, keeping decisions in your hands whenever possible.
Trial preparation. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we prepare your case thoroughly for court.
Resolution. Your case concludes with a negotiated settlement or a judgment from the court, and we make sure you understand what comes next.