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Christopher Craig Happ

Divorce and separation Attorney at San Diego, CA

4.8   28 reviews

also known as Christopher Happ


Licensed for 15 years

Virtual consultation available

About Christopher

Learn Christopher’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    50%
    All issues that arise in a divorce case including child custody/visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence

    15 years

  2. Child custody
    25%
    Obtaining and modifying child custody/visitation orders

    15 years

  3. Alimony
    10%
    Obtaining or modifying temporary or long-term spousal support (including modifications necessary due to loss of employment or reduced income during coronavirus pandemic)

    15 years

  4. Child support
    10%
    Including modifying child support orders necessary due to loss of employment or decreased income during coronavirus pandemic.

    15 years

  5. Domestic violence
    5%
    Temporary and Permanent Family Law Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (including restraining orders needed during court closure due to coronavirus pandemic)

    15 years

Christopher C. Happ is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and is licensed to practice in both the State of California and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.


Upon being sworn in to practice law, Mr. Happ immediately opened Happ Law Group P.C. Since its founding, Happ Law Group P.C. has been a firm exclusively devoted to representing individuals involved in family law disputes. Mr. Happ has prepared pleadings and discovery, negotiated settlements and litigated contested hearings/trials involving all aspects of family law, including, but not limited to, custody/visitation, child and spousal support, property characterization and division, enforcement of judgments, and domestic violence. His clients have ranged from individuals with modest income to those with cases involving millions of dollars of assets.


When not practicing law, Mr. Happ enjoys golfing, sailing and competing in triathlons. He is also former starting shortstop at Siena College (1996-1998) and University of Pittsburgh (1998-2000) as well as a former college basketball referee.

Awards

Client's Choice 2018,2012
Client's Choice
2018 2012

Photos and videos

Licensed for 15 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2007
Updated 12/01/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Christopher

Happ Law Group, P.C.
7801 Mission Center Ct.
Suite 450
San Diego, CA, 92108

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  28 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Christopher received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2018
Posted by Ramak | February 17, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Powerhouse attorney!
Watching Chris Happ in action in court is just incredible! He is extremely knowledgeable, competent and respectful. When he talks, the judge is all ears. Everything he presents is based on facts so the credibility that he earns in courtroom is one of the factors that he wins a lot. I just love to watch him make points in a methodical, confident and honorable way in court. His rates are fair. He not only has a wealth of knowledge in family law, but he is also knowledgeable in finances and great with numbers. He tries to wrap up cases as quick as possible. He is invested in his clients well being. I am forever grateful to chris for doing a superb job of representing me and my kids. I don’t have words to express my gratitude. If you are looking for a powerhouse of an attorney to represent you, look no further.
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Posted by Stephanie | February 15, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing to work with
Christopher was very helpful through my whole divorce and custody process. He was always willing to go the extra mile in explaining every option and not just looking for the biggest payout. I would highly recommend anyone in the San Diego area to work with Christopher, he was great to work with and made a very difficult process very manageable.
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Posted by Limin | June 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A lawyer with high level of expertise and integrity
Going through separation and divorce is one of the most stressful and painful experiences in one's life. When I was facing this ordeal alone in 2019, all I wanted was finding a trustworthy, reliable lawyer as soon as possible. I was lucky that Mr. Christopher C. Happ was recommended to me at that point. After I retained him as my lawyer, what he has done to represent me responsibly from start to finish in my case, to communicate efficiently with the judges and court clerks, to explain the tangled situation and complex procedure patiently to me, to argue for my best benefits...all has proved him an excellent and highly reliable lawyer. Mr. Happ suggested me to avoid some unnecessary procedure. He worked efficiently and often finished writing emails and documents in short time. Less time means less cost for clients. So, he helped me save service fees and legal costs. With Mr. Happ's guidance and help, the separation and divorce were settled in 2021 May relatively smoothly. I am satisfied with the result. I can finally leave a traumatic memory behind and start to work for a bright future.
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Posted by Daniel | March 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
OUTSTANDING ATTORNEY!
Chris provided outstanding legal services in a difficult spousal support modification case that required a great deal of skill to reach a successful outcome for me. His communication skills with the me, the other Attorney, and Judge were great. He submitted a very detailed, comprehensive case to the Judge and helped explain it during the hearing to facilitate a favorable decision. I highly recommend Chris Happ for all Family Law cases.
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Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional. Transparent. Communicative.
Christopher was referred to me by a colleague many years ago and he ended up as my attorney for over 5 years during my complex divorce case. During that time I never once felt like I needed to question his competence or integrity. He always let me know what options were available to me and advised the financial implications as well. He was well-versed in the law and remained on top of all the details of my case which was reassuring during such a difficult time. I had the utmost confidence in him and the work he was doing. While I hope I don’t need family law representation in the future, I wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again.
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Posted by anonymous | July 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Competent, professional and easy to work with
I found Mr. Happ to be competent and professional. He often urged restraint, which I think is a good and less expensive strategy. He was also willing to let me know when we were up against the bounds of his competence, such as when we got into areas of business valuation. But he was fully knowledgeable about domains that centered on family law. He was a good listener and understood my aims for litigation and helped me through the process as quickly as the system allowed, for which I was grateful, since divorce litigation sucks. I was able to settle my case without a financially devastating outcome. Chris's courtroom litigation skills and ability to advocate for me in front of a judge saved me several thousands of dollars when a judge was about to grant my ex alimony based on a faulty understanding her side manufactured. Thanks to Chris, this did not happen. His rates are reasonable and although not cheap, they are less on an hourly basis than other lawyers my friends have used. So I thought they were a good value for his expertise and in light of the outcome, which could have been so much worse.
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Posted by Dennis | December 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommendation for Happ Law Group
I give Mr. Happ the highest recommendation. He always displayed empathy, expertise, preparation, creativity and highly effective skills. I am confident that anyone engaging Mr. happ will be very happy that they did so.
Posted by Lisa | July 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent family law attorney
I highly recommend Christopher Happ for family law. He is a super smart lawyer who considers all of the issues before offering his advice and opinions about your case. He's honest, and responds in a timely manner when you need to reach him. His office staff are professional and I never felt like anything except a valued client. I found Chris by referral after having a nightmare experience with another lawyer, and was already jaded by the legal process. Chris took a complex situation and worked through it piece by piece until the situation was satisfactory for both myself and my ex. We had never wanted to have an adversarial relationship, and Chris preserved that for us. Thank you Chris!!! Also, after my previous legal experience, I thought his prices were more than fair, and he works pretty fast, preserving your budget.
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Posted by anonymous | November 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Attorney
I had an exceptional experience with Chris Happ and his wonderful paralegal, Ame'e. In a seemingly overwhelming situation, Mr. Happ was able to help me understand each step of the process thoroughly so that I could make appropriate decisions based on my circumstances. All of my phone calls and e-mails were answered in a timely manner and Mr. Happ was on time and prepared for every court hearing. I was particularly impressed with their attention to detail when the other party was not responding appropriately. Every situation was handled with professionalism and I was cc'd on every e-mail that took place between the other attorney. Mr. Happ was my advocate every step of the way and was my voice when I didn't feel that I had a leg to stand on. I would recommend Happ Law Group to anyone that needs support with even the most simple family law case (even the most simple ones can become messy), he was amazing!
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Posted by Susie Broussard | November 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer
Chris Happ has represented me multiple time within the past 6 years. I have also referred him to friends and family. I can not say anything negative about him, his services and his amazing paralegal Am'ee. Him and Am'ee have always been there when needed and taken care of everything my case has needed quickly, professionally and accurately. I have put him through 2 divorce cases, child custody, child support, and a CPS case . He is always honest and straight forward with what the outcomes will probably be and realistic about my demands being fair or even worth fighting for. My questions were always answered and never once felt like I was being taken advantage of or not being listened to. In all my cases the outcome has been fair and what I wished for. I will keep using Chris in the future and keep referring him to my friends and family.
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Posted by Ryan | November 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Huge help with my child's custody agreement
Chris Happ represented me in 2016 & 2017 with my custody agreement for my son. He was a huge asset, not only helping facilitate all the paperwork and court proceedings, but also helping me work through my questions and determine what aspects I wanted covered in the agreement. I would definitely recommend Chris for anyone looking for an attorney to help with a custody agreement. He was always responsive and professional. His paralegal Ame’e is also great and was a huge help as well.
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Posted by Laurie | November 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney and Law Office!
This is a very knowledgeable attorney and he has a very professional office. He responds very quickly and does everything he can to keep costs down.
Posted by Fred Maldonado | November 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Attorney (Highly reccomend MR. Happ)
Mr. Happ and his paralegal Ame'e have been wonderful. Mr. Happ treated me with kindness, compassion and was professional in every aspect of my case. He has extensive knowledge and patience of Family Law who treated me like a rock star. He shielded me through the very ugly process of a divorce and taught me how to deal with any situation. An attorney should be able to educate his client and safeguard them through the tremendous hardship of family law. Mr. Happ and Ame'e exceeded my expectations. Fred Maldonado
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Posted by Joe | November 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top notch!
I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Happ as a divorce attorney. He and his staff are consummate professionals who treated me with respect and made me feel as if I were their most important client. I definitely felt my money was well spent, in particular when I compared Happ with another attorney who was involved as a mediator in my divorce case. What a rip-off she was. Also, Chris’s personal assistant Ame’e was also a delight to work with. Thanks folks!!
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Posted by Zane | November 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Christopher Happ represented me in my divorce and I would recommend him to anyone in need of a Family Law attorney. Chris reduced my stress level significantly as he took care of everything quickly and efficiently and clearly explained everything I needed to do. I can't have imagined the process going smoother, and I can't thank Chris enough for his help.
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Posted by Jennie | November 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
Christopher Happ was amazing on my case. He was compassionate, very knowledgeable and helpful and made what was a very emotional and trying time for me a little easier. I was confident having him represent me and ended up very satisfied in the end result. I highly recommend Happ Law Group.
Posted by anonymous | November 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and Prepared
I appericated Mr. Happ's honesty. He gave me a very realistic idea of what could happen in my custody case. When we were in court the other attorney would stumble over facts or dates and Mr. Happ had them all at the tip of his fingers. I felt like he was explaining incidents in his life, not mine and my childs. He knew the case inside and out and it really showed. My outcome was almost exactly like he predicted it would be.
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Posted by Walter | November 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A skilled, professional with Integrity.
I highly recommend Christopher Happ, he's a skilled Family Law Professional. I was happy with his services. I was kept informed throughout the process. Chris always had time to take my phone calls or answer my emails. It was a first for me and a first rate experience.
Posted by Nancy | November 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Christopher Happ - Brilliant and honest family lawyer
I recommend Christopher Happ to friends, family and everyone who needs a smart, honest and upfront family lawyer. He is extremely prepared for all situations in the courtroom, analyzes the many options that develop and offers brilliant advice. He has a strong analytical and financial perspective, to add to his legal expertise. I worked with other lawyers during my initial divorce and they were disappointing in many respects. My case with Christopher was complicated, covering both spousal support adjustments and disabled child/adult support. He was extraordinary in putting it all together for the court to make a favorable decision.
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Posted by Samantha | November 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely the BEST
We have hired Mr. Happ 3 times. As my husband and I like to say, "we don't have a lawyer, we have a HULK!!!" Mr. Happ has always been absolutely great. He works super hard, and it has always paid off, and won our cases. Their is no other lawyer/hulk we would even consider. It's Happ Law Group all the way! Mr. Happ has always had our best interest at heart. He is very considerate, understanding, and you can tell he cares.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 325-395 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Principal Attorney
  • Happ Law Group P.C.
  • 2007 - Present
  • Internship with the Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy
  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court
  • 2006 - 2006
  • Legal Intern
  • Dugan & Associates
  • 2006 - 2007

Education

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law
  • J.D.
  • 2007
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • M.P.A.
  • 2003
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • B.A.
  • 2000

Associations

  • Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • 2013 - Present
  • State Bar of California, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • San Diego Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2019
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2018
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2017
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2016
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2015
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2014
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2013
  • Top Young Attorneys
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2012
  • Top Young Attorneys
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2011
  • Top Young Attorneys
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2010
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (0)
Endorse Christopher
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"This attorney works very hard for the clients and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
Child custody Attorney | Sep 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.