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Kathy A Minella

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Avvo Rating9.8
  • San Diego, CA
  • Licensed for 11 years
  • Free consultation
Kathy A Minella
Kathy A Minella
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About Kathy

Your personal Certified Family Law Specialist. Schedule a free consultation today!

Minella Law Group was established in 2014 by Attorney Kathy Minella.  Kathy Minella began practicing family law right out of law school in 2010 working for one of the largest family law firms in Northern San Diego County.  She then ventured into a smaller boutique law firm where she ran the family law department.  Finally in 2014 Kathy Minella opened the doors of the Minella Law Group.  Kathy Minella has handled hundreds of contested and uncontested family law matters all over San Diego County.  Minella Law Group is located in the heart of beautiful Bankers Hill conveniently located close to the Family Law Courthouse and major freeways the 5 & 163.

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Practice areas

AdoptionDomestic violenceChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 50%

  2. Child custody: 25%

  3. Domestic violence: 20%

  4. Adoption: 5%

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

3335768 1410566498

3335768 1418419729

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive201011/07/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers21
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Certified Specialist - Family LawState Bar of California2017
Best LawyersSan Diego Business Journal2015
Jack Berman Service selectionThe California State Bar2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
President and Founding AttorneyMinella Law Group, APC2014 - Present
Adjunct ProfessorAshford University2012 - Present
AttorneySan Diego Law Firm2011 - 2014
AssociateFischer & Van Thiel, LLP2010 - 2011
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Big Brother Big SisterBig Sister2014 - Present
SDFLBAMember2013 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2010 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember2010 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Legal Guide10 Factors Used to Determine an Unfit Parent2014
Legal GuideFactors That Affect Spousal Support2014
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
California Western School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2009
Columbia CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts2003
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Domestic Violence ClassFamily and Domestic Violence2011
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Respond to AppealTrial court affirmed, appeal denied
Step Parent AdoptionWin
Move AwayOpposition Successful

Reviews

(27)4.5 stars
5 Star
85%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
7%
Review Kathy Minella

Best decision to have Kathy represent me!

5.0 stars

Posted by

Kathy and her team are truly top notch! I have to admit that my divorce case was not a walk in the park. I had been representing myself the first few months and no attorney could give me a straight answer on my very complicated case, leaving me feeling unsure of the murky waters ahead and no hope in getting a fair settlement. Kathy was open, honest, personable and most important of all, consistent. She didn't tell me what I wanted to hear like the other firms (and I talked to maybe 25+ attorneys)- she told me what I NEEDED to hear based on all the facts and what the most probable outcome would be according to Family Law. Her level-headed approach and "calm cool and collected" demeanor was key in dealing with my ex-husbands aggressive (dare I say, psycho) attorney. Kathy's team worked diligently to prepare my case and put together the most amazing, detailed responses with factual data. Her legal advice and knowledge is outstanding. She remained consistent to the end and I was able to get the outcome we discussed at our very first meeting. As someone who was going through divorce for the 1st time... it is very scary and you don't know what to expect. Kathy and her team put me at ease and treated me like a friend vs. just a client. There was no way I could have done that by myself or with anyone else representing me. Hiring Kathy is the best decision you could make.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly recommend.

5.0 stars

Posted by

Kathy and her office, specifically Matt Baker, have been phenomenal. I initially reached out to her when I was pregnant and she's been an invaluable resource since. Not only is she realistic and professional, she legitimately seems to care about me and my son. She's a talented attorney and a good person, I'd vouch for her 100% anyway.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Kathy is an outstanding divorce attorney who will win your case!

5.0 stars

Posted by

Kathy did a superb job during my divorce. She was diligent and organized and mastered all the key legal points of the case. She did not run up the bill but was measured and fair every step of the way. She is connected to many of the family practice judges in San Diego and knows their likes and dislikes personally, so she can tailor her arguments and strategy appropriately. When the day came for the trial, she absolutely destroyed the other side. They lost on every singe point, and she put our side in the best negotiating position possible with all the leverage. We won. It was not even close. She was worth every dime. I recommend her without reservation.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

She’s Amazing <3

5.0 stars

Posted by

This past year was honestly one of the roughest situations life could have thrown at me, but let me tell you how Kathy Minella and her AMAZING Team helped me breathe through Covid-19 like it didn’t exist. Kathy literally stepped in as my attorney on my family law case the night before my initial hearing, with no hesitation that with the little bit of evidence I had from past abuse spoke for itself. She is an organized, stress relieving, empowering Attorney that I would never have to think twice about recommending to someone. She made sure my story was heard and kicked ass on her first ever video trial!! Kathy Minella and her ENTIRE team never let me down! The constant communication between them and their clients was just a plus side of being able to have her with me every step of the way. I am forever grateful for this Angel:) Thank You So Much Minella Law Group for helping us keep our family safe!
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A year plus.

5.0 stars

Posted by

I've been working with Kathy for over a year now and can't say how often I would (and have) recommend her. She's honest, an advocate and more importantly, hears what you want and will fight for it. She realistic, direct and answers her cell. My simple custody agreement turned into a mess and Kathy kept me level headed but never left me in the ring alone. If you want what's best for your family and an advocate for you, there's not a better family attorney out there.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

She did a GREAT Job!

5.0 stars

Posted by

I hired Kathy to help me with filing separation from my husband and to pursue a divorce. She was willing to travel over 3 hours to attend court in regards to custody and settlements. She did an outstanding job and not only was she competent and strong in front of the judge, but she always made me feel supported. I appreciated having her on my side of things and would recommend her to anyone who needs a family law attorney.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Attorney!

5.0 stars

Posted by

Kathy Minella is a brilliant lawyer!!! I'm glad that she handled my case in the Family Court of San Diego in December 2015. During this time, she has done a tremendous job, it is the most difficult case associated with the establishment of parental rights, custody and visitations. Also it includes questions of immigration and international law. When I met Kathy, I was a little nervous because of her young age, I thought whether she has enough knowledge and experience? But I was knocked out by her sincere interest and fast thinking and learning. And I was right by choosing her to represent me! Excellent professional knowledge, ability to remember the smallest details of a huge case, the ability to form a strategy and brilliant conducting of the 6-days of trial!!! That's what Kathy Minella has done for me! She defended the rights of my son, as he was her own. When it became necessary to involve consultants in specialized areas of finances and law - Kathy created a great team in a short time. And for all her merits and hard work, she costed me less than 3 previous attorneys (including the most famous), who only charged me and almost did not do anything. Kathy Minella, remember this name, she has a great future!
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent help

5.0 stars

Posted by

They did everything that I asked them to do. Everything to filing motions to taking care of all the paperwork. For me it was reassuring knowing they took the time to explain my options and what my best course of action is.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Extremely helpful

5.0 stars

Posted by

I came to Minella law group 2 years ago for a child support and custody case. I felt extremely confident and comfortable after my consultation that I knew I had to use Kathy. Here we are 2 years later and anything I've needed gets done, I get told exactly what's going to happen, always informed, and I've pretty much gotten everything I've asked for in front of the judge. I would highly recommend Kathy and her office in any of your family law needs.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly Recommended

5.0 stars

Posted by

This review for Kathy Minella of Minella Law Offices is long overdue. I contacted Ms. Minella in the middle of a very long divorce battle. I had to hire a new attorney as my original counsel was going out on maternity leave. The divorce should have been settled long before this period of time so hiring new counsel was very frustrating. Ms. Minella was recommended to me by my first attorney. When seeking new counsel, I required an attorney who was fair yet firm. In over a year and a half, very little had been accomplished in the divorce proceeding. The opposing counsel was very difficult to get a hold of and the settlement agreement was a constant point of contention. Ms. Minella sent out an email to the other counsel within days of initially speaking with me. She had reviewed quite a bit of information in a very short period of time and started working for me immediately. I was impressed with her knowledge of the case. It felt like she had been working for me the whole time. It goes without saying; divorces cases are extremely emotional and very difficult. Ms. Minella was able to keep me on track and temper my emotions through the entire proceeding. She was honest with me and always gave me the best advice. Contacting her offices was never a problem. More importantly, we never went to trial and ended up settling amicably. I would highly recommend hiring Kathy Minella for any of your family law needs.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
Lawyer Koryn Kathryn Sheppard

Koryn Sheppard, Family Attorney on May 14, 2020
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Kathy is a fighter, no question about it. She's incredibly tough and always a strong advocate for her clients. Kathy does not back down. She's well-informed on the law and on the facts of her cases. Kathy is also open to out of court settlements and we've successfully settled some high conflict, high emotion matters.

Lawyer Maria Yurevna Taylor

Maria Taylor, Family Attorney on Nov 1, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Kathy is a very good, hard working attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Koryn Kathryn Sheppard

Koryn Sheppard, Family Attorney on May 14, 2020
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Kathy is a fighter, no question about it. She's incredibly tough and always a strong advocate for her clients. Kathy does not back down. She's well-informed on the law and on the facts of her cases. Kathy is also open to out of court settlements and we've successfully settled some high conflict, high emotion matters.

Lawyer Maria Yurevna Taylor

Maria Taylor, Family Attorney on Nov 1, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Kathy is a very good, hard working attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Nathaniel Z Conley

Nathaniel Conley, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 28, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Kathy is a very down to earth person and a great family law attorney who fights hard for her clients.

Lawyer Paul Adam Swiller

Paul Swiller, Child custody Attorney on Feb 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Ms. Minella. She is a knowledgeable and well-respected attorney who is a great choice for anyone seeking legal representation.

Lawyer Ryan Thomas Mardock

Ryan Mardock, Family Attorney on Sep 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have had the pleasure of knowing Kathy Minella for several years now. She is competent, caring, responsible, and an extraordinarily talented attorney. She is a zealous advocate for her clients. I consider her not only colleague, but also a friend. I often receive calls from individuals needing representation pertaining to family law and adoption issues. I never hesitate to refer them to Kathy. I strongly endorse her.

Lawyer Ekaterina L Powell

Ekaterina Powell, Family Attorney on Jun 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable attorney.

Lawyer Shannon Briawn Miles

Shannon Miles, Unknown Attorney on Sep 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Nicole Elizabeth Boros

Nicole Boros, Alimony Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Kathy is very experienced in her area of law and is committed to providing superior service to her clients.

Lawyer Milda Uogintaite Goeriz

Milda Goeriz, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Kathy is an excellent family law attorney. Extremely knowledgeable, effective in the courtroom and dedicated to her clients.

Lawyer Ari S Mor

Ari Mor, Unknown Attorney on May 29, 2014
Relationship: Friend

I have known Ms. Minella for over 7 years. Ms. Minella is hard working, represents all of her clients zealously- with the utmost attention to detail. No task is too great for Ms. Minella. She will move mountains for her clients. I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Debra Vaniman Crawford

Debra Crawford, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Kristen Gonzales Roberts

Kristen Roberts, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 19, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Habib Hasbini

Habib Hasbini, Unknown Attorney on Sep 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
OTHER BILLING TYPES
  • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Always
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check, Credit Card

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