Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
17 Client Reviews
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Maria Estela DeOrduña
also known as Estela De Orduña, Maria Estela De Orduña
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About Maria
Biography
Maria Estela De Orduña, ‘Estela’, is a distinguished family law attorney licensed in both California and Mexico. With nearly two decades of experience in international family law, she expertly navigates complex legal matters, including cross-border asset division and the enforcement of foreign custody and support orders. Recognized for her excellence in the field, she was honored with the Best Family Law in San Diego award by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Estela is highly skilled in strategic divorce planning, handling intricate property division, disclosure requirements, and custody and visitation matters. She also lends her expertise to the U.S. Department of State’s International Parental Abduction Unit(s) on select cases. Her practice extends to addressing complex jurisdictional challenges in divorce and child custody disputes, as well as advocating for clients in domestic violence matters. Additionally, she collaborates with immigration attorneys on family law cases involving VAWA and U Visa applications.
She earned her LL.M. from the University of San Diego in 2002, following the completion of her Juris Doctor at Iberoamericana University in 1990. Her commitment to clients and exceptional legal acumen have earned her numerous accolades, including the California State Bar’s Wiley W. Manuel Award for outstanding community service. She has also been named a San Diego Super Lawyer (2021–2025), received the Platinum Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell, and was recognized as a Top 10 Best California Family Law Attorney by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
In 2022, Estela was voted one of the Top 100 Leaders in the Law by the San Diego Business Journal. As a proud member of the San Diego County Bar Association, she remains dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico and nearly 20 years experienced, specializes in international family law, cross-border asset division, and complex custody cases. A San Diego Super Lawyer, she is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for her clients.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico, brings nearly 20 years of experience in alimony law. She specializes in negotiating spousal support, ensuring fair outcomes in complex divorce and alimony cases for her clients.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico, has nearly 20 years of experience in child custody law. She specializes in complex custody disputes, helping clients navigate challenging custody and visitation matters to protect their children’s best interests.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico, has nearly 20 years of experience in child support law. She specializes in navigating complex child support cases, ensuring fair and accurate support calculations and protecting her clients' financial interests.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico, has nearly 20 years of experience. She specializes in divorce, custody, asset division, and domestic violence cases, providing expert legal guidance to clients with complex family law matters.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico, has nearly 20 years of experience in international family law. She specializes in cross-border asset division, foreign custody disputes, and complex jurisdictional issues, earning recognition as a San Diego Super Lawyer.
Estela De Orduña, a top family law attorney licensed in California and Mexico, has nearly 20 years of experience in marriage and prenuptial law. She specializes in drafting and negotiating prenuptial agreements, ensuring her clients’ interests are protected before marriage.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Alimony
16%
Child Custody
16%
Child Support
16%
Family
16%
19 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 19 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
3111 Camino Del Rio, N., Ste. 950, San Diego, CA, 92108
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
4940 Campus Dr., Ste. A, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
1897 California Ave., Suite 102, Corona, CA, 92881
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
40810 County Center Drive, Ste. 150, Temecula, CA, 92591
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
3780 12th Street, Riverside, CA, 92501
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
380 S. Melrose Dr., Suite 347, Vista, CA, 92083
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC
500 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 2000, Glendale, CA, 91203
hbplaw.com/our-attorneys/estela-de-orduna/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Maria online.
Maria Estela DeOrduña's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sandra | June 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best lawyer in San Diego!
Estela was the most wonderful gift for me and my family when she won my divorce case. I would absolutely recommend her, and I am so grateful towards her. She’s the best lawyer in San Diego!
Posted by Michael | October 21, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excellent Attorney
Estella is a wonderful attorney that cares about her clients. Estella is also well known for getting results. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Maria | February 7, 2014
Wonderful lawyer
I really recommend Maria de Orduna for being a great lawyer who helped a lot in my case which was very complicated and I always contain with her help and knowledge. well as their knowledge she is a human person
Posted by Erika | January 23, 2014
Great Divorce/family lawyer!
Ms. Estela De Orduna, helped me with my divorce and was very thorough with my case. She was very understanding as well as professional. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2013
Excellent
Since the first meeting I felt really good and with lots of confidence. Maria was always curtious and return all calls. She handle the case very profesionall
Maria Estela DeOrduña's Lawyer Endorsements
"Estela is assertive without being rude or demeaning to the other party. She respectfully, but passionately, addresses the judge. Her ability to advocate and champion the position of her client is impressive, and her grasp of family law is expansive. I lean on her whenever I cannot make a court appearance, and I send anyone in the midst of a time-sensitive high-conflict divorce or custody dispute to her readily."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've had two cases against Maria and in both cases she was very firm and aggressive but also very professional."
"Great family law and immigration attorney. Very knowledgeable about cross-over and cross-border issues. A wonderful resource in our legal community."
"Estela is compassionate and dedicated. She treats her clients like family and goes above and beyond. She is especially passionate about assisting clients in removal proceedings and international family abduction cases. She is a real asset to our team."
Jack Salisbury
Family lawyer
Rosa Marquez
Probate lawyer
Jennifer Ani
Family lawyer
Chalsie Keller
Divorce and separation lawyer
Jiovanna Aguirre
Child custody lawyer
Juan Moran
Divorce and separation lawyer
Katharine Tremblay
Litigation lawyer
Filex Sanchez
Immigration lawyer
Paula Phinney
Family lawyer
Antonio Maldonado
International law lawyer
Jesus Sanchez
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Client Champion 'Platinum' Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2025
San Diego Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
San Diego Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
San Diego Super Lawyers, san diego super lawyers
2022
Best Family Law in San Diego, san diego union tribune
2022
top 100 leaders in the law, San Diego Business Journal
2022
San Diego Super Lawyers, san diego super lawyers
2021
San Diego Super Lawyers, San Diego Super Lawyers
2020
Wiley W Manuel Award, california lawyers association
2019
Wiley W Manuel Award, California Lawyers Association
2018
Wiley W Manuel Award, California State Bar
2016
Top 10 Best California Family Law Attorney, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
2016 RISING STAR, Super Lawyers
2014
HAGUE CONVENTION VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY, US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
2010
SAN DIEGO IJP VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY, IMMIGRATION JUSTICE PROJECT
2007
VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY, SAN DIEGO VIP PROGRAM
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2023 - 2025
Senior Associate, Neumann Family Law, PC
2019 - 2023
Attorney, De Orduna Family Law, APC
2016 - 2019
OF COUNSEL, LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL T. NICHOLS
2015 - 2016
ASSOCIATE, MACIAS & ASSOCIATES
2014 - 2015
MANAGING ASSOCIATE, Pieter Speyer Law Office
2012 - 2014
ASSOCIATE, UNION LAW GROUP, APC
2011 - 2012
ASSOCIATE, Maldonado & Markham, LLP
2007 - 2011
Associate, SUPPA, TRUCCHI & HENEIN, LLP
2006 - 2007
IN HOUSE COUNSEL, CLASSIC PACIFIC, LTD
2003 - 2006
LAW CLERK, SUPPA, TRUCCHI & HENEIN, LLP
Associations
2011 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Lopez v Acosta
International Domestic Violence Restraining Order Denied. During a 3-day trial I was able to prove the accusations against my client were false
Flores v Flores
I was able to establish that the Petitioner had acquiescence of his daughters living in San Diego County and the Petition was denied
Education
2002
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
LL.M - Master of Laws
2000
Masters International Corp. Law, Mexico
LLM
2000
Universidad Iberoamericana
LL.M - Master of Laws
1990
Ibero Americana University
Law
1990
Universidad Iberoamericana
Law Degree
Speaking Engagements
2014
Domestic Violence Legal Issues
Domestic Violence
2013
City Heights Community Church
Immigration and Family Law
2012
USD Divorce Concepts Under Mexican Law
Divorce
2011
USD Mexican Corporations Lecture
Mexican Corporations
Publications
2022
Women Leaders in Baja California
Lideres de Baja California
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
While waiting for my EAD, can I volunteer my services to a nonprofit organization and not jeopardize my employment?
25 Jul 2013
Q&A
Can an incarcerated felon serve on the board of directors of a non-profit organization in California?
03 Jul 2013
Q&A
Can an employer accept a USCIS Welcome Notice as proof of eligibility to work in the US?
02 Jul 2013