Elena Smolina

Elena Smolina

4.9
Rating: 7.5

Licensed for 7 years

Family Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Litigation

San Diego Divorce and Family Law Attorney, 12520 High Bluff Drive Suite 240, San Diego, CA

About Elena

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 7 years

State: California

Acquired: 2018

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Elena Smolina APC

San Diego Divorce and Family Law Attorney, 12520 High Bluff Drive Suite 240, San Diego, CA, 92130

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Elena Smolina's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

57 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews | Divorce & Separation

Posted by Ande | May 21, 2025

FINALLY My Saving Grace!!!

If you’re going through a high-conflict divorce—don’t walk, RUN to Elena Smolina. My divorce was an absolute dumpster fire. Three years of emotional warfare, custody battles, financial games, and five different attorneys—two of whom came from highly reputable firms that made big promises and dropp...ed the ball when it really counted. Most firms will treat you like a case file, give you attention up front, and then vanish when the pressure’s on. That was my story… until I found Elena. I wish I had Elena Smolina from the very beginning. Do yourself a favor and don’t make the mistake I did. Skip the expensive disappointment and just hire her. Elena actually cares. She listens. She’s passionate about getting justice for you, not just closing another case. She remembered my birthday. She texted me Happy Mother’s Day when even my own brother didn’t. She treats you like a human being—and fights for you like family. This case was destined for trial. My ex wasn’t budging, and the issues were deep and layered. But in just four months with Elena, we were able to settle—and settle good. That’s because she knows how to communicate with mediators and judges in a way that truly lands. She’s able to take what clients struggle to articulate and frame it powerfully, persuasively, and with compassion. Bottom line: Elena changed the outcome of my life. You only need one attorney, and her name is Elena Smolina.

Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Highly recommend!

Elena was an amazing lawyer and helped finally bring my divorce to an end. She was thorough, very patient knowledgeable.

Posted by Jody | May 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Prevented Foreclosure of my Home during nasty divorce!!!

My spouse was given sole occupancy of our home after filing for divorce. Then stopped paying the mortgage after insisting to the judge that the payments would not be a problem. 5 months later I was shocked to discover that we were in Pre-Foreclosure resulting from not one single payment being made. ... After several meetings with potential attorneys, I chose Elena to represent me in this fight for my entire life’s savings and equity. She successfully navigated the tricky court system, a newly appointed judge, an extremely uncooperative spouse, and a treacherous timeline when every day was a ticking time bomb on my life. The result? Every judgement and court order made was in my favor. Every deadline became a lifeline. My worst fears put to rest while the stress that could have killed me, was replaced with confidence, competence, and care by a winning legal strategy. Couldn’t be more pleased. Elena, Thank you for attention and dedication to my life and the preservation of my financial investments.

Posted by Johnnie | March 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney

The guide I needed

Elena was the lawyer to finally get me across the finish line of my divorce. Compassionate and encouraging.

Posted by Jen | October 02, 2023 | Hired Attorney

I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a family lawyer.

I recently worked with Elena on a divorce/ child custody case. She was patient and understanding throughout the entire process. She explained everything to me in detail and made sure I was comfortable with every decision we made. She was also very responsive to my emails and phone calls. I am so gra...teful for Elena's help and support. She is a truly exceptional lawyer. I highly recommend Elena V. Smolina to anyone in need of a family lawyer. She is a true professional who cares deeply about her clients.

See All Client Reviews

Elena Smolina's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Elena
Case Yousef Kamshad headshot
Case Kamshad

Family lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is a diligent and hard worker. She is very knowledgeable in family law and discovery issues."

Scott L. Neinas headshot
Scott Neinas

Family lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Elena is an incredibly knowledgable and effective family law attorney. She is sharp, thorough and a great advocate."

Daniel James Martin headshot
Daniel Martin

Family lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Daniel James Martin headshot
Daniel Martin

Family lawyer

Scott L. Neinas headshot
Scott Neinas

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.5 (Very Good)

Honors

2019

Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services, Wiley W. Manuel

Work Experience

2025 - Present

Partner, Neinas Smolina APC

Associations

2022 - Present

North County Bar Association

Member

2018 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Defend against Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Favorable to client

Move away request

Favorable

Divorce

favorable to client

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Univ of San Diego SOL

Languages

Russian

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution