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

60 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by Lidia | September 05, 2026

Knowledgeable, Caring, and Truly Helpful

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to speak with attorney Elena Smolina about my son’s complicated child custody case. I went into the consultation with a lot of questions and uncertainty, and I came away feeling that I had finally spoken with someone who truly understood the complexity of the si...tuation. What really stood out to me was how attentive and genuinely caring Ms Smolina was. She took the time to listen to all the details, asked questions, and never made me feel rushed, even it was a free consultation. I felt that my concerns were taken seriously, rather than being treated as just another case. I was especially impressed that Ms. Smolina was willing to go a step further and help identify additional legal references that could be relevant to my son’s specific situation. That meant a lot to me because it showed genuine interest in finding the best possible legal guidance rather than simply giving me a quick answer during a free consultation. Family-law and custody issues can be incredibly emotional and complicated, and it is such a relief to find an attorney who combines legal knowledge with compassion and a willingness to really listen. I feel now much more informed, reassured, and hopeful about the path my son can go forward. I truly appreciate the time, attention, and kindness the whole team of Elena Smolina, APC showed me. I would highly recommend her to anyone facing a difficult family-law or child custody matter, needs guidance and looking for an attorney who will genuinely take the time to understand their situation.

Posted by Paul | November 05, 2025

Expert Guidance and Genuine Support During a Difficult Time

I had an outstanding experience with Family Law Attorney Elena Smolina. She guided me step-by-step to prepare for my custody and child support hearings, and her calm, strategic approach made a stressful process feel manageable. Elena also connected me with an excellent paralegal who prepared all of m...y documents and filings accurately and at a very reasonable cost. She’s responsive, organized, and truly advocates for her clients. If you’re going through a divorce or dealing with family law issues, I highly recommend Elena.

Posted by Nora | October 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Excellent experience best family lawyer out there

I was in the middle of a very stressful custody battle with my ex-husband when a good friend recommended Elena Smolina. I was at the point of giving up, but she came in and completely turned things around. Elena is exceptionally knowledgeable in family law and knew exactly what needed to be done. Des...pite having a very limited amount of time to address critical issues, she made significant progress quickly and efficiently. Her communication with the judge and opposing counsel was clear, confident, and respectful, and her calm demeanor brought me so much reassurance throughout the process. Elena was more than just my attorney, she was a genuine source of support and treated me with the utmost kindness and compassion. She truly cared about my children and our situation, and it showed in everything she did. She maintained constant communication, often checking in just to make sure I was doing okay. I highly recommend Elena to anyone in need of a dedicated, compassionate, and highly skilled family law attorney. When I felt unheard in the courtroom, she became my voice. I will be forever grateful for all she has done for me and my family.

Posted by Stephanie | May 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Stephanie Castillo

I hired Elena to represent me in family court during my custody battle. She was so empathetic and compassionate to my situation and gave me hope at a time where I was hopeless. She really is such a great lawyer who is so knowledgeable but also goes out of her way to connect with her clients. I’ve kep...t in touch with her over the years and she’s always available. Would definitely recommend her and use her again in the future.

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.

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

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