Elena Smolina

Elena Smolina

5.0
Rating: 7.5

Licensed for 7 years

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

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

Neinas Smolina APC

12520 High Bluff Drive Suite 240, San Diego, CA, 92130

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Elena Smolina's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

54 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (54) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Character & Conduct

Posted by Nora | October 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

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 Yevgeniya | May 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Elena is not just a highly competent and responsible attorney, she is a kind, compassionate, and courageous human being.

I am incredibly grateful to my attorney, Elena Smolina, for the exceptional support she has provided during one of the most difficult periods of my life. Although my divorce process is still ongoing, I already feel immense relief and confidence knowing that Elena is by my side. Elena is not just a hi...ghly competent and responsible attorney, she is a kind, compassionate, and courageous human being. She truly listens and deeply cares. Elena consistently defends the best interests of both me and my children with skill, professionalism, and heart. She goes above and beyond doing everything possible (and sometimes what seems impossible) to help me. Her dedication and support mean the world to me, and I cannot thank her enough. If you are looking for someone who will fight for you with both legal expertise and genuine care, I wholeheartedly recommend Elena Smolina.

Posted by Ande | May 21, 2025 | Divorce & Separation

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 Sarah | June 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Outstanding Legal Service

I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Elena Smolina and Fair Cadora. From the moment I stepped into their office, I felt reassured and supported during what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of my life. Attorney Smolina demonstrated except...ional professionalism, expertise, and compassion throughout the entirety of my child custody case. Their knowledge of family law is unparalleled, and they navigated the complexities of my situation with ease and confidence. Communication was always clear and prompt, ensuring that I was informed and involved every step of the way. Attorney Smolina listened attentively to my concerns, provided sound advice, and devised a strategic plan that ultimately secured a favorable outcome in court. Their dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. They were not only my legal representative but also a source of support and encouragement during moments of uncertainty. Thanks to Attorney Smolina, and the rest of the Fair Cadora team, I can now move forward with confidence, knowing that the best interests of my child have been protected. I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Smolina to anyone in need of expert legal counsel for family law matters. They are truly a five-star attorney in every sense of the word!

Posted by Jody | May 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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.

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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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