Christine De Santis, Family Law Attorney in San Diego, California
San Diego, CA
Trusted family law attorney serving San Diego.
Practices in
Are you Christine De Santis?
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Quick answer
Christine De Santis is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law.
- Based in
- San Diego, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from San Diego, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Christine De Santis: Christine De Santis is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Christine De Santis
Christine concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christine handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in San Diego, California
Christine takes family law matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christine agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Christine De Santis — Attorney of California family law experience
Christine De Santis is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law.
Christine De Santis is a Partner at HFM and is certified as a legal specialist in family law by the State Bar of California.
Ms. De Santis specializes in handling dissolution of marriage and paternity cases, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support, and division of assets and debts, and mediations. She also handles step-parent adoptions and child support cases through the San Diego County Department of Child Support Services.
Ms. De Santis has been named a San Diego SuperLawyer® since 2018, an honor indicative of peer recognition and professional achievement. Ms. De Santis has dedicated her legal career to helping clients navigate the emotional and financial aspects of family law matters. She does so with compassion and dedication to her clients.
Ms. De Santis graduated from the State University of New York, College at Plattsburgh in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature. She received her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law in 2000.
Working with Christine on a family law matter
Christine De Santis is a Partner at HFM and is certified as a legal specialist in family law by the State Bar of California. Ms. De Santis specializes in handling dissolution of marriage and paternity cases, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support, and division of assets and debts, and mediations. She also handles step-parent adoptions and child support cases through the…
Who Christine represents
Christine reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Christine De Santis's legal education and bar admissions
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 2000
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
B.A. · 1995
Christine studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in State University of New York at Plattsburgh.
Law school and academic background
Christine completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christine runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Christine De Santis
Christine has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Southern California Super Lawyers (2018-2020)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Metropolitan Magazine's "40 Under 40"
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Southern California Super Lawyers (2018-2020) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Metropolitan Magazine's "40 Under 40" (2026).
Locations
Christine De Santis's office in San Diego
Christine's primary office is at 401 West A Street, Suite 2600, San Diego, California, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Christine De Santis
Christine has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Christine De Santis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christine usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christine charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christine's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christine will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christine
Christine discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christine confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christine's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Christine De Santis
How much does it cost to hire Christine for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christine walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christine offer a free consultation?
Christine charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christine's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Christine's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in California typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christine gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christine take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Christine is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christine will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christine?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christine will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christine accepting new family law clients right now?
Christine's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Christine handles family law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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If Christine's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




