
Craig Van Thiel, ADR Attorney in Oceanside, California
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Alimony, and Divorce · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Chair of Comples Litigation GroupatFischer & Van Thiel, LLP
Oceanside, CA
Practicing adr in Oceanside since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Craig Van Thiel?
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Quick answer
Craig Van Thiel is a chair of comples litigation group based in Oceanside, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Divorce. Craig has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Oceanside, CA
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- ADR · Alimony · Divorce
- Handles ADR, Alimony, and Divorce matters from Oceanside, CA.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Craig Van Thiel: Craig Van Thiel is a chair of comples litigation group based in Oceanside, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Divorce. Craig has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Craig takes on
Craig concentrates on adr, alimony, divorce, dv defense, and dv protection. Each area below outlines the kind of case Craig handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Alimony
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Divorce
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DV Defense
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DV Protection
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Family Law
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General
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Paternity
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Prenup
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ADR cases in Oceanside, California
Craig takes adr matters in Oceanside, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
Alimony cases in Oceanside, California
Craig takes alimony matters in Oceanside, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Oceanside, California
Craig takes divorce matters in Oceanside, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Oceanside, California
Craig takes dv defense matters in Oceanside, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
DV Protection cases in Oceanside, California
Craig takes dv protection matters in Oceanside, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Craig Van Thiel — adr lawyer in Oceanside
Craig Van Thiel is a chair of comples litigation group based in Oceanside, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Divorce. Craig has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Formerly with State Child Support Enforcement Unit.
How Craig handles adr matters
Formerly with State Child Support Enforcement Unit.
Who Craig represents
Craig reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, alimony, and divorce matters in Oceanside and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1998
University of California, Riverside
—
Jurisdictions
Craig's state bar admissions
California
2001 · ACTIVE
Craig studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and — in University of California, Riverside.
Law school and academic background
Craig completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and — in University of California, Riverside. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Craig runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Craig has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Craig's professional memberships and bar associations
San Diego County (Family Law Panel) and North County (Family Law Panel) Bar Associations State Bar of California
membership
Oliver Wendell Holmes Inns of Court
bar_fellowship
Locations
Craig Van Thiel's office in Oceanside
Craig's primary office is at 2424 Vista Way, Suite 200, Oceanside, CA, 92054. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Craig Van Thiel — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Craig. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Oceanside.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Craig Van Thiel claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Craig Van Thiel — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Craig usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Craig charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig'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; Craig will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Oceanside, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Craig
Craig discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Craig confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Craig's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Craig Van Thiel
How much does it cost to hire Craig for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Craig walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Craig offer a free consultation?
Craig charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Craig's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. Craig gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Craig take my case if I'm outside Oceanside?
Craig 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 — Craig 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 Craig?
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. Craig will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Craig accepting new adr clients right now?
Craig's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Oceanside, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Craig handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in California
If Craig's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Oceanside handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





