Contreras Law Firm

This review is overdue but definitely deserved to Contreras Law Firm.
Family court is absolutely terrifying, emotional and overwhelming. However, Contreras Law Firm made me feel like I was not on the battle alone anymore. From the very beginning during intake to multiple hearings and final judgement: they were professional, compassionate and took the time to explain the process and ease my fears.
Kathy Morazan represented me and I felt like she genuinely cared about my children's safety and wellbeing. She helped me feel heard and prepared during one of the most stressful experiences of my life.
I am incredibly grateful for their guidance and advocacy through my custody case and would highly recommend to anyone navigating family court.

Dolores Contreras saved my relationship with my daughter and truly saved my life. I love my daughter with all my heart, and she loves me. I was in a high conflict custody battle where my daughter was at risk of being taken from me. I needed Dolores’s expertise more than I can express. This was a complex, intense custody situation, and I don’t believe anyone but Dolores could have helped me. She was brilliant, punctual, and had the right strategies to help a father like me. If you are a good father, don’t be afraid to get custody of your child no matter the odds. Dolores was the one who insisted on a deposition because she knew my daughters mother wasn’t being truthful. I had no idea what a deposition even was, but Dolores paid close attention to detail and showed how her words didn’t line up with the truth. My daughters mom tried to use distance as a barrier, but under oath, she proved that distance was never really an issue it was just used to keep my daughter away from me. The judge modified the FCS report after reviewing all the facts, seeing that there was no reason for me to lose custody as a good father. Without Dolores recommending that deposition, I would have lost my daughter. Even though my daughters mother admitted I was a good father, the FCS mediator initially sided with her giving majority physical custody to her in the FCS report. Dolores made sure the judge saw the truth and the FCS report was modified to joint physical custody. I can’t thank Dolores enough. She saved my life, my relationship with my daughter, and my future as a father. My children mean everything to me, and Dolores truly made that future possible.

I highly recommend Kathy for anyone facing a high-conflict move-away case. From the beginning, Kathy & Cotreras Law Firm was strategic, prepared, and focused. When unexpected challenges arose, she was able to pivot quickly and did not allow the opposing party’s negative behavior to distract from the facts or the goal.

Kathy's professionalism, composure, and strong advocacy led to a successful outcome in my case. I’m incredibly grateful for her dedication and ability to stay focused under pressure. THANK YOU!!

I am deeply grateful for the support I received from Contreras Law Firm, especially from Kathy. My case involved a domestic violence restraining order, as well as custody and child support. Throughout a very overwhelming time, Kathy and the team were patient, attentive, and compassionate. They explained every step clearly and consistently made sure I felt informed and protected.

What stood out most was how safe and supported I felt during the entire process. With their help, I was able to secure legal and sole custody of my daughter, along with a protection order. I am more than happy with the outcome of my case.. it has brought real peace, stability, and safety to our lives.

I highly recommend Contreras Law Firm for family law matters. They made me feel heard, respected, and safe, and I am incredibly thankful for their work.

No one ever expects to need a lawyer. Given the circumstances I was in, I felt scared and unsure about taking the next steps. From the very first consultation, this legal team was empathetic, supportive, and genuinely focused on what was best for me.

Throughout the entire divorce process, I felt safe and well represented. Kathy M. was especially understanding and honest, and she was there for me every step of the way. Because of her guidance and the dedication of this intelligent and compassionate team, I regained my freedom. I am truly grateful for their support.

Ashley Rocha, one of the attorneys at Contreras, was our attorney for a civil case we filed against a relative involving elder abuse for the last six months. Because of her, we won our case. She was responsive, knowledgeable, and professional the whole time. We also felt she cared about us and handled my 91 year-old mother with amazing respect and compassion.

Prior to meeting Ashley, we had been to other attorneys who merely told us about all the difficulties of pursuing a case like ours. Ashley was the opposite, explaining a position we could take. She got to work with amazing speed, and understood the urgency of our situation.

Ashley’s knowledge of the process and the way in which she educated us about it gave us confidence and comfort such that, once we finally had our hearing, there were very few surprises; the events, questions and results came out the way she explained. She told us what we needed to provide, and she knew how to present it to the courts. Thanks to Ashley and her team, we were well prepared with organized exhibits and easy to understand evidence.

We highly recommend Ashley to anyone needing representation for a civil case. We are continuing to work with her on a different but related case as well. She’s incredibly responsive, and we’re amazed with her skills and ability to juggle all these complex matters despite her caseload.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to The Contreras Firm, especially my lead Attorney Shaudi Malek during one of the most painful and overwhelming times of my life. When everything felt uncertain and heavy, this firm gave me something I desperately needed—hope, guidance, and compassion.

I was referred to the firm by a trusted friend, and from my very first conversation with Shaudi, I felt truly seen and heard. She didn’t just listen to the facts of my case; she listened to me as a person. In a situation involving my children and my future as their father, that meant more than words can express.

Family law is deeply personal, and The Contreras Firm understands that. They approached their work with empathy, professionalism, and genuine care, recognizing that behind every case is a human being doing their best under unimaginable pressure. During moments when fear and uncertainty felt overwhelming, their support helped ground me and reminded me that I was not alone in this fight.

I am incredibly thankful for the guidance, patience, and humanity shown to me. The Contreras Firm doesn’t just provide legal representation—they stand beside you when it matters most. I will always be grateful for the respect, understanding, and heart they brought to my case.

Divorce is the unraveling of your family. If you’re reading this, you’re probably living it. I’m truly sorry you (or anyone) has to go through this. Few paths are more personal, emotional, disorienting, or life-changing. Keeping that context front-and-center is critical when choosing counsel.

My son had an excellent experience with Contreras Law Firm, especially attorney Shaudi Malek. I also want to recognize the firm’s owner, Dolores Contreras—based on what I observed, her leadership was pivotal in helping drive resolution. To be clear: my son was the client and had the attorney-client relationship. I helped with fees and observed the outcomes, I was not the client.

He did not choose lightly. He interviewed 15+ firms across California (San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the Bay Area) and did full due diligence—reputations, recommendations, online reviews, and consultations. Candidly, reviews often didn’t match his experience. When you urgently need counsel, you may be forced to decide whom to trust on a timeline you don’t control.

Over the course of this process, he engaged three different firms, and it was a sobering lesson: location mattered far less to him than trust in his attorney.

He originally started with Contreras Law Firm in San Diego, and their work was excellent. They advised him to consider counsel closer to the court to reduce costs, so he tried it. In practice, it wasn’t right for him. Elsewhere, he ran into billing issues and an overall “assembly line” feel. He later tried another attorney whose approach lacked the confidence and experience his matter required—too many meetings, too much reassurance, and poor results. It was wasteful, exhausting, and counterproductive.

Because his first experience with Contreras had been so strong, he retained them for representation in Sacramento. One downside is travel billing, he was clearly warned—it’s real, and it adds up. Full-rate billing for airport/transit time (about 4.5 hours one way in his case) was hard to swallow. As the person paying, that time component felt disproportionate. I’d like to see the industry evolve on this point. That said, once counsel was on the ground, the quality of representation was excellent and focused—exactly what mattered in the moments that counted.

Attorney Shaudi Malek was the difference-maker: extremely competent, no sugar-coating, no theatrics, no false comfort—just concise, direct, respectful counsel grounded in experience. She understands the process, the strategy, and what matters (and what doesn’t). Most importantly, her guidance proved correct. In a divorce, you don’t need someone to tell you what you want to hear; you need someone to tell you what you need to hear, and then execute.

Core recommendation:
- If you don’t trust your attorney, switch.
- Once you find an attorney you trust, listen. This process will not—and should not—feel comfortable. If conversations feel comfortable, pause and reflect on whether you’re receiving unvarnished guidance—or simply reassurance.

One more important boundary: any legal decisions and strategy were between my son and his counsel, and I was not privy to attorney-client communications. I don’t think it’s appropriate for anyone to share privileged details in a public review.

Practical note: divorce law is expensive, and billing often tracked in 6-minute increments. Prepare notes before calls. Keep questions focused. Stay on point.

I did not write this to “help” a law firm. I wrote it for the next person trying to choose wisely. I’m truly grateful to Contreras Law Firm for guiding my son through a difficult time, and especially grateful for the caliber of representation he received from Shaudi Malek. No one “wins” in a divorce—but the right counsel can help minimize the damage and protect your rights.

I had an excellent experience working with Contreras Law. From the start, they were professional, knowledgeable, and always made me feel like a priority. They took the time to explain every step of the process, kept me updated, and answered all of my questions clearly.
What stood out the most was their honesty and dedication. They truly cared about getting the best outcome for me, not just closing a case. Thanks to their expertise and persistence, everything was resolved smoothly and in my favor.
I would absolutely recommend Kathy Morazan to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy attorney.

I am deeply grateful to Contreras Law Firm for their unwavering support during one of the most challenging periods of my life. They stood by me with compassion and determination, fiercely advocating for my rights and the rights of my children. In moments of uncertainty, they took the time to guide me through complex legal processes, ensuring I understood every step. Their dedication not only empowered me with knowledge but also instilled the confidence I needed to move forward. I will always appreciate their professionalism, empathy, and relentless pursuit of justice on our behalf.

Finding the right attorney can change your life, and for me and my children, that person was Dolores. I came to her during the most difficult and frightening time of my life, and she guided me through every step with strength, compassion, and unmatched expertise.

Dolores is not only kind and supportive, she is also brilliant. Her attention to detail is extraordinary — nothing escapes her. She knows the law inside and out, understands the rules better than anyone, and uses her knowledge strategically to protect and defend her clients. In the courtroom, she is a true force: confident, commanding, and persuasive. She dominates the room with her presence and preparation, and it shows in the results.

What impressed me most is that Dolores doesn’t just “handle” cases — she wins them. Time and time again, she proved that she would not back down, and her determination gave me the confidence and peace of mind I desperately needed. Thanks to her, my children and I are safe, and I can finally look forward to a brighter future.

Dolores is more than an attorney; she is a protector, an advocate, and someone who truly cares. I will forever be grateful to her for saving me and my kids and for fighting so fiercely on our behalf. If you need someone who is compassionate yet unshakable, brilliant yet approachable, and who will always fight to win — Dolores is the attorney you want by your side.

I honestly had no idea where to even begin with the divorce process. It was overwhelming, emotional, and confusing—but from the moment I reached out to Contreras Law Firm, everything started to feel more manageable.

Dolores took the time to really listen to my situation and explain each step in a way I could actually understand. I never felt rushed or judged, just supported and informed throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and compassion made all the difference.

Thanks to their guidance, what started as an incredibly stressful chapter in my life turned into something I could handle with confidence. I’m so grateful for the clarity and peace of mind they gave me.

Thank you so much for everything, once again!

I struggled through a very painful divorce with two different attorneys for almost 3 years and got nowhere towards any kind of a final settlement, until a friend referred me to Contreras Law Firm, and Attorney Anna Encinas in particular.
Anna was friendly, professional and business-like and most importantly very firm dealing with opposing counsel and my spouse's off the wall demands concerning division of real estate property.
Divorces rarely have outcomes that makes everybody happy, but in my case Anna straightened out a complex financial situation, and in the settlement conference got a ⅓ reduction in the payment demands from opposing counsel. She saved me from losing my home of 45 years and got a settlement far for the worst outcome that I had feared.
I would recommend Contreras Law Firm to anyone who wants a swift and equitable settlement to their challenging divorce.

Contreras Law Firm is THE standard in Legal assistance. They helped me get my kids back in a custody battle and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Hands down the best firm in town.

Dolores is the best. She knows her stuff. Intelligent and up to date on everything. I’ve been to court with her many times and seeing other attorneys compared to her is day and night difference. You get what you pay for. I will always recommend her.

Her firm is on top of everything when we are all in court. She makes phone calls to get things done and it gets done because her firm is watching online and before she needs to say anything, her firm has the information ready at hand especially during critical times.
I trust this law firm even when I was being difficult at times, they understood and did what attorneys do. Protect you. Dolores fights hard for you. She wants to win.
I respect this law firm and has been instrumental in me being able to see my kids and now I have full custody. Thank you Dolores! Truly you have been amazing. Your law firm that you run is on point and you deserve every bit of it. You worked hard around the clock. I appreciate everything you’ve done.

I am incredibly grateful to Contreras Law Firm for guiding me through a difficult, lengthy, and costly divorce. After switching firms, their prompt response and clear strategy were invaluable. Contreras Law Firm provided invaluable guidance during my challenging divorce.
Dolores and Anna used their prompt, strategic approach, and the expertise to improve my situation significantly, relieving much of my stress. Unlike others, this firm genuinely cares about clients rather than just billing them. From Jessica in billing to the entire team, everyone was exceptional.
Anna Encinas is a professional and supportive attorney who gave me peace of mind throughout the process.
If you need a divorce firm, don’t repeat my mistake of wasting time and money elsewhere—call them immediately!
The words do not exist to let them know how grateful I am with you!
Thank you, Dolores and Anna-Contreras Law Firm.

Contreras Law Firm is exceptionally professional and knowledgeable. The urgency they displayed in handling my case is admirable. They were so efficient at processing all the paperwork and keeping me updated. They explained my options thoroughly and provided me with the pros and cons of each option. This helped me make an informed decision and I felt extremely confident in the work they were doing. I would recommend Contreras Law Firm to anyone needing a family law attorney. You will be guided, supported and represented throughout the legal process. They are quick to respond and provide explanations every step of the way.

Dolores jumped in after I fired my first attorney who was completely incompetent (looking at you Goldberg Jones). She got more done in one week than the other attorney had done in three months. She and her staff kept me constantly up to date on the status of my case, what I needed to do next, and how best to proceed. My ex and her attorney were very difficult to deal with but Dolores was a terrific champion and earned my complete confidence. I feel I ended up with the best outcome possible. I can't recommend Dolores more highly. She will get the job done and is an absolute pleasure to work with along the way.

I had the pleasure of working with the Contreras Law Firm during my recent divorce and I couldn't be happier with the level of service and support that I received. From start to finish, the team was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to achieving a positive outcome for me.

The attorneys at the firm were extremely knowledgeable about the legal process and provided clear and concise advice throughout. They took the time to understand my unique situation and provided tailored guidance to fit my needs. They were responsive to my questions and concerns, and always made themselves available to speak with me.

In court, the attorneys at Contreras Law Firm were strong advocates for my case and skillfully navigated the legal system to achieve a favorable outcome for me. Their hard work and dedication truly made a difference in the outcome of my case. 100% better than handling it on my own.

I highly recommend the Contreras Law Firm to anyone in need of legal assistance. They are a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals who truly care about their clients. Thank you to the entire team at Contreras for helping me through a difficult time.

Gisela and Dolores are awesome! I had previously hired another attorney and things weren't going well on my case. Contreras Law Firm was recommended to me and it was the best decision i made. My case finally stopped being such a nightmare and i started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I would definitely recommend this law firm. They are very professional, keep you updated at all times and go above and beyond to do what is best for you!

As a business owner and attorney in San Diego, Contreras Law Firm is my go-to family law firm that I refer my clients to. I have specifically worked with Gisela Acevedo; she is kind, professional, responsive and gives quality representation. She understands that every divorce is unique thus she analyzes each case specific to the client. Her clients are well- prepared in court and she maximizes her client's settlements. Divorce can be complicated and ugly, but Mrs. Acevedo is compassionate yet fierce in the courtroom and you will be in good hands throughout the entire transaction.

Gisela Acevedo is an outstanding attorney. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has a broad range of knowledge in multiple areas. Not only is she highly experienced, but she is passionate about her work and truly advocates for her clients. Whenever someone inquires about an effective and trustworthy attorney, Gisela is the first person that comes to mind. She is the epitome of what an attorney should strive to be. She is hard working, dedicated, and loves what she does. I highly recommend her.

Ms. Acevedo is an incredible attorney and a true professional. I would recommend her to anyone, including my friends and family. She works passionately on her cases and she makes sure her clients know how important they are to her. Ms. Acevedo advocates hard and I was so impressed when I saw her arguing in court. Ms. Acevedo really helped me and I couldn't be more thankful.

I highly recommend Contreras Law Firm, specifically attorney Gisela Acevedo. She helped me with my divorce, and she is very knowledgeable and honest. She explained the process thoroughly. She was quick to get back to me and answer any questions I had. She’s genuinely passionate in her work and cares for her clients and works hard for them. Very pleased!

Advise seeking and assistance with my case Gisela Acevedo is the most knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to divorce, child custody and child support.
She is an amazing, and the most humble passionate lawyer I have ever encountered with ever.
I had other lawyers who assisted in my court cases child support and child custody and were only interested in their money in the end did not share their passion into getting me what’s best for me and my sons.
Gisela works with much passion and is always requesting what’s best for the cases.
She is the upmost professional and kind lawyer I have ever met and will fight for you with a passion.
I highly recommend!

Ms. Acevedo is the most reliable lawyer that I have ever dealt with when it comes to family law. She's just not a great attorney but also an amazing person with a great heart. Not something you can say about everyone in her profession. I highly recommend her for all your family law needs.