About Fischer & Van Thiel

About Fischer & Van Thiel — divorce Carlsbad California

When your family faces a divorce Carlsbad matter, Fischer & Van Thiel represents clients across San Diego County. The firm handles divorce, child custody, support, and visitation, along with broader family law litigation. Its attorneys advocate for clients’ best interests through each stage. Property division and spousal support are part of the practice. Clients comparing firms can find other Carlsbad attorneys here.

The firm prepares each case with the courtroom in mind. Clients receive honest guidance on California family law. The goal is to protect both finances and family relationships.

What Clients Say

Clients describe trusted attorneys who stand up for them in court. Many value the firm’s preparation and steady communication. Reviewers note strong results in contested matters.

divorce Carlsbad — Practice Areas & Services

Divorce and family law litigation in San Diego County
Child custody, visitation, and support
Spousal support advocacy
Property and debt division
Order modifications and enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my divorce Carlsbad case goes to trial?

A judge decides the issues the spouses cannot resolve. Both sides present evidence and arguments. Preparation by your attorney is key.

How long does a contested case take and what does it cost?

Contested cases run longer than the six-month minimum. Costs rise with the number of disputes. The firm reviews fees early.

Where are Carlsbad family trials held?

At the San Diego County Superior Court. The North County Regional Center in Vista serves Carlsbad. Hearings and trials occur there.

Quick Facts: Divorce in Carlsbad, California

San Diego County divorce rate: About 9.9% of residents are divorced, among the highest of California’s large counties — DivorceRate.org (ACS data)
Residency rule: Six months in California plus three months in the county before filing — California Family Code § 2320
Waiting period: Six months minimum from service before the divorce is final — California Family Code § 2339

What People Say About Fischer & Van Thiel

Fischer & Van Thiel, a reputable law firm located in Carlsbad, California, specializes in Divorce Law, Elder Law, and Family Law, providing essential legal services to clients in need. Many reviewers commend the firm for their knowledgeable and supportive attorneys, particularly highlighting Craig Van Thiel’s expertise in navigating complex custody and support issues, as well as the compassionate assistance provided during adoption cases. Overall, clients express satisfaction with the firm’s ability to meet their legal goals and provide a positive experience during challenging times.

Google Reviews for Fischer & Van Thiel

Writing this on behalf of a family member: If I could give this firm a -5 stars, I would. I have witnessed my family member go through HELL with their ex-husband over custody of their child. Ultimately, this firm and the lawyer who represented my sister, helped my sister LOSE her son to a self-represented man. I am so sick of seeing just how much turmoil they have put my sister through. I have witnessed the countless flops and heard mistakes of the lawyer saying ludicrous things in emails and phone calls. My sister had to gather all of her own information and tell the firm what to do. Basically, my sister put in all the work just for the firm to slap it on their own letterhead. My spouse and I have helped my sister plan out her own custody agreement because this “firm” sends petty responses and “loses” emails to the point that MONTHS later the emails are then read. They are QUICK to send invoices, but my god, they are sloooooooooooow to respond and when they do respond, it’s the most uneducated, bratty responses. These people hold up the stereotype that lawyers are scammers and con-artists. DO NOT FALL FOR THEIR LIES. THEY ARE SCAMMING YOU FOR YOUR DOLLAR AND YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE

Update: It’s very obvious that this firm has no interest in assisting me, and just wants to be rid of me as a client. After I submitted the review below, I received a couple phone calls from Michael Fischer attempting to speak to me about my review, but unfortunately, I was not available the first few times they attempted to reach me. The paralegal Andrea Lora also proceeded to mention the review in an email correspondence that was not associated with the review at all. Extremely unprofessional and petty.

Mr. Van Thiel wrote a letter for me that worked like a charm on my ex-husband. It was a simple intake process and got me the results I wanted, so I’d definitely recommend hiring him to someone with ex-spouse issues.

I’ve spent 2 days trying to get assistance for a trust and probate issue. And while they weren’t the law specialist I was looking for the werw kind enough to take 5 minutes to point me in the right direction.

Worst service ever by Bonny, they keep transferring me from person to person.

Craig Van Thiel recently represented my ex-wife as we re-negotiated custody and support. I actually filed to rep myself, simply asking for an increase to 50/50 custody and guideline child support. It was that simple. My ex-wife hired Mr. Van Thiel, which then led me to hire an attorney as well.

Called in today to see if I could speak to the lawyer about a potential case. The lady who answered the phone was beyond rude and told me that the attorney couldn’t help me since I didn’t have permission from the other party. (That is not true!) as I was trying to explain to her that it wasn’t true she hung up on me. So I’ll just take my business elsewhere. Thank you for treating people kindly

Save yourself and do not go here!! We went to court and the lawyer said 2 sentences! He did not advocate for me or my case. I had to email one time and ask them to take my case seriously cause I felt like they were not. They don’t care about you, it’s all about the money. I also paid my balance in full and one day later I all of a sudden owe more money. They are horrible, just look on Yelp! Don’t waste your money here find a better lawyer.

Craig Van Thiel and staff were absolutely amazing to work with during my divorce. Craig was extremely knowledgeable and quite supportive during such a challenging time. I can’t recommend a better Family Law attorney.

Helped me with my juvenile court case in my teens. Michael’s a great guy and an excellent attorney.

Great setting. Great wait staff.

I can not say enough about how wonderful our experience was with Fischer and Van Thiel, everyone was kind, knowledgeable and understanding to everyone involved in the adoption case. We brought our child home one month after hiring this attorney. We had been through “the system” and were so scared to take this journey but we had such amazing help every step of the way, this can be a truly scary time. Thank you for being there for the support Fischer and Van Thiel !

My fiance and I used their Fischer and Van Thiel to fight our custody battles for our kids from our previous marriages and the team met my goals. I am very pleased with the service that we received.

Best divorce lawyers

The help I got exceeded my expectations. I wish all lawers were as ethical.

Fischer & Van Thiel